Joining the IB Class of 2028

Join us for GCVI’s IB Student & Parent Information Night on Wednesday, October 28th @ 6:30pm  

This event is open to Grade 8, 9 and 10 students and their families who are considering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). Current IB students and GCVI IB graduates will share their experiences, reflections, and insights about student life at GCVI and their journey through the Diploma Programme. This is an excellent opportunity for prospective students and families across the UGDSB to learn more about the IB DP, ask questions, and hear firsthand accounts of the opportunities and experiences it offers.

All students in grades 8 to 10 who are interested in learning more about the IB DP at GCVI are invited to join our IB mailing list through which you will receive student-focused IB@GC related communications, including the Passport to IB@GC Newsletter, and invitations to attend our IB@GC virtual IB Insider Series. Students can request to be removed from the mailing list at any time. Email asnell@ugcloud.ca if you are a non-UGDSB student interested in being added to our mailing list.

Are you a Grade 10 student who wants to join the IB Class of 2029? Complete the following steps:

  1. Step One: Submit the Expression of Interest Form

The Expression of Interest Form will be available on the UGDSB Board website, UGDSB secondary school websites and posted to UGDSB Grade 10 Google Classrooms October 28th - November 13th,  2026.

  1. Step Two: Submit the Intake Form

On November 20th an Intake Form will be emailed to those who have filled out the Expression of Interest Form.  Forms are due December 11th, 2026. 

A $100 deposit is required with the Intake Form and can be paid through SchoolCashOnline.  The $100 deposit will be applied to the IB Diploma Programme tuition.

IB Diploma Programme Important Information

Students entering the IB Diploma Programme must have the following prerequisites: ENG2D, *FSF2D, SNC2D, MPM2D, and MCR3U in the grade 10 year. 

*FSF2D is required only if the student wishes to pursue French as their second language in IB.  Students who do not take French in Grade 10 must select an alternate second language in IB; options such as Spanish or German may be limited and are not guaranteed.

It is strongly recommended that students are meeting the provincial standard (75%) in both Language and Mathematics.

In the UGDSB, the IB DP is offered at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute, Guelph ON.

IB Diploma Course Offerings:

In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, students study 3 subjects at the Higher Level (HL) and 3 subjects at the Standard Level (SL). Students are expected to take one course from each of the 6 subject groups: 

  • Group 1 - Studies in language and literature

  • Group 2 - Language acquisition* (there are no language exemptions)

  • Group 3 - Individuals and societies

  • Group 4 - Sciences

  • Group 5 - Mathematics

  • Group 6 - The Arts (Students may take an additional Group 3 or 4 course, instead of a course in the arts.)

The Diploma Programme Core Elements: 

  • Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) - extra-curricular learning and reflection in and around the school community (students are assigned a staff advisor);

  • Extended Essay (EE) - a 4000 word independent post-secondary style research paper (students are assigned a staff advisor);

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - a critical thinking course that examines how we know what we know.

Standardized Final Examinations and Accommodations:

All UGDSB courses will ensure students requiring accommodations as outlined in Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are provided. Within the IB programme, evaluations are set and regulated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Organization supports inclusive education and approaches accommodations with the aim to remove barriers in a manner that neither advantages nor disadvantages the student. The IBO requires evidence in support of requests for accommodations made. Typically, a medical note and/or psychoeducational assessment are needed in addition to the IEP.

IB Diploma students requesting accommodations will meet with the IB Coordinator at the start of Grade 11. The Coordinator will support inclusive access arrangements based on the guidelines provided in the IB’s Access and inclusion Policy. This may include 25% additional time, private space, computer options, etc.

Fees:

The IB Diploma Programme Intake Form includes a $100 deposit which will be applied to the IB Diploma Programme tuition.  There is a fee of $2500 required to attend the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at GCVI Secondary School. Payment for the IB Diploma Programme is due in installments:

  • Deposit: $100 - due December 11, 2026

  • 1st Installation: $600 - due February 1, 2027

  • 2nd Installation: $600 - due by August 30, 2027

  • 3rd Installation: $600 - due by February 1, 2028

  • 4th Installation: $600 - due by August 28, 2028

Paid fees are non-refundable if the student leaves the IB DP before completion.

Students/Families needing financial support are requested to reach out to christa.davison@ugdsb.on.ca . All fees must be paid through School Cash Online.

Busing: 

Transportation is only provided to students who would normally qualify for busing in the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute Secondary School catchment area.  All other students attending the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme must provide their own means of transportation.