Starting on November 3, 2025, students interested in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme will be invited to complete an Expression of Interest Form.

The IB Diploma Programme is open to any student entering Grade 11 starting September 2026.

The Expression of Interest Form will be available on the UGDSB Board website, secondary school websites and in students' Grade 10 Google Classroom from November 3rd - 14, 2025.

On November 21, an Intake Form will be emailed to those who have filled out the Expression of Interest Form. Forms are due December 10, 2025.

A $100 deposit is required with the Intake Form and can be paid through SchoolCashOnline. The deposit will be applied to the IB Diploma Programme tuition.

We invite you to join us for GCVI’s IB Student & Parent Information Night on October 30th at 6:30pm - 7:30 p.m. Due to space limitations, this event is open exclusively to Grade 9 and 10 students and their families who are considering the IB Diploma Programme. Families from other grades are encouraged to visit the UGDSB website for additional information about the IB Diploma Programme and future information sessions or contact christa.davison@ugdsb.on.ca.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous two-year pre-university course aimed at highly motivated high school students. It offers a challenging and well-rounded academic curriculum, culminating in standardized final exams that are set and assessed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Diploma is widely recognized and accepted by universities around the world as a qualification for admission to higher education. The IB aims to cultivate in students the mindset, determination and will to create a better world. Its rigorous and international programmes develop knowledge and skills essential for an informed, engaged and meaningful life in the 21st century. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education.

IB Diploma Program Important Information

Students entering the IB Diploma Programme must have the following prerequisites: ENG2D, *FSF2D, SNC2D, MPM2D, and MCR3U in the grade 10 year.

*FSF2D is required only if the student wishes to pursue French as their second language in IB. Students who do not take French in Grade 10 must select an alternate second language in IB; options such as Spanish or German may be limited and are not guaranteed.

It is strongly recommended that students are meeting the provincial standard (75%) in both Language and Mathematics.

The IB Diploma Programme is offered at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph ON.

Learn more at GCVI’s International Baccalaureate website.

IB Diploma Course Offerings:

In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, students study 3 subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and 3 subjects at the Standard Level (SL). Students are expected to take one course from each of the 6 subject groups:

• Group 1 - Studies in language and literature

• Group 2 - Language acquisition* (there are no language exemptions)

• Group 3 - Individuals and societies

• Group 4 - Sciences

• Group 5 - Mathematics

• Group 6 - The Arts (Students may take an additional Group 3 or 4 course, instead of a course in the arts)

The Diploma Programme also includes Core Elements:

• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) - extra-curricular learning and reflection in and around the school community;

• Extended Essay - a 4000 word independent post-secondary style research paper;

• Theory of Knowledge course - an experiential course that examines how we know what we know.

Standardized Final Examinations and Accommodations:

All UGDSB courses will ensure students requiring accommodations as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are provided. Within the IB programme, evaluations are set and regulated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Organization supports inclusive education and approaches accommodations with the aim to remove barriers in a manner that neither advantages nor disadvantages the student. The IBO requires evidence in support of requests for accommodations made. Typically, a medical note and/or psychoeducational assessment are needed in addition to the IEP.

IB Diploma students requesting accommodations will meet with the IB Coordinator at the start of Grade 11. The Coordinator will support inclusive access arrangements based on the guidelines provided in the IB’s Access and inclusion Policy. This may include 25% additional time, private space, computer options, etc.

Fees:

The IB Diploma Programme Intake Form includes a $100 deposit which will be applied to the IB Diploma Programme tuition. There is a fee of $2000 required to attend the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at GCVI Secondary School. Payment for the IB Diploma Programme is due in installments:

• $500 February 1st, 2026

• $500 September 1st 2026

• $500 September 1st 2027

• $400 February 1st, 2027

Paid fees are non-refundable if the student leaves the IB program before completion.

Students/Families needing support are requested to reach out to christa.davison@ugdsb.on.ca . All fees must be paid through School Cash Online.

Busing:

Transportation is only provided to students who would normally qualify for busing in the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute Secondary School catchment area. All other students attending the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme must provide their own means of transportation.