THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT STFXSS AT A GLANCE

I.B. D.P. SUBJECT GROUPS STANDAR LEVEL SL - SUBJECTS 150 HOURS OF STUDY (2 SEMESTERS) HIGHER LEVEL HL - SUBJECTS 240 HOURS OF STUDY (3 SEMESTERS) SL SUBJECTS: TWO SEMESTERS IN GRADE 11 HL SUBJECTS: ONE SEMESTER IN GRADE 11 AND TWO SEMESTERS IN GRADE 12 ALL IB EXAMINATIONS ARE IN MAY (2 in Grade 11, 4 in Grade 12)

I.B. D.P. SUBJECT GROUPS THE SUBJECT OFFERED AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SECONDARY SCHOOL FOLLOW: GROUP 1: STUDIES IN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE LANGUAGE A: ENGLISH: LITERATURE (SL and HL) GROUP 2: LANGUAGE ACQUISITION LANGUAGE B: FRENCH (Standard Level only; Semester 2 in Grade 11 and Semester 1 in Grade 12) GROUP 3: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES ECONOMICS (SL and HL) PHILOSOPHY (AT PRESENT SL OPTION ONLY)

I.B. D.P. SUBJECT GROUPS GROUP 3: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES HISTORY (SL and HL) GROUP 4: SCIENCES BIOLOGY (SL and HL CHEMISTRY (SL and HL) PHYSICS (SL and HL) COMPUTER SCIENCE (SL and HL) GROUP 5: MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS SL MATHEMATICS HL GROUP 6: THE ARTS MUSIC (SL and HL) VISUAL ARTS (SL and HL)

ASSESSMENT IN THE I.B. DIPLOMA PROGRAMME Written examinations at the end of the programme (May) which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The marks awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on the Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the creativity, activity, service requirement. The highest total that a Diploma Programme student can be awarded is 45 points. Assessment is criterion-related, which means student performance is measured against prespecified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations.

Creativity, Activity, Service Extended Essay Theory of Knowledge Theory of Knowledge(TOK) aims to make students aware of the interpretative nature of knowledge, including personal ideological biases. TOK is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600 word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know. Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. It is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP, and provide evidence of achieving the eight learning outcomes for CAS.

International Baccalaureate Organization INFORMATION PAGE More information can be found at www.ibo.org IBO DESIGNED MATERIALS AND PRESENTARIONS IB Diploma Programme at STFXSS-Curriculum: www.stfxss.org -> Guidance/Courses -> IB Program DIPLOMA PROGRAM SUBJECT BRIEFS http://www.ibo.org/en/university-admission/ib-recognition-resources-and-document-library/#briefs PRESENTATIONS http://www.ibo.org/en/digital-toolkit/presentations/ VIDEOS http://www.ibo.org/en/digital-toolkit/videos/ BROCHURES, FLYERS, AND POSTERS http://www.ibo.org/en/digital-toolkit/brochures-flyers-and-posters/ LOGOS AND PROGRAM MODELS http://www.ibo.org/en/digital-toolkit/logos-and-programme-models/

IB SCHOOLS OF ONTARIO TABLE OF EQUIVALENT GRADES

WHY STUDY IB DP AT STFXSS? Philosophy of the school is well aligned with the philosophy of the IBO. Long and successful tradition of running the program (for 18 years). Experienced, committed, and supportive teachers and administration. Excellent opportunities for well-rounded development (numerous clubs, sports, community engagements, etc.)

The IBO 5-year Evaluation of the School (2012) Some of the outstanding aspects listed in the IBO evaluation of the school: The degree to which mutual respect and understanding play a role in the school's philosophy and approach is commendable. In the period under review the final results were exemplary. The school describes facilities that contribute to an exceptional implementation of the Diploma Programme. At the same time, the school demonstrates an efficient use of these facilities for the better implementation of the Diploma Programme. The school conducts a thorough and detailed analysis of student results that informs future instruction, staffing, training, and curriculum choices and review where applicable.

understanding of IB deadlines; balance to avoid student overload at certain times of the year. The IBO 5-year Evaluation of the School (2016) There is a reasonable choice of subjects for students in all groups. The school has made a clear effort to build student skill levels prior to entering the DP. The school provides an excellent program of study which has been developed over time to allow for a good transition into the DP. The analysis of the examination results shows that the school understands the assessment requirements of the programme. The calendar of school deadlines for student submission of assessment components shows:

WHERE HAVE OUR GRADUATES GONE STFXSS? More than 95% of our graduates are attending the university of first choice (many in very specialized and prestigious programs at University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McMaster University, Queen s University, University of Western Ontario, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, University of Calgary) and many of our graduates have been given up to 3 university credits for the work completed in the IB DP. Some graduates entered the second year of university after completing our IB Diploma Programme (at Queens, McGill, University of Western Ontario). All are finding university work much easier after having the IB experience. Some have chosen to go abroad for direct-entry professional programs (USA, UK, Poland, Ireland, Grenada, India) with their IB credentials.

AMERICAS AND OVERSEAS TOURS WITH THE FOCUS ON IB DP CURRICULUM The school organizes many North American and overseas tours. However, the IB DP would like to introduce specialty tours for IB DP students (mainly). The tours will focus on combining parts of the IB DP curriculum (e.g., Creativity-Activity-Service; Theory of Knowledge, subject- focused tours for example, science based) with other experiences. Once you have been admitted to our program, start saving money! EXAMPLE: COSTA RICA (9 or 10 days; San José, Arenal Region, Monteverde, Central Pacific Coast); approx. cost - $3,000 With well-protected national reserves and an unparalleled diversity of wildlife, Costa Rica is the jewel of Central America. The Arenal Region showcases an active volcano, hot springs, and a broad range of flora and fauna. In Monteverde, visit a local school, and in Manuel Antonio National Park keep your eyes open for sloth, toucans and howler monkeys. http://www.eftours.ca/ http://www.edutravelforcredit.com/

BUSSING TO SCHOOL Bussing is provided only to students who have been identified as gifted by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board IPRC (The Identification, Placement, and Review Committee). Free-seat policy: If there is a free seat on a bus passing through your neighbourhood (the bus cannot change its stops), you may apply for a free seat (in September). Very limited number of seats are available as STOPR is very effective in bus routes organization.

WHAT IS THE COST FOR IB AT XAVIER? Grade 9 Pre-IB = Free! Grade 10 Pre-IB = Free! Grade 11 IB (Year 1) = $1,200 (in two installments) Grade 12 IB (Year 2) = $1,200 (in two installments)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO APPLY? Grade 9 Pre-IB 150 seats to be filled. If we have seats available, we will contact the next person on the waiting list. Please do not call us, we will call you when your turn comes.

STFXSS PRE-I.B. APPLICATION PROCESS WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR? Academic achievement (Final Grade 7 marks): average of 80% expected. Special focus on English, French, Math, and Science (30% of the selection breakdown); non-core subjects 20%). Grade 7 Learning Skills and Work Habits (incl. interpersonal skills) that translate into a grading of Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Unsatisfactory (5%). Admission Test SSAT (Upper Level) (an aptitude test which measures the ability to solve mathematics problems, to use language, and to comprehend what is read) (45%). Grade 7 Report comments

HOW DO PRE-I.B. AND I.B. D.P. WORK? Grade 9 & 10 only prepares students for IB Diploma Program, which takes place in Grades 11 & 12. The students follow the Ontario curriculum. Most of the subjects are in congregated classes (elective subjects, e.g., Grade 9 Religion, Arts, Business, Physical Education, Technology are with the general population of students). Grade 9 and 10 congregated classes receive more enriched curriculum. Grade 11 = Year I I.B. D.P., Grade 12 = Year II I.B. D.P. Students choose 3 Standard Level and 3 Higher Level courses from a list of courses offered in the six IB subject areas.

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADMISSION PRACTICE TEST-UPPER LEVEL

HOW DO I STUDY FOR PRACTICE SSAT- UPPER LEVEL TEST? The test is an aptitude test. It will be administered in our school. Please do not sign up for the test with any other organizations or companies. Every applicant has to take the test at our school to be eligible for the selection process (previously taken SSAT tests will not be taken into consideration). Do not place too much stress on your child and have them study for the test. Getting acquainted with the format may be a good idea (please Google search for the formats of the test or visit www.ssat.org ). You can also visit www.prepskills.com ( the company that will administer our Practicce SSAT test). There are also preparation/study books available (bookstores, online bookstores). We do not endorse any study materials.

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION TIMELINE Go to www.stfxss.org Guidance/Courses -> I.B. Program Download the 2018-2019 Pre-IB Preliminary Application Package (www.stfxss.org -> Guidance -> IB Program) November 3 Pre-IB Preliminary Applications with Grade 7 final Report Card due (in person only > Student Services Office - Guidance). November 11 (Saturday) Secondary School Admission Test-Upper Level (2 or 3 sessions: Session1: 8:30-11:00; Session 2: 12:00-2:30; Session 3 (if needed): 3:00-5:30) December 04 Offers of admission announced (on our website and through e-mail). December 11 Deadline for Acceptance of the Offer of Admission (e-mailed to the IB DP Coordinator). December 21 - Full applications due date (the full application package will be posted on our website on December 04) PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT AND LATER DATES ARE TENTATIVE. THEY DEPEND ON US BEING ABLE TO PROCESS THE DATA BY THE DATES.

HOW DO I CHECK MY APPLICATION STATUS? Please create a nine-digit numerical PIN (it is part of the Preliminary Application). We will use this PIN to let you know the status of your application on our web site (www.stfxss.org -> Guidance/Courses -> IB Program). This year we will also e-mail offers of admissions (please write your e-mail legibly on the Preliminary Application).

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORMS-PROCESS

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORM-STEPS

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION FORM (pdf fillable form to be TYPED ONLY please download the form to your computer first)

PRELIMINARY APPLICATION PRIVATE SCHOOLS ONLY

QUERY FORM

STFXSS REGULAR ONTARIO PROGRAM BOUNDARIES

I.B. D.P. BOUNDARIES (in red)

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Please check our website for information frequently: www.stfxss.org -> Guidance/Courses -> IB Program. Contact the school via Google Docs using the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/374htm5dldosbds92 Please understand that our secretaries and the coordinator cannot handle the volume of phone calls we get regarding Pre-IB and IB. We would appreciate your help by following the above suggestions to get informed.

November 03 Pre-IB Preliminary Applications due together with the final Grade 7 Provincial Report Card (in person only -> Student Services Office (Guidance) 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM). DATES TO REMEMBER November 11 SSAT (Upper Level) - Admission Test (Session 1: 8:30-11:00; Session 2: 12:00-2:30 December 04 Offers of admission announced. December 11 Deadline for Acceptance/Decline of the Offer of Admission to be e-mailed to the IB DP Coordinator December 21 -- Full application due date Thank you!