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Frequently Asked Questions
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Click on the links below for frequently asked questions about the IB Diploma Programme.

How is the IB Diploma Programme different from other high school advanced programs?

The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year programme that requires students to study courses across all disciplines, though students have some flexibility to suit their curricular needs and interests. Regardless of course selection, all students explore the connections between six major subject areas​ through a global perspective. They reflect critically on what it means to be a knower (Theory of Knowledge), pursue one subject in great detail through independent research (Extended Essay) and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills and interests locally (Creativity, Activity, Service). Only students who are enrolled in and attending an authorized IB World School may participate in the IB Diploma Programme.

Throughout the two-year program, students are assessed by both classroom teachers and outside examiners. All assessment is carefully reviewed and moderated to ensure a common, international standard is applied equally to the work of students around the world. IB assessments are criterion referenced not norm referenced. Each subject area is reviewed on a five-year cycle of renewal, guaranteeing the most relevant, contemporary high school curriculum anywhere in the world. For these reasons, the IB Diploma Programme is recognized as an exceptional program of study, preparing students to succeed at post-secondary institutions (as supported by data​ from the universities of British Columbia and Toronto​). 
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What are the benefits of enrolling in the program?

Graduates with an IB diploma who attend university report that their involvement with the program has given​ them the tools they need to make the most of their post-secondary education. Students comment on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills, ability to manage their time and willingness to be actively engaged in their own learning. This confidence translates into superior critical thinking, reading, writing, organizational and collaborative skills, which benefit students not only in their pursuit of post-secondary education but also in any pursuit in life. 

​The IB Diploma Programme prepares students for the 21st century, helping them to develop a sense of the world around them, their responsibility to it and the skills required to embrace the complexities of life.

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Does the IB diploma satisfy Saskatchewan’s requirements for graduation?

​Yes. Students who graduate with an IB diploma also receive a Saskatchewan high school diploma. Students not pursuing an IB diploma but who are enrolled in select IB courses also supplement their Saskatchewan curriculum graduation requirements with IB course credit equivalencies.

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​ Who should apply for the program?​​​

The program is open to students in grades 11 and 12 who are academically motivated, seeking a challenge and have a well-rounded approach to their studies, as well as those who are interested in building a skill set for life and who want to enjoy a fluid transition to post-secondary education.

​Students in grades 9 and 10 who are interested in applying are encouraged to contact the IB coordinator at their school of choice to learn about the application process and the prerequisites required to apply.

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What do I need to do to be accepted into the program?

A number of course prerequisites ​are re​quired to enter the program. Please contact your school's IB coordinator well in advance of applying to learn more.​

Is a bilingual (French) IB diploma an op​​tion?

Yes. At Bedford Road Collegiate, students can apply to earn a bilingual IB Diploma Programme. The decision to allow a student to enrol as a bilingual diploma student is made in consultation with the IB French teacher, the guidance counsellor and the IB coordinator.

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Can students with special assessment needs participate in the program?

​​The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and our SPS IB World Schools are committed to making IB education available to all students. There are established policies for students with special assessment needs. Parents are asked to notify the coordinators about participating students who have special assessment needs. This is especially important to do at the same time as student-learning plans are being developed. 

Students who require special assessment needs are asked to contact their school's IB coordinator and guidance counsellors for more information.​

Students do not have to be enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme to take IB courses. These students are called IB course students (rather than IB diploma students). However, it is important to note that the strength of the program is in completing the diploma itself. It is also important to note that timetables may oblige IB course students to take three or more IB courses.


How much does the program cost?

The fee for students entering the two-year program is $2,100. Students not taking the program will be charged an individual IB course fee of $325 per course. Click here​ for more information about fees.​

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How important is an IB diploma to universities?

When reviewing university applications, admissions officers evaluate the quality of courses represented on a student's transcript, the balance of courses across all disciplines, a record of the student’s research abilities, and the details of school and community involvement — all of which are requirements of the IB Diploma Programme. The IB curriculum represents the highest level of rigour of any high school program. Most well-respected universities recruit IB students and offer special scholarships, transfer credits and other incentives to these students. Please note that in most instances, students must actively seek out and apply for available scholarships. ​​Studies show​ IB Diploma Programme students tend to find a smooth transition to post-secondary studies.

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Does an IB diploma allow students to go abroad for university?

Yes. The IB diploma is an internationally recognized program that is accepted by more than 100 universities around the world. 

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How many IB exams are there and when do students take them?

​An IB diploma student will sit for exams in most of their IB subjects, normally in May of the student's Grade 12 year. An IB course student will sit for as many exams as they have courses. Each subject varies by how many exams are offered. ​Each course also completes internal IB specific assessments staggered throughout the two years of the program. ​


Can an IB exam be challenged?

No. A significant part of a student's final grade comes from work done in the classroom or field in collaboration with classroom peers.

How much homework is there for students pursuing an IB diploma?​

In order to keep pace with program expectations and to be successful, IB diploma students can expect to have homework. The challenge, however, is not in the amount of homework assigned, it is in the quality of the assignments and the extent to which students engage in the assignments. IB students should develop good time management skills in order to be successful in the program.

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Will I have time for extracurricular activities?

IB diploma students enjoy a rich extracurricular high school experience and participate in many extracurricular sports, clubs and community activities. As part of the program curriculum, students are encouraged to participate in a variety of non-academic pursuits. In fact, many IB students pursue leadership positions in their school and community.  ​

I am an IB diploma course student. How will my participation be recognized? 

IB diploma course students will be awarded a diploma course certificate and a Saskatchewan Ministry course credit equivalency for any IB subject they have successfully completed. In addition to the IB skill set, IB course students may earn a post-secondary transfer credit (varies by institution) based on their IB course result.

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Can students transfer from one program school to another?

​Yes. However, while the program itself is the same from school to school, cours​e choices​ and levels will vary. Timelines and deadlines for the program's core elements (e.g., ToK, CAS, EE) may also vary. If you are transferring schools, please keep the IB coordinators at each school informed to ensure a smooth transition.