"My daughter was awarded a whole years worth of credits from McGill, which we were surprised and delighted to learn.  Second year standing at one of the top universities in the country has saved us approximately $15,000 for her first year. Thanks very much again for everything." Kate Murray and Ian Wilson, August 2011.

"I will say that for all my courses so far, the IB courses I did take have helped tremendously! I found I was much more prepared for not only the material but the type of workload. Thanks again," Joel Phillips, IB 2010

Frequently Asked Questions

IB - MYTH vs. Reality

1.    Why take the IB Diploma Programme at GDHS?
       In 2011, 3 of our graduates received 2nd year standing at the universities that they applied: University        of Western Ontario, McGill University, and Mount Allison University. In addition, GDHS IB        graduates qualified for both early admission and lucrative scholarships. Finally, grades earned by our        IB students exceeded the IB World student averages in: HL Biology, HL History, HL Economics, SL        French, SL Mathematics, SL Visual Arts and SL Theatre arts.

2.    What are the advantages of the IB Diploma?
       - an exciting multidisciplinary program
       - an excellent preparation for university study
       - enrichment opportunities beyond the OSSD program
       - internationally recognized curriculum, expectations, and focus
       - high level of university acceptance and scholarship potential
       - completion of CAS requirement is an excellent addition to university admission applications
       - sixty (60) Canadian Universities grant 1st year course credits for Higher Level IB subjects
       (Recognition Policy  Summary Canadian Universities, May 2010 [online] www.ibo.org)

3.    Can I apply if I do not live in Halton?
       Yes, however priority will be given to Halton students.

4 .   Can I tour the school before applying?
       Yes, please attend an ISP & IB information evening or contact the IB Coordinator.

5.    Can applicants make an appointment to see the IB Coordinator?
       Yes, please make an appointment with the IB coordinator.

6.    Who decides whether an applicant is accepted into the ISP & IB programmes?
       The IB coordinator will make all IB admission decisions. For grade 9 & 10 ISP all students who        apply will be considered & accepted based upon a number of criteria: enrolment capacity, academic        suitability, & completion of ISP Application Procedure. Final decision will be mailed out at by the        end of December.

7.    Where can I find ISP & IB applications?
       For all incoming Grade 9 students to GDHS all application forms must be downloaded from this        website & submitted using the instructions on each form before the end of November.

8.    If I am going into Grade 10; can I still enter the ISP?
       New applicants are welcomed as long as they complete the ISP Application Procedure.

9.    If I complete Grade 10, can I enter the IB programme without having participated in ISP?
       Non ISP applicants to the IB programme are welcomed, however students are likely to experience        some difficulties with a lack of preparation and as a result this is not a route that is encouraged.

10.  Do candidate students write an entrance exam before being admitted into the GDHS ISP & IB        programmes?
       No, they do not have to write an examination, however students wishing to enter the ISP Program are        required to complete the ISP Application Procedure.

11.  Is the IB Diploma programme difficult?
       It is challenging. The IB programme is designed to to be intellectually stimulating and interesting.

12.  Is there a cost to the ISP or IB programme?
       ISP grades 9 and 10: No Fees
       IB Diploma Year 1: $1200
       IB Diploma Year 2: $1200
       IB Certificate (Standard Level): $300 per course
       IB Certificate (High Level): $500 per course

13.  If there is an IB course that I want to take but it is not offered at GDHS, do I have another        option?  Yes, if there is a course that you do not see offered here at GDHS, perhaps it is available        from the online IB World School. Beware, students that choose this option will not earn any Ontario        Secondary School Diploma credits because the student is not actually taking the course in Ontario.        However, it may provide a potential GDHS IB Diploma student with a viable option. Please ask the        GDHS IB Coordinator for more information or go directly to http://www.pamojaeducation.com. All        Pamoja Education courses are administered by the GDHS IB Coordinator.

• IB fees cover exam & registration costs
• There are mechanisms in place in the Halton Board of Education to support students that experience     serious financial difficulties. Families in this situation should see the IB coordinator and/or their Guidance counsellor.