Harry Ainlay High School

International Baccalaureate

IB Links

• Why IB — Ainlay Achieves
• IB Course Description Booklet
• Registration Information for Grade 9 Students
• IB Organization — General Information
• University Recognition Information

The IB Program

The International Baccalaureate program is designed for students interested in advanced academic preparation for success in university. Universities around the world recognize IB’s standard of excellence. Ainlay’s IB program is one of the largest in Canada and offers the most diverse selections of IB courses. Students should achieve an Honours average with no grade below 75% in their junior high core courses to enter the Grade 10 Pre-IB Diploma program.

Grade 10 is a Pre-IB Diploma year with a focus on skill building in preparation for the curriculum demands of the senior years. All grade 10 students must register in a full Pre-IB Diploma schedule to ensure that they receive the proper preparation for the full IB Diploma Program in Grades 11 and 12.

The IB program meets the curriculum demands of the Alberta High School Diploma as well as the standards of academic excellence established by IB International. Critical thinking skills are enhanced as preparation for post secondary study.

The calibre of the Harry Ainlay IB students has drawn praise from academics around the world. A large proportion of our graduates have received major scholarships at major universities across the continent and early admittance into limited enrolment faculties.

The IB Diploma is completed during Grades 11 and 12. It is a six-course program offering with three subjects studied at the higher level and three at the standard level. Diploma students also take the Theory of Knowledge course, undertake a self-directed 4000 word extended essay research project in their final year and are required to participate in extra-curricular CAS activities (Creativity, Action, Service).

What does the International Baccalaureate Program offer?

It is a direct path to university and is the best possible preparation that one can receive to develop the skills necessary to achieve success there. International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous academic program that gives students more opportunities to develop critical thinking skills than any other honors program. Harry Ainlay IB students say that they value the dynamic classroom environment, individual instruction, challenging curriculum, dedicated teachers and the opportunity to develop self-confidence.

What makes the Harry Ainlay International Baccalaureate Program special?

Harry Ainlay has the largest IB program in Alberta,, and is recognized internationally as one of the most successful IB schools in the world. Harry Ainlay has been graduating IB students since 1984. Over the years, Harry Ainlay has seen 1007 students earn the IB Diploma and approximately 3970 earn IB Certificates. Each year, approximately 650-700 students are enrolled in our Harry Ainlay Pre–IB diploma and IB diploma program. This substantial population provides the opportunity for a wider selection of IB courses and more flexible timetabling for our students.

At Harry Ainlay we believe that most IB students are capable of pursuing a full IB Diploma program, and encourage them to do so in Grade 11. We help prepare all future IB students by having all Grade 10 students follow the Harry Ainlay pre-IB diploma program which actively enhances the skill set required to be successful when students join IB in Grade 11. This approach has helped us earn the highest IB Diploma completion rate in Alberta. Although IB Diploma students are most highly pursued by universities, IB Certificate students can still gain advanced placement and transfer credit at most universities in individual disciplines. Our students can make an informed
choice about what is the correct path for them to follow.

Transcript Information

If you are a current IB student all IB Transcripts will be ordered by Ms. Fischer during the April Exam Protocol Meeting.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Requirements:

1. Three higher level (HL) and three standard level (SL) courses (maximum of 4 HL)
2. Theory of Knowledge course
3. A self – directed research paper (Extended Essay) no longer than 4,000 words
4. A minimum of 150 hours of Creativity, Action, and Service in Grades 11 and 12
5. The classic IB Full Diploma includes English, History, an International Language,
   Mathematics, a Science and a Fine Arts Course. (Students can also choose to take a
   second Science or a second International Language instead of a Fine Arts course)

Higher Level Subjects

• English
• European History (1790-1990)
• Biology, Physics
• Art, Theatre Arts

Standard Level Subjects

• Mathematics
• French (FSL or FLA)
• Spanish, German or Japanese
• Chemistry, Physics
• Art, Music, Theatre Arts

Sample IB Timetable

NOTE: There are several other courses which can be studied outside of the regular timetable (eg. TEAM Leadership, Ceramics).