Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is the IB Diploma Programme different from other high school advanced programs?

The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year programme that requires students to study courses across all disciplines. Further, all students explore the connections between the six major subject areas, will study each subject through an international perspective, will reflect critically on what it means to be a ‘knower’ (Theory of Knowledge), will pursue one subject in great detail through independent research (Extended Essay) and will have an opportunity to apply their knowledge/skills and interests locally (Creativity, Activity, Service - known as CAS). Only students enrolled in and attending an authorized IB World School may participate in an IB programme. Assessment of student achievement happens in a variety of ways throughout the course of the two-year programme. It includes assessment of student work both by outside examiners, as well as the students’ own teachers. All assessment undergoes careful review or moderation to ensure that a common, international standard is applied equally to the work of students around the world. Each subject area is also in a five-seven year cycle of renewal, guaranteeing the most relevant and contemporary high school curriculum anywhere in the world. For these reasons, the IB Diploma is often recognized as a superior education, preparing students to succeed at post-secondary institutions.

2. Is it true that IB programmes serve only a privileged population?

No. In 1968, the IB Diploma Programme was generally offered in private international schools. Nevertheless, the IBO has always been committed to making an IB education available to students of various socio-economic backgrounds. Today, in North America especially, 90 percent of schools offering the IB are public schools.

3. What are the advantages of enrolling in the IB Diploma Programme?

Students with IB Diplomas who now attend universities report that their involvement with IB has given them the tools needed to make the most of their post-secondary education. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, their self-confidence, their research skills, their ability to manage their time, and their willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. This confidence will manifest itself with superior critical thinking, reading, writing, organizational, and collaborative abilities. These skills will serve someone seeking post-secondary study, but such skills will serve well in any life pursuit. Even more importantly, they have developed a sense of the world around them, their responsibility to it, and the skills with which to embrace the complexities of life.

4. Do I have to study the “whole” Diploma?

Yes. Currently you need to be a full IB DP candidate in order to participate in IB programming at our school.

5. Is an IB able to challenge the D.E.L.F exam for recognition of French level ?

Yes. Typically, the DELF exams occur at approximately the same time as the grade 12 IB exams. It is still possible to write the DELF as we will make sure the scheduling of the exams do not overlap.

6. How many IB exams are there, and when do students take them?

A Diploma student will sit for IB exams in most of his/her IB subjects, normally in May of the student’s grade 12 year. The number of papers a student will write varies from 12 – 15 depending in the subjects taken. Additionally, students will write examinations in their first year of IB in the same way and at the same time that provincial curriculum students do as part of their skill development for IB testing.

7. Can an IB exam be “challenged”?

No. A significant part of a student’s final grade comes from work done in the classroom (or “field”) and in collaboration with classroom peers. It is for this same reason that IB students must attend class regularly and keep their vacation times limited to school breaks.

8. Does the IB Diploma satisfy Prince Edward Island’s requirements for graduation?

Yes. Students in the IB programme have graduation criteria that align with programming in the IB DP. As long as these criteria are met, the students will meet provincial high school graduation requirements.

9. Can students with special education needs participate in an IB programme?

The IBO has established policies for students with special assessment needs. Contact the Diploma Coordinator for more information. Schools are asked to notify the IBO of participating students whom they have identified as having special assessment needs and this needs to be done early. This is especially important at the time student-learning plans are being developed.

10. Can students transfer from one Diploma Programme school to another?

Yes, but it may not be as easy as changing locations. While the Diploma Programme’s curriculum is the same from school to school, the subject choices (and levels) available to students in different schools will vary. Timelines and deadlines for a programme’s central elements – Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (ToK), CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) might also be different. If you think you might be leaving in the middle of the two-year program, you should consult with the IB Coordinator.

11. What is the “Extended Essay”?

The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word paper, researched and written by each IB Diploma candidate. The essay process takes place between middle of grade 11 and the end of the first term of grade 12. The student researches and writes on a topic of his/her choosing, and has an Extended Essay coordinator, as well as an Extended Essay supervisor (teacher) to provide support.

12. What is “Theory of Knowledge”?

Theory of Knowledge, or ToK, is a seminar-type course that explores the links between subject areas (courses). It deals with the questions “How do we know?” and examines Ways of Knowing through different Areas of Knowledge. It also allows for discussion between personal and shared knowledge.

13. What is “CAS”?

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) honours the experiential portion of the IB Diploma Programme. In order to successfully complete the IB Diploma Program, each student must have documented service, active and creative involvement in activities outside the classroom that are devoted to the school, the local, and the international communities. Students create a profile and maintain a portfolio throughout their two years in IB.

14. How important is the IB Programme to universities?

The IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigor of ANY high school program on PEI. Most well respected universities recruit IB students and offer special scholarships, transfer credits and other incentives.

Admissions officers must look for evidence other than marks alone that a student will succeed in the challenges of a new academic environment. Admissions officers look for such factors as the quality of the courses represented on a transcript, the balance of courses across all disciplines, the record of the student’s research abilities, and the details of school and community involvement – all requirements of the Diploma Programme. Many Canadian Universities have recognition policies for IB graduates. Other world universities that have established IB recognition policies include United Kingdom: Oxford University, The University of Cambridge; New Zealand: University of Auckland; the Netherlands: Erasmus University; France: Université Paris Sorbonne – Paris IV; Japan: Tokyo University of Science (Tokyo Rika Daigaku). You can ask the IB Coordinator for more information.

15. Does an IB Diploma allow students to go abroad for university?

Yes, in many cases. One of the founding ideals of the Diploma Programme was to establish an internationally recognized system of curriculum and assessment that would be accepted by universities and ministries of education around the world. Happily, the Diploma Programme is accepted by universities in 125 countries. Be aware, however, that the tuition for international students can be costly.

16. How are the students who do not earn the IB Diploma awarded?

Students are awarded Diploma Courses Certificates for the examinations successfully completed, as well as a Prince Edward Island High School Diploma as long as those criteria have been met. While most of our graduates have been successful in earning their diploma, the ones who did not still went on to be successful in their post-secondary studies.

17. Will my average suffer in the IB Programme?

Perhaps but you need to think about what you want most out of your high school education. The IB is excellent preparation for post-secondary studies across a wide range of disciplines – from health sciences through to business and everywhere in between.

One of our graduates said it best in the following quote:

“I used to think getting effortless 90s and up on exams was the whole point [of high school] … During IB I realized that it wasn’t. I wasn’t being challenged, and so I wasn’t growing. And what else is the point of education?”

The IB demands of students a greater level of academic performance than they are used to in the provincial system. Until students adjust to the level and types of questions being asked, and until (with support) they develop organizational and time managements skills, marks may be lower than they would get in the provincial system. You can’t memorize your way through the IBDP – the IBDP asks that you apply concepts, not just remember them.

18. Do IB students have a life?

Most IB students enjoy a very rich extracurricular high school experience. IB students have successfully participated in many extracurricular sports, school clubs and community activities. Remember that CAS encourages a variety of non-academic pursuits. In addition, many IB students enjoy a rather high percentage of leadership positions in the school and the community. Their extracurricular time simply needs to be planned.

19. How much homework is there?

It varies, but the workload is greater than what you would experience in the provincial program. In order to keep pace with the expectations and be successful in the IB DP, students can expect to have regularly assigned homework as well as self-directed study. IB courses are typically more challenging than regular high school courses, and so students may be asked to do more homework than their provincial counterparts (2+ hours per school night, plus some additional work on the weekends/holidays).

The challenge is not always the amount of homework assigned; rather it is in the quality of thinking expected in those assignments and the extent to which students need to be authentically engaged in their work. IB students need to develop good time management skills in order to be successful in the programme, and teachers are available to help them to develop those skills.

You will be provided with support as you endeavor to learn how to manage your time, study effectively and become self-directed learners.

20. How much does the IB Diploma Programme cost?

There is no cost for the student unless he or she wants to access IB services generally not covered by the school (exam re-mark fees, having assessments returned, etc.).

22. How can my son/daughter enroll in the IB programme?

Application protocol can be found on this website. You can also contact the IB Coordinator directly to discuss the process.