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International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

The Halton District School Board (HDSB) is proud to offer the longest-standing and most comprehensive International Baccalaureate (IB) program in the Halton region.

HSDB offers the longest-standing and most robust IB program in the Halton region

For nearly 20 years, HDSB students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) have consistently achieved top results, with some earning the rare distinction of perfect scores across all six subject areas, along with an ‘A’ in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay—an accomplishment attained by only 1–2% of IB Diploma recipients worldwide.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a globally recognized two-year program offered in Grades 11 and 12 that challenges students to excel both academically and personally. Through a rigorous curriculum, students explore subjects in depth while developing advanced knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Recognized by universities in more than 110 countries, the IBDP provides graduates with advantages such as advanced standing, course credits, and/ or scholarships. Students who successfully complete the program earn both the IB Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Designed to prepare students for success in university and beyond, the IBDP emphasizes critical thinking, research, global awareness and personal growth. In addition to completing courses across six subject areas, students engage in three unique core components:

  • Theory of Knowledge (ToK) – exploring the nature of knowledge
  • Extended Essay (EE) – an independent research project
  • Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) – experiential learning through community engagement and personal development

To ensure students are well-prepared, all HDSB IB schools offer an IBDP Prep Program in Grades 9 and 10. This preparatory pathway builds strong academic foundations and inquiry skills, helping students thrive in the challenges and opportunities of the Diploma Programme. While IBDP Prep Programs are available and highly recommended at IB schools, it is not required for entry into the formal Grade 11 IB Diploma Programme. Students may contact the school’s IB Coordinator for more information about entry in Grade 11.

Why HDSB is the BEST Choice for IB

HSDB offers the longest-standing and most robust IB program in the Halton region.

IBDP Prep/ IBDP is offered at multiple school sites and for almost 20 years, HDSB students have earned top marks in the IB Diploma Programme.

HDSB students have achieved the extraordinary accomplishment of earning perfect scores in all six subject areas as well as an ‘A’ in both the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay - an achievement attained by only 1-2% of all IB Diploma recipients globally.

Every student in the HDSB is welcomed and encouraged to participate in IBDP Prep/ IBDP and all students who apply to the IBDP Prep program will be accepted (provided space is available).

IBDP Prep provides all students entering high school the opportunity to gain experience and knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme and is offered at no cost to students/ families.

The IB Program is offered at:

All four schools offer the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) for Grade 9 & 10 in preparation for the IB Diploma Program​ in Grade 11 & 12.​

 

IB Program Information

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. Made up of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

The three core elements are:

  • Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
  • The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
  • Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.

The six subject groups are:

  1. Studies in language and literature
  2. Language acquisition
  3. Individuals and societies
  4. Sciences
  5. Mathematics
  6. The arts

There are different courses within each subject group designated as SL - Standard Level or HL - Higher Level.

The IB Learner Profile

 IB Course Offerings by School

Course offerings vary by program based on a number of factors including school population size.

There are different courses within each subject group designated as SL - Standard Level or HL - Higher Level.
  • ​Group 1 - HL English Literature​
  • Group 2 - SL and HL French​
  • Group 3 - HL Economics, HL History ​
  • Group 4 - HL Biology SL Chemistry SL Physics ​
  • Group 5 - SL Mathematics- Approaches and Analysis​
  • Group 6 - SL Visual Arts​

French Immersion is available in the IB Program​

There are different courses within each subject group designated as SL - Standard Level or HL - Higher Level.​

  • ​Group 1 - HL English Literature​
  • Group 2 - SL French​
  • Group 3 - HL History​
  • Group 4 - HL Chemistry​
  • Group 5 - SL Mathematics- Analysis and Approaches
  • Group 6 - SL Theatre OR SL Visual Art (Both subject to enrolment numbers) OR SL Biology OR SL Physics​ ​​​

There are different courses within each subject group designated as SL - Standard Level or HL - Higher Level.

  • Group 1 - HL English Literature​
  • Group 2 - SL and HL French​
  • Group 3 - SL History​
  • Group 4 - HL Biology HL Chemistry ​
  • Group 5 - SL Mathematics- Approaches and Analysis​
  • Group 6 - HL Visual Arts​

There are different courses within each subject group designated as SL - Standard Level or HL - Higher Level.

  • Group 1 - HL English Literature, HL English Language and Literature
  • Group 2 - SL and HL French, SL Spanish ab Initio ​
  • Group 3 - SL Business and Management Studies, HL Economics, SL Environmental Systems & Societies, HL Geography ​
  • Group 4 - SL and HL Biology, SL and HL Chemistry, SL Physics ​ ​
  • Group 5 - SL and HL Mathematics - Approaches and Analysis​​​
  • Group 6 - SL and HL Music, SL and HL Visual Arts

 Additional IB Information​​​​​​​​​​

The Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two year programme that takes place in the last 2 years of high school (Grades 11 & 12). To be eligible for an IB Diploma, candidates are to take a subject from​ each of the six groups of the Diploma Programme, as well as complete three requirements of the Diploma Programme core – the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (ToK), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). For more information about the programme, please visit www.ibo.org​.

Additional Resources

The Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP) is a two-year programme (Grades 9 & 10)​ designed to meet the challenges of the IBDP. The overarching purposes of the ALP are: 

  1. ​To prepare students for the academic rigour of the Diploma Programme.
  2. To help students hone their inter-personal skills required for success in the Diploma Programme.

​​ As such, students enrolled in the ALP will receive a time-table which will prepare them for the demands, both academically and personally, of the Diploma Programme. It will also allow for successful timetabling of Diploma Programme​ courses which will also meet graduation requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

For the online application does the student or parent apply for the program?

If the student is an HDSB student, the student must use his/her email address to start the application process online. In the application process parents/guardians will also be able to list their email address. The primary parent email address will receive an email regarding acceptance into the program. ​

What if my student is applying outside of the Halton District School Board?

Create an account with two step authentication. Carefully enter parent/guardian email.​​

What if I am currently in grade 9? Can I still apply for 10 ALP?

Yes, please apply to on-line to the HDSB application process.​ ​

When will I hear about the outcome of my application?

Applicants will be informed via student email mid-January.  Students must respond to the offer of admission (accept or decline) by the date outlined in the Admission offer email (usually end of January).  For specific dates each year, please refer to the HDSB IB School website​.​​

Do I need to submit reference letters from my teachers with my application?

No. Teacher references are not required.​ ​

Does the student qualify for busing?

Please be advised that only students who are within the boundaries of the IBDP school, and who meet the board requirements for busing, will be given board- sponsored transportation. All other students will need to arrange their own transportation to and from school. We do not get involved with second-party transportation issues.

Therefore, if you reside outside the transportation boundaries, you can still be accepted into the ALP or IB program here, but you will need to provide your own transportation.
​
​​Courtesy seat applications are available through haltonbus.ca​ and are subject to availability. ​

Are there fees for the ALP/ IBDP?

There are no fees for the ALP (Grades 9 & 10). There is a fee of $1350/year for the full IBDP (Grades 11 & 12). For IB Schools who offer IB Course options please contact the school directly for current fees  (payment to be made in the year of the IB Course examination).​​

Can I continue in the French Immersion Program and pursue the IB Diploma Programme?​

Yes, you can pursue the IB Diploma Programme while continuing​​​ in the French Immersion Program.

How will students apply to the program?

Applications will be available for students online as of October 27​​, 2023. Applications can be found through the IB website.​

Who is able to apply to the program?

Students entering grade 9 and 10 can apply for the Accelerated Learning Program, and students entering grade 11 can apply for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Can students access an ALP/IBDP outside of their regional school?

Eligible students not accepted to their regional school due to limited space or who missed the application deadlines in the first round can submit an application for a school that offers a subsequent application round. ALP/IBDP programs with available space may open a subsequent round of applications, usually in February, timelines for subsequent applications are determined by the school and will be shared on the school website. ​

Can I stay at my home school and then transfer in grade 11?​

Yes, you can apply for grade 10 or 11. It is strongly recommended that students participate in ALP as it prepares the student for the rigor of the IB Diploma Programme. Students would then need to apply with their most current achievement.​

Is there a percentage cutoff for the ALP/IBDP admission?

We take a whole student approach looking for generally for 75% and above. “Students and parents can be confident that students who are achieving at level 3 (70%) are well prepared for work in the next grade or the next course.” Higher marks are advised and an emphasis is put on Learning Skills.

Is there an entrance test/exam required to apply?

No, entrance is based on the application process.

Is there a limited number of spots or places?

All applications submitted by the December application deadline will be considered in accordance with the eligibility criteria. Entrance into this optional program is based on the quality of the application and subject to availability of space in the ALP/IB as well as school capacity. Applications received after the deadline will only be considered once all other applications have been considered.​

What happens if I miss the application deadline?

Some schools may consider re-opening the application process​.

How to apply?

All students interested in IBDP Prep or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) are encouraged to apply. In keeping with the philosophy of all IB World Schools, the IBDP is designed to be accessible and open to any secondary student who wishes to pursue the IB Diploma.

All students who apply to the IBDP Prep program will be accepted, provided space is available. If the number of applications exceeds the school’s capacity, a randomized selection process will be used. Eligible applicants will be assigned computer-generated numbers until all spaces are filled. Students not selected will also receive a random number and be placed on the IBDP Prep waitlist.

This process is coordinated centrally by the Board, rather than by individual schools.

Student Testimonials from HDSB

"I've learned so much during my time in the IB program at White Oaks, even beyond how to write a good essay or solve a differential equation. It's helped me grow as a person: I've learned how to manage my time, to face obstacles with an innovative mind, and to contribute to the flourishing community that has nurtured me for years." – 2024-2025 IB Graduate Yanzi Guo, HDSB -  Achieved Perfect Scores in IB Diploma, Scholarship Winner and Award Recipient 

"The IB program gave me the opportunities to refine my skills in critical thinking, time management, and communication, and it taught me how to stay disciplined and push myself to achieve more than I thought possible." – 2024-2025 IB Graduate Bana Maarouf, HDSB -  Achieved Perfect Scores in IB Diploma, Scholarship Winner and Award Recipient 

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