Seaquam Secondary IB DP Programme

IB Diploma Programme 

The IB Diploma Programme began at Seaquam in 2011.  Our first cohort graduated in 2013 and we have enjoyed a high success rate for both our Full Diploma students and Partial Diploma (Courses) students every year since the onset of the program.  

The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

Since the late 1960s, the IB Diploma Programme has:

• Provided a program of education that balances subject breadth and depth, and considers the nature of knowledge across disciplines through the unique history of knowledge course.

• Encouraged international-mindedness in IB students, starting with a foundation in their own language and culture.

• Developed a positive attitude to learning that prepares students for university education.

• Gained a reputation for its rigorous external assessments with published global standards, making this a qualification welcomed by universities worldwide.

• Emphasized the development of the whole student- physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

The IBO’s commitment to international education starts with a belief that the only way to appreciate someone else’s culture is first to be confident in your own.  “International-mindedness” permeates all IB programmes.  These programs are continually reviewed and enriched, with the IB vision being constantly sharpened as a result of research.  The programmes represent good practice from around the world, and the curriculum review process involves practicing teachers, examiners and education experts.

IB Programmes are challenging.  Universities recognize the depth and breadth of the rigorous work undertaken by students of the Diploma programme,  In spite of the breadth of subject matter studied, the depth of subject study is not sacrificed.  Universities welcome the creativity, action, service (CAS) requirement,  alongside the 4000 word extended essay component, the latter demanding research, analysis, and in-depth study to prepare students for work at university level.  Research demonstrates that IB students are well prepared for university.

The Curriculum

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.

The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5.

At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level (recommended 240 teaching hours), the others at standard level (150 teaching hours). Students can study these subjects, and be examined, in English, French, or Spanish.

Students will develop an understanding of the IB learner profile. The ten aspirational attributes of the learner profile inspire and motivate the work of teachers, students and schools, providing a statement of the aims and values of the IB and a definition of what we mean by “international-mindedness.” IB learners strive to be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced and reflective.

For any IB Diploma Programme questions, please contact the IB/DP Coordinators at dmatthews@deltaschools.ca, dmostert@deltaschools.ca and shadziavdic@deltaschools.ca.  Please include all three Coordinators in your email for transparency of communication.