Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered on this platform, contact Arlene Lee (IB Coordinator) arlee@cbe.ab.ca 

This page will be updated as more questions arise.

Q. The biggest question that most grade 9 students and their parents have right now is usually, "Is IB right for me?" 

A. Unfortunately, this can't be answered with simple grade point averages. IB is a uniquely individual experience where some students thrive and actually do better than they would in a regular program because of the challenging and engaged peer group. However others may struggle and lose confidence once placed in an environment where they are no longer top dogs. Watch the "Student Voices" video to gain a more diverse perspective from our previous students. Ultimately, you will make the final decision in November of your grade 10 year when you officially apply for your IB program which still gives you a chance to get a very good feel for the pace/difficulty level of high school. However, if you are transferring to Churchill for IB, you must complete at least two IB subjects to stay at our school. They do not necessarily have to be the ones you initially choose in grade 9. For example, you might think you will do Math IB, Bio IB and English IB, but then in grade 10, choose Business IB and Psychology IB.

Q. We are not in the attendance area for SWC IB (designated IB school is Western, Diefenbaker, Pearson or Wisewood), but would like to come to Churchill for a subject that our IB school doesn't have. Is there a way to do this?

A. No, we are no longer accepting students who are designated to another IB school at all. For more information about why, visit this CBE website. All CBE IB schools offer rich programs and full diploma programs. 

Q. When do I officially become an IB student?

A. When you first enter our school in grade 10, you are considered an IB candidate until you apply and get accepted for an IB program in November. Acceptance is based on grades, teacher recommendations, an application essay and your overall application package. More information is provided about all this in October of your grade 10 year. Some students first choose a full program, then decide to switch to partial. Others, choose a heavier IB load once they realize that they can handle it. (Note: it is not always possible to move from partial to full because you may not have chosen the right pre-requisite courses.)

Q. Is it true that you can't quit IB once you start?

A. Yes, after you apply and get accepted for an IB program in November of your grade 10 year, you are expected to complete the two year program for each course. It is important to work on grit and resilience and not quit when things get hard. Many academically inclined students haven't faced a real scholarly challenge until they get into IB and we want to help you embrace and overcome the challenge. When accepted into an IB program, it means that three experienced SWC teachers have indicated that you can be successful in an IB program. (see above question as well)

Q. Is there a fee?

A. Yes, there is a $25 fee for each school year and a $200 subject fee paid in the year that you complete the IB course (once per course). This covers our mailing costs and IB's assessment fees as well as some of our additional expenses for IB materials, required teacher training and other expenses directly impacting IB students.

Q. If we are not designated to SWC, and then change our mind about IB once accepted, what will happen?

A. Please consider the transfer decision carefully. You must apply in earnest as you will be sent back to your designated school if you do not continue with an IB program. 

Q. What do I do if I took French Immersion in junior high?

A. Several options here... 

• The highest level of French that we offer is French B SL. This does not compare in difficulty to FLA. However,  it will give you an opportunity to keep practicing your French and honing your grammar and writing skills as well.

• If you don't plan on pursuing French IB, you can go straight into regular French 30 in grade 10 so that you have a 30-level credit for French that you can use for university application. 

• If you did late immersion and you plan to take French IB, you can take French 30 in grade 10. Then you will take French 30IB in grade 11 without credits, but it will be a slightly different course. Finally, you will take French 31IB in grade 12. Each course is one semester. Alternatively, you can take French 20 in grade 10 to hone your grammar skills before entering French 30IB in grade 11. This way you can still earn credits. 

• If you did early immersion and feel very confident in your French, you can skip French in grade 10 and (if accepted into IB in November based on your other subjects) go straight into French 30IB in grade 11. You can also take French 30 in grade 10. (See late immersion details.)

• You can choose another language to study.

• CBE offers language challenge exams where students can earn a grade, but be aware that not all universities accept these "challenge" grades.

Q. What do I do if I did the Spanish Bilingual Program in junior high? Is there a challenge exam?

A. The only Spanish IB program we offer is Spanish ab initio so a Spanish IB program would not be possible. It is meant for new learners only. However, you can enroll directly in and complete Spanish 30 in our regular program. If you want an IB language, you will need to choose a different language to study. There are NO challenge exams for IB. There are a required number of instructional hours that cannot be skipped. A Spanish bilingual student could not take Spanish 20/30 ab initio either as this is a course for beginners only. Thus a Spanish 20 ab intio student would only have one year of Spanish experience, not 9 years of bilingual experience. These are not CBE rules, but IB's and they ensure a fair and appropriate program for new language learners.  Spanish students may want to look into getting DELE certification if they want their previous language skills to be recognized for future opportunities. We do not offer DELE certification here, but your junior high teachers may have more information. Language acquisition is only required in our full diploma program, not a partial program. Also, students with a Spanish background tend to do very well with French ab initio and having a third or fourth language is also advantageous. CBE offers language challenge exams where students can earn a grade, but be aware that not all universities accept these "challenge" grades.

Q. What do I do if I did the Mandarin Bilingual Program in junior high? Is there a challenge exam?

A. If you do not intend to take Mandarin IB, you can register for Mandarin 30 at Churchill. We do not offer challenge exams. If you want to take Mandarin IB, you must take it through The Chinese Academy on Saturdays at their Diefenbaker campus. TCA is the only Chinese school authorized to offer Mandarin IB. You cannot take Mandarin at both TCA and Churchill as TCA will award Alberta Education credits for 10/20/30.  CBE offers language challenge exams where students can earn a grade, but be aware that not all universities accept these "challenge" grades.

Q. I heard that IB is only really useful if you plan on studying outside of Canada.

A. An IB education is not only recognized by most universities as being an academically rigorous educational experience, but it is ALSO useful if you are planning on studying outside of Canada. The majority of our students choose to continue their post-secondary education in Canada, but through the IB program, are extra-prepared. Because IB is an international program, we benefit from the collaboration of countries from all over the world. 

Q. Will my marks suffer if I take IB?

A. Depends on you. Some students end up doing better since they are able to work with other academically inclined students who help push their limits. Some struggle with the pace, fall behind and have a hard time adjusting overall. Grades are adjusted in IB classes to reflect the differences between the IB curriculum and the Alberta curriculum so that students are not penalized for challenging themselves with IB.

Q. Will I have a life outside of IB?

A. Absolutely! Being well-rounded is part of being an IB student. That's why CAS is such an important component. Our clubs are filled with IB students, who are often lead members and many of our IB students participate in athletics as well. It's all about managing your time. In fact, it is a requirement of IB that students do more than just schoolwork. 

Q. I have already completed Math 10 in grade 9.

A. If you plan to do Math IB, Chem IB or Physics IB, you will need to retake Math 10 cohort IB. Though you will not get credit, the coursework is more advanced as it includes a broader curriculum and prepares you for Math 20IB in semester 2. However, we do offer a challenge exam for students who want to skip right into Math 20IB in semester 2 if they have Math 10C Alberta Education credits. This exam takes place in late August before school is back in session. There is only one sitting of this exam. Those with Math 10 credits must contact Ms. Lee in August about taking this exam. (arlee@cbe.ab.ca)

If you do not plan on doing Math IB, Chem IB or Physics IB, you do not need to retake Math 10C and can go straight into regular Math 20 in grade 11. 

Q. I have already completed Science 10 in grade 9. 

A. If you plan on taking an IB Science class it is highly recommended but not required that you retake Science 10 at our school. 

Q. Are IB classes offered in summer school?

A. No, they are not. However, many IB students take non-IB courses in summer school to alleviate their course loads.

Q. What's the difference between Math 10C and Math 10 Cohort IB?

A. Since Math 10 Cohort IB is preparing you for Math 20 IB, which begins in the second semester of grade 10, there is more content covered. This means that there is less time in class to work on the lesson that was just taught because you will need to move through greater content. In addition to a faster pace in class, there is greater homework expectations as well. 

Q. What's the difference between IB Courses and regular courses?

A. This is best answered in the Student Voices video. IB courses are responsible for covering 2 curriculums, therefore there is a greater amount of content completed at an increased pace. The depth of knowledge is greater as well. IB grades are typically comprised of 2-4 assessments rather than several smaller ones. Students are required to be independently motivated and use good time-management and study skills. Many peers stay together for longer periods of time so the relationships in IB courses are quite tight-knit. 

Q. Do I need a reference letter from my grade 9 teachers to apply?

A. NO. Do not ask your teachers for a reference letter. This is unnecessary and causes unnecessary work for your teachers. 

Q. Can I first apply for full, then move down to partial if it is too hard?

A. You can choose a full diploma program in grade 9, then apply for a partial program in November if you find things more challenging than you expected. However, you would still need to complete your semester 1 courses and would not be withdrawn from Math 10 cohort. It is easier to switch from full to partial than partial to full. Sometimes students will not have the right courses to move to full and cannot fit them in if they did not indicate they wanted full in the first place. 

Q. When do I choose my courses?

A. If you attend one of our feeder schools, you will choose your courses at your junior high. Ensure that you complete the IB course selection form (full or partial), not the regular one.  If you are not in our regular attendance area and must apply to transfer to our school for IB, you will be sent more information about course selection in April, if you are accepted.

Q. Is it compulsory to take an international language?

A. Yes, if you are interested in a full diploma program. Otherwise it is not required in a partial program.

Q. How do I take Chinese IB?

A. Contact The Chinese Academy (more information under the TCA tab) enroll with them and begin your Saturday Chinese classes with them in September. In November of your grade 10 year, when you officially apply to your IB program at Churchill, apply for Chinese IB. Chinese IB must be done through The Chinese Academy. YuFeng Chinese School does not have IB accreditation.