Question 1

How do I know if my child is right for the IB programme?

Accepted Answer

We are looking for students who are working at or above grade level in every subject. Generally IB students are: Excited about learning Motivated to do well academically Interested in everything a school has to offer – including athletics, clubs, service, leadership Good problem solvers, with strong literacy and numeracy skills Good communicators – orally, written

Question 2

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Our application process begins early in October of their grade 8 year. We host an IB Parents Information evening (which may be face to face or virtual), and a school wide Open House (which may be face to face or virtual) where you and your child can learn about our program and application process.  The application is found online on the TCDSB website under SOAR for Secondary Admissions.  The link can be found under resources. Applications include: Grade 6 EQAO results Grade 7 report cards Results from CAT 4 (TCDSB schools) or CASI (TDSB schools) or any other standardized test (only include if your child has done these; otherwise this requirement is not considered) Confidential Teacher report - sent to your elementary school's Principal automatically in the SOAR system. The Principal will forward this report to your grade 8 teacher who will complete it on your behalf. Written STUDENT response to a question on SOAR using the Learner Profile (additional materials to assist you with this can be found under the resources section) List of Student Achievements, Awards, Extra Curricular and Volunteer activities on SOAR Make sure to check out additional information on applying in the "Resources" tab under the "IB Programme" section Timelines and dates of admissions and acceptances can be found on the SOAR page. Secondary School Online Application Process | Toronto Catholic District School Board

Question 3

Do you have an entrance exam?

Accepted Answer

Many IB schools require an entrance exam or interview. We DO NOT require this.  Our programme’s philosophy is “seed not weed”. We would rather give opportunities to students who show potential, rather than weeding them out at the beginning.

Question 4

Is there an application fee? Are there tuition fees for the programme?

Accepted Answer

We do not have an application fee. We do not have fees in the grade 9 or 10 programme. We do charge fees for registration and exams in Grade 11 and 12. It works out to roughly $1100 total, paid out over two years (subject to change based on rates set by the IB).

Question 5

What courses do you offer in the IB DP?

Accepted Answer

HL English A Literature HL/SL/Ab Initio French B (note: Self Taught Language available with specific conditions met by students) HL History of the Americans HL/SL Business Management HL/SL Biology SL Chemistry HL Physics SL Mathematics - Anaylysis and Approaches SL Mathematical Studies - Applications and Interpretations SL Music HL/SL Visual Arts

Question 6

Who can my child go to if they have questions or need help?

Accepted Answer

In IB, we have dedicated Coordinators and Counsellors just for our students.   IB Subject Teacher: If the concern is academic in nature and subject specific, we recommend contacting the IB Subject Teacher first for a discussion and suggestions for support, including extra help, tutoring, additional resources.  All of our IB Subject teachers are trained in the IB curriculum and assessment procedures and have a wealth of experience and materials to support your children.   IB Guidance Counsellor: The IB Guidance Counsellor works exclusively with the IB students on all things related to the academic, social and emotional health.  Information about scholarships, university admissions and out of province or out of country applications are handled through the IB guidance counsellor.   The Extended Essay and CAS Coordinator: In IB we are lucky to have one person dedicated to the CORE components of EE and CAS. This teacher has one period each semester is which they work with, track the progress of and assist our IB students.   The IB Diploma Programme Coordinator: In IB we are again lucky to have one person dedicated to the running of the entire programme, who acts as the liaison between the students and the IB. This person is knowledgeable about all aspects of the programme and acts as a resource for IB teachers and counsellors, IB parents and most especially IB students.

Question 7

How do colleges and universities view the Diploma Programme?

Accepted Answer

The DP is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. More than 1000 colleges and universities in North America have recognition policies on how they weigh it in admissions, advanced standings, college credit and scholarships.    A list of colleges and universities that grant credit, scholarships and/or advanced standing for DP diplomas and certificates is available at http://www.ibo.org/

Question 8

Do DP students have time for anything beyond academics?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most successful Diploma Programme students lead very full lives. They are often members of athletic teams and involved in a wide range of activites. Time managament and organization are key skills the IB develops in students. If you check the IB Core section of the website, there are some pictures that demonstrate the student's full life as they participate in a variety of activites.

Question 9

Are IB programmes considered "gifted" programmes?"

Accepted Answer

The IB does not control how schools designate their Diploma Programme. In some instances, schools choose to designate the programme as selective enrolment via application or as a magnet programma. In other cases, the programme is open to any student, such as our school.

Question 10

Do DP teachers receive special training?

Accepted Answer

All DP teaches receive professional development in the IB's approaches to teaching and appraoches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for the IB World Schools implenting the DP.

Question 11

What's the difference between the diploma and certificates?

Accepted Answer

Not all students choose to take the full course load leading to a diploma. Instead, some take a few DP courses in areas where they have particular intrest or strength, similar to honours and Advanced Placement classes. These students that take a few DP courses are known as bundle-students, please check 'Bundles and Streams' for any additional inquiry. Certificates are awarded on a course-by-course basis to students who choose not do the full programme. Students who satisfactorily complete a DP course earn a certificate and may be eligible for university credit.

Question 12

Can you give a specific example of how the DP prepared students for university?

Accepted Answer

A 2012 study by the Consortium for Chicago School Reasearch found that Diploma Programme students who graduated from the 12 Chicago public schools were more likely to attend college, attend a selective college and persist in college for 2 years than a matched comparison group. Additionally studies on programme impact are available at http://www.ibo.org/en/research/

Question 13

How can I learn more about the IB and DP?

Accepted Answer

Visit the IB website at www.ibo.org Attend school meetings and events Speak with your schools DP coordinator Speak with your child's DP classroom teachers Contact us via this website

IB St. John Paul II

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