The IB programme is designed as an intellectually challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepare high school students for success at post-secondary and beyond. A full IB high school curriculum includes required courses in a second language, social studies, mathematics, and sciences with exams at the end of the two-year program. Exams are marked by external IB specialists.
The Grande Prairie Composite High School is proud to be the only Alberta school north of Edmonton to offer the IB programme.
Grade 10 programme options
- Pre-IB courses are offered for English, Social Studies, Math, and Science
Grades 11-12 programme options
There are three options students can choose from to engage in this exciting program in grades 11 and 12:
- Diploma (full IB program)
- Certificate (partial IB program taking individual courses of choice for IB credit)
- Cohort (enrolled in IB courses, not registering for IB assessments)
The Board of Trustees is very supportive of these types of opportunities for our students, therefore, it is important to note that IB programme fees and busing costs are covered by GPPSD for students that reside within the city of Grande Prairie.
Some schools choose to designate the IB programme as a “gifted” programme that requires selection through an application process. In other cases, the program is open to any student. At the GPCHS, the IB programme is a program of rigour that is open to any motivated student who is characterized as being “intellectually curious”. They tend to demonstrate many of the following qualities: principled, inquiring, open-minded, reflective, caring, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, and balanced and resilient in the face of challenges.
We aim to inspire a quest for learning throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy. The IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students with a character who respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join with others in celebrating our common humanity and are prepared to apply what they learn in real-world, complex and unpredictable situations. (The IB Diploma Programme: Education for a better world).
