Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a different question? Email christopher.langley@ocdsb.ca.
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What is IB?
What is IB?
All students at Colonel By are enrolled in the Ontario curriculum and are working towards earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) upon graduation, but some of them have also been accepted into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. IB is a separate curriculum offered at select schools around the world, often in large cities or in places where citizens hold professional roles that require them to relocate with their families frequently (eg. military personnel, government officials, etc.). The OCDSB offers the IB curriculum at 2 schools: Colonel By Secondary School and Merivale High School, which serve east and west Ottawa residents, respectively.
The Diploma Program has several unique requirements of its students, but all IB subjects have been tailored to align with their Ontario course equivalent. IB students take IB 'versions' of Ontario courses (eg. Ontario grade 12 Biology is coded as SBI4U while grade 12 IB Biology is coded as SBI4UE) that include a few additional expectations so that, by the time they graduate, they can meet the requirements and earn an IB Diploma alongside their OSSD. If you have questions about the IB Diploma Program please reach out to an IB Coordinator or Guidance Counsellor via the CB Guidance Department website. Please note that students are only eligible to enter the IB program in grade 9 and, space permitting, grade 10.
How can I improve my grade(s)?
How can I improve my grade(s)?
If you're earning in the 70% (level 3) range or lower...
You can do this! Some more active learning will go a long way
Review your notes daily (no more than 5 - 10min) & ask your peers, Teacher or the internet as questions arise.
Reduce or remove learning distractions:
Move to a new desk away from 'overly social' friends
Leave your cell phone in your locker
Close your laptop if apps/tabs are too tempting
Prepare earlier for evaluations (quizzes & tests).
Plan to give yourself more time to complete projects assignments.
If you're earning in the 80% (level 4- or low 4) range...
Good work! Time to hone your understanding
Review your notes daily (no more than 5 - 10min) & ask your peers, Teacher or the internet as questions arise.
Hold yourself to a higher expectation of connecting terms & aim to understand concepts from multiple angles.
Work on your studying techniques:
Rewrite notes in your own words
Colour-code definitions, key terms, guaranteed exam topics, etc. (this is a favourite tool of mine)
Ask ChatGPT or similar LLM to create mock test questions for you (be specific in your prompts and VERY careful to verify answers from trustworthy sources when they don't line up with your classroom learning)
Give yourself more time to prepare for evaluations (quizzes & tests) & don't wait until the last day to ask questions
If you're earning in the 90% (high level 4 or 4+) range...
You're doing great! Keep improving those reviewing techniques
Avoid passive studying techniques (eg. making cue cards and answering questions in your head)
Don't just make cue cards or answer sample questions in your head; actively study by writing down seeking weak points in your interpretation of concepts
Rewrite notes in your own words
Colour-code definitions, key terms, guaranteed exam topics, etc. (this is a favourite tool of mine)
Ask ChatGPT or similar LLM to create mock test questions for you (be specific in your prompts and VERY careful to verify answers from trustworthy sources when they don't line up with your classroom learning)
Where possible, look into related or adjacent concepts (even if not in the curriculum) to add valuable context
What do I do if I miss class or know I will be missing class?
What do I do if I miss class or know I will be missing class?
Please as a parent/guardian to email cbattendance@ocdsb.ca about your absence so that the Main Office Staff can mark your attendance accordingly. Failing to do so will result in a call home by our automated call out system at the end of the day and a higher absence count on your report card(s). If you will be missing an assessment or evaluation (presentation, test, interview, etc.) in a particular class, please ask your parent/guardian to CC that classroom Teacher so they can plan accordingly. When you're back from time away and/or well enough to, refer to your class website(s) or Teacher(s) to get caught up on missed content or work.
What Science courses are available at Colonel By?
What Science courses are available at Colonel By?
A full list of Science pathways are available on the CB Science Department website.
What courses should I take to get into a university or college Science program?
What courses should I take to get into a university or college Science program?
It depends on the program! Information regarding post-secondary programs and their high school prerequisites are available through their respective college or university website. If you're having trouble determining the courses required to apply to a specific school or program, please visit the CB Guidance Department website and book an appointment with your Guidance Counsellor to review your transcript and plan for the future.
What referencing style should be used in Science courses?
What referencing style should be used in Science courses?
The American Psychological Association (APA) citation and format style is typically used for Science courses at secondary school and beyond, but this can vary by Teacher and course. Mr. Langley, for example, requires APA in-text citations whenever uncommon* facts are stated, and a final reference page that lists all sources, alphabetically, in APA format. For official IB submissions (extended essays, internal assessments, etc.), the IB organization does not require a particular reference style, however we still recommend APA style. The OWL Purdue website is a reliable guide for APA style and includes helpful resources like the general overview poster shown below (click to enlarge).
* 'uncommon facts' are concepts not known by an average Canadian
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