International Baccalaureate (IB)
What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
Originally established in 1968 by the International School of Geneva, the IB has grown to include 3421 schools in over 157 countries. As of September 2020, there were 99 IB World schools in Ontario.
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.'"
The IB is committed to the development of students according to the attributes shown in the IB Learner Profile.
IB at RND
As Canada's oldest English Catholic High School, Regiopolis Notre-Dame has a long traditional of providing Catholic education in the Kingston and surrounding area. RND continues this legacy by providing the IB Diplomma Programme within the context of a catholic learning environment.
RND has been an IB World School since 1998. Over the last two decades, RND's IB Diploma Programme results have demonstrated a consistent record of excellence. In the past five years, the average overall RND DP score has been 37.2 points out of 45, and our average individual students' score is 5.6 out of 7, which equates to 92% under the Ontario grading scale. Many of our graduates have gone on to study internationally at Oxford, Dartmouth, Cornell, University of Auckland, NZ, as well as our outstanding Canadian universities such as McGill, U of T, UBC.
Our RND IB faculty is committed to supporting candidates through the programme. All IB teachers complete specialized training through IB accredited Teacher Training Workshops, and they continue in ongoing professional development workshops with other IB teachers across the province. Our RND Student Services Department has an IB trained counselor dedicated to providing guidance and support in choosing the best IB options, subject choices, and postsecondary pathways.
The IB Diploma Programme is open to all RND students. Registration for the IB DP occurs in grade 10.
Why Take IB?
- To attain a well rounded, balanced education that includes participation in languages, arts, science, mathematics, research and writing, athletics, and service.
- To seek challenge beyond the Ontario curriculum
- To gain the opportunity for international postsecondary study
- To develop skills and work habits that better prepare students for university
- To gain recognition when applying to highly esteemed universities world wide
- To receive advanced standing in first year university for HL courses
- To earn an internationally recognized Diploma
- To rise to the exceptionally high standards of the IBO
- To study with a like-minded peer group
IB English
IB French
As part of the IB Diploma, students must complete a Language B requirement (proficiency in a second language). Regiopolis-Notre Dame offers Language B courses in French and Spanish. Students participating in the IB Diploma programme will complete the requirements for their OSSD while simultaneously fulfilling the requirements for their IB Diploma. IB Diploma requirements are fully integrated within the Ontario curriculum so that upon successful completion of the programme, a student is awarded both the IB Diploma and the OSSD. IB Preparation courses begin in Grade 9 and 10, with Diploma courses beginning in Grade 11 and culminating in Grade 12.
In the IB Diploma Languages courses, students are introduced to various themes, which provide them an increased knowledge in a global context. A broad range of texts (blogs, brochures, poster, social media, podcasts, etc) are used to enhance the students learning and interests.
Each assessment (written production, receptive skills, reading and listening and the individual oral-interactive skills are based on the five themes:
- Identité;
- Expériences;
- Ingéniosité humaine;
- Organisation sociale;
- Partage de la planète
Our dedicated IB French certified staff are familiar with current IB resources and pertinent audio materials in helping the students to prepare for the IB exams.
Fees
The annual fee to students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme is $600 for both Gr. 11 and 12. Payable in two instalments for a total = $1200.
The fee for the first individual IB Diploma Course is $250.00. Additional individual IB Diploma Courses are $120.00 per course. (These fees are subject to change depending on exchange rates and IB Policy).
Please note: All fees are non-refundable.
Fees are to be paid using the school’s online payment system, School Cash Online. Payment is due November 1 of each year.
International Baccalaureate Mission Statement
“The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right."