The IB programme is a comprehensive and rigorous program of studies that prepares students for examinations administered worldwide. The standing which students obtain on these examinations and on their IB supervised internal assessed coursework determine their IB grades, which are recognized by universities throughout the world. IB graduates are well prepared for post-secondary education. Many universities grant first year standing for courses in which students have achieved a certain level on their IB courses. 

IB offers all of its examinations at two levels - Higher and Standard. The Diploma requires that students study six subjects, representing at least five subject areas, and write six examinations, three at the Higher Level and three at the Standard Level or four at the Higher Level and two at the Standard Level. In addition to which, Diploma candidates must complete a major research project called the Extended Essay, they must participate in extra-curricular and social service activities (CAS) and they must complete a course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK). 

While IB is designed to be a two-year curriculum for the final two years of high school, most North American schools find it necessary to have preliminary studies in order to enrich and accelerate the studies of prospective IB students. A preparatory IB year aims to raise students’ entry level skills and knowledge. 

École secondaire Kelvin High School offers an IB preparatory year for Grade 10 students. Grade 10 students follow a curriculum that prepares them for future IB Diploma studies. In this preparatory year, students will study two languages - English and French, two Social Science courses – Geography and History, three Science courses – Biology, Chemistry and Physics, two mathematics courses – Grade 10 Introduction to Applied and Pre-Calculus and Grade 11 Pre-Calculus, and Physical Education.