Table of contents
What is the IB (International Baccalaureate) Program?
The IB (International Baccalaureate) program is an internationally recognized educational curriculum that aims to develop well-rounded students with a global perspective. Founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland by a group of international educators seeking to create a rigorous and comprehensive educational curriculum that would prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global society. Since its inception, the IB program has expanded globally and is now offered in schools around the world, with the headquarters of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) remaining in Geneva.
The IB program offers rigorous academic courses for students aged 3 to 19 years old. It consists of four programs:
- IB Primary Years Programme (PYP): Designed for students aged 3 to 12, the PYP focuses on the development of the whole child, fostering inquiry-based learning and encouraging students to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
- IB Middle Years Programme (MYP): Geared towards students aged 11 to 16, the MYP provides a comprehensive and challenging framework that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and personal development.
- IB Diploma Programme (DP): Intended for students aged 16 to 19, the DP offers a rigorous pre-university curriculum that culminates in a series of examinations. Students study a range of subjects across six subject groups, including languages, sciences, mathematics, and the arts, and must also complete core components such as the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
- IB Career-related Programme (CP): Developed for students aged 16 to 19, the CP combines academic rigor with practical career-related studies and real-world experiences. It offers a flexible pathway for students to pursue their academic interests while gaining skills relevant to their chosen career fields.
Overall, the IB program is renowned for its emphasis on holistic education, international-mindedness, and the development of students who are knowledgeable, reflective, and actively engaged in their communities. It is offered in schools around the world and is recognized by universities and colleges worldwide for its academic rigor and comprehensive approach to education.
The IB Diploma Programme (DP)
In Canada, where parents speak about IB in high school they are referring to the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
Grade 9 and 10 preIB
In Canada, particularly in the context of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Grade 9 and Grade 10 are commonly referred to as “pre-IB” years. During these preparatory years, students engage in coursework that lays the groundwork for the more rigorous academic demands of the IB program in Grades 11 and 12. The pre-IB curriculum typically emphasizes foundational knowledge and skills across various subjects, helping students develop critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and effective study habits.
Participating in preIB Grade 9 and 10 typically does not involve any extra charges. This allows students to explore their academic interests and prepare for the challenges of the IB program without financial barriers. After completing Grade 10, students have the opportunity to choose between transitioning to either the IB program or continuing with the Academic stream, depending on their academic goals and interests.
The pre-IB years provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the principles and expectations of the IB curriculum, ensuring a smooth transition into the full IB program in later years.
Grade 11 and 12 IB
In Grades 11 and 12 of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, students undertake the full IB Diploma Programme (DP), which is a comprehensive and challenging curriculum designed to provide a holistic education and prepare students for success in higher education and beyond.
As specific fees for the IB program can vary widely from one school to another, so students and their families should contact their school’s IB coordinator or administration for detailed information about the costs associated with participating in the IB program during Grade 11 and 12. Additionally, some schools may offer financial assistance or fee waivers for students who demonstrate financial need.
Here’s what typically happens in Grade 11 and 12 for IB students:
Selection of IB Courses: Students select a combination of IB courses from six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. They typically take three to four higher level (HL) courses and three to four standard level (SL) courses, depending on their interests and academic strengths.
Core Components: In addition to their chosen IB courses, students must complete three core components:
- Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word research paper on a topic of the student’s choice, supervised by a faculty member.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines and encourages critical thinking and reflection.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Participation in creative, physical, and service activities, designed to promote personal growth and community engagement.
Internal Assessments: Throughout Grades 11 and 12, students complete internal assessments for each IB course, which are graded by their teachers according to criteria set by the IB organization. These assessments may include essays, projects, presentations, or laboratory work, depending on the subject.
Examinations: At the end of Grade 12, students sit for examinations administered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). These exams assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the subjects they studied and are scored externally by IB examiners. The results of these exams, along with their internal assessments and core components, contribute to the students’ overall IB Diploma score.
Upon successful completion of the IB Diploma Programme, students receive the IB Diploma, which is internationally recognized by colleges and universities worldwide. IB Diploma holders are well-prepared for the academic rigors of higher education and often find success in a variety of fields and professions. Overall, Grades 11 and 12 of the IB programme are intense and demanding years, but they provide students with a rich and rewarding educational experience that fosters intellectual growth, personal development, and global awareness.
IB Credit Transfer for Ontario Universities
Transferring International Baccalaureate (IB) credits to university can be a smart way to save both time and money during your college journey. By earning high marks in IB courses, you may be eligible to receive credit for introductory-level courses, allowing you to bypass these classes in university. This means you can potentially graduate early, freeing up time and reducing the overall cost of your education. Additionally, skipping introductory courses can allow you to dive deeper into your major or explore additional elective courses that align with your interests. Ultimately, transferring IB credits to university can provide you with valuable flexibility and savings as you pursue your academic and career goals.
To learn more about whether the particular university you intend to enroll in accepts transfer credits from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, please refer to the university’s official website for comprehensive details. Here is a sample of how transfer credits work at select Ontario Universities:
Queens University
Queen’s University considers transfer credits from various high school curriculums, including:
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- CÉGEP
- French Baccalauréat (FB)
- General Certificate of Education (GCE) / Advanced Levels (A-Levels)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
Automatic Assessment: Students entering their first year who have submitted transcripts with potentially eligible high school courses will have them automatically assessed for transfer credit. In some cases, students may need to arrange for official results to be sent directly to Queen’s.
No action is required by students for the initial assessment. Transfer credits will be posted to the SOLUS student information system by September 15th. A maximum of 18.0 credit units can be granted towards a degree, regardless of faculty or school.
Students who believe they are eligible for more transfer credits beyond the initial assessment have until the end of their first-year fall term to submit a formal request with supporting documents. Requests submitted after this deadline will not be reviewed.
For more information, please refer to the Queen’s University website for details on specific course eligibility and the transfer credit request process. See: https://www.queensu.ca/admission/applying/transfer-credits
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
HL subjects with a score of 5 or higher may be considered for credit towards specific courses, evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please note: Engineering students won’t receive transfer credit for core or professional engineering courses using IB subjects. See: https://www.torontomu.ca/admissions/undergraduate/requirements/international/
University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo acknowledges the quality of International Baccalaureate (IB) courses as excellent preparation for university success. For individual Higher Level IB courses where a minimum final grade of 5 is achieved, transfer credits may be granted.
To initiate the consideration process, official final IB results must be directly sent from the International Baccalaureate Office (IBO) to Waterloo’s admissions office using our university code 000108. These results must be received by the specified deadline outlined in your Offer of Admission.
The number of transfer credits permitted varies depending on the program. Typically, each transfer credit is weighted as 0.5 units, equivalent to one course at Waterloo. If you switch programs necessitating a transfer between faculties, the transfer credits may differ. In such cases, a faculty admissions committee reserves the right to decline transfer credits.
Transfer credit evaluation also encompasses the completion of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay, requiring a minimum grade of B (Good) in both. For these, Waterloo provides transfer credit equivalent to PHIL 1XX (0.5 units, equivalent to one term course at Waterloo).
You retain the option to decline offered transfer credits. Detailed information regarding this will be emailed to you in August after the assessment of your transfer credits.
For more information about the maximum number of transfer credits and additional notes per faculty please visit: https://uwaterloo.ca/future-students/admissions/ib-transfer-credit
University of Western Ontario
IB courses may earn you transfer credit toward your degree at Western University. If you successfully complete the full IB Diploma and achieve a grade of 5 or higher in your Higher Level (HL) courses, an admissions officer will evaluate your eligibility for transfer credits.
For Ontario high school students, transfer credit assessment occurs after accepting the offer of admission. For other applicants, assessment takes place at the time of the offer.
How do IB transfer credits function? You have the option to “skip” equivalent Western courses using these credits, unless you prefer to retake the subject. There’s a variety of choices, but not all may suit your needs. It’s advisable to consult with an advisor at Western Launch for personalized guidance on course selection after accepting your offer.
Visit the University of Western Ontario website to explore how your credits might transfer. See: https://welcome.uwo.ca/next-steps/requirements/international-baccalaureate.html#:~:text=IB%20courses%20can%20get%20you,towards%20your%20degree%20at%20Western
Remember:
- Courses numbered 1000 to 1999 at Western are considered first-year courses.
- Courses numbered 2000 to 2999 are classified as second-year courses.
- “TRN” indicates that the IB course is not directly equivalent to the Western course, but it can still contribute towards your degree.
York University
Students with an IB Diploma can receive up to 30 credits (5 courses) for Higher Level scores of 5 or higher, depending on the program. See: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/requirements/advancedplacement#iB
How Can IB Tutoring Help You Excel?
IB tutoring plays a vital role in students’ success by offering specialized assistance with the rigorous IB curriculum. Seasoned tutors with extensive IB experience provide individualized instruction, helping students grasp challenging concepts, refine critical thinking abilities, and excel in examinations. During private sessions, students receive customized support tailored to their needs, enhancing both their confidence and understanding of the subjects. Many of our IB tutors have firsthand experience with the IB program, having participated in it during their own high school or even elementary school years. Additionally, IB tutoring equips students with valuable exam and study strategies, empowering them to perform well. With the guidance of experienced IB tutors, students can unlock their full potential and thrive in the IB program.
