Grades 11 and 12

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (Authorized School)

The IB Diploma is the world’s top high school graduation program, offered by more than 1600 schools in over 120 countries worldwide. IB diploma credentials are widely accepted by universities in almost every country, often with advanced standing. At a growing number of universities, students with an IB Diploma enter into the second year. Studies show that IB students are far more successful once enrolled at universities around the world, than students graduating from any other program.

At Stratford Hall, we have a particularly strong focus on the International Baccalaureate. All students in grade 11 and 12 are full IB Diploma candidates, making us the only Canadian school and one of 5 North American schools to be exclusively IB. Our teachers are highly trained, and our students are motivated to do the level of work that is required of IB Diploma candidates. Since no other programs are offered, all resources are acquired to enhance the IB.

The students and teachers work collaboratively, focusing on maximizing the IB experience. Balance is emphasized, and every effort is made to help students organize their school lives. All courses are two years in duration.

The IB curriculum is common to all IB World schools. Students are required to take 6 courses, each from a particular subject area. The following is the likely course selection at Stratford Hall for students entering grade 11 in 2009.

• Language A: English Literature (in-depth study of 15 works)
• Language B: Spanish or French
• Individuals and Society: History of the Americas (1900 to 1990)
• Sciences: Chemistry, Biology or Physics
• Mathematics
• Options: a second science or psychology

Of these 6 subjects, at least 3 must be at Higher Level, equivalent to first year university.  The other 3 can be at Standard Level, equivalent to grade 12. 

In addition to the 6 examinable courses, there are 3 other important parts to the IB Diploma. First, the students take a philosophy course called Theory of Knowledge. Second, they write an essay of 4000 words on any topic of their choice. Third, they must engage in activities that are creative, active and service-oriented.

The IB Diploma students are the school’s student leaders as well. Grade 12 students have the opportunity to serve as school prefects.

> IB Diploma
> UBC document
> UBC International Baccalaureate
> ECIS International Baccalaureate

What it means to be an IB Diploma student at Stratford Hall

At the end of the first term, the grade 11 students wrote reflections about their first 4 months in the IB Diploma Program. The following are excerpts from students new to Stratford Hall.

“I like it that the class is so small because after a while you know everybody and the group feeling is different from what I knew in (my old school). What I also like is that the teachers really try to help and teach you. I often use the opportunity to get help after school.”

“After two months at Stratford Hall, I can say that this decision was one of the smartest I did so far in my 17 years…The teachers and students not only accepted me as a member of their school but they seem to have integrated me fully, to guarantee a great learning experience and a comfortable and warm-hearted atmosphere.”  

“I always wished I could take philosophy classes, and the Theory of Knowledge made this little dream come true.”

“It is said that time flies when you are having fun. This year has gone by as quickly as a day of sunlight in Vancouver in the heart of winter. When an experience does go by so quickly, it is often difficult to differentiate between a positive experience and a successful one. While my first term has not necessarily been the most productive, it was highly enjoyable, as well as successful as long as it is being measured by my past school experience.”

“By taking everything I have mentioned into account, I have shown quite a degree of change in personality, attention to detail, humbling myself and diversifying the way I think of school/education. By keeping up the things I am doing correctly in the subjects I enjoy and putting more effort into the ones I don’t, I can see even more success in the future. All in all, the term was not what I expected, but this is in its own way what I love most about the school, and the most important factor that helped me this term: the unconventional way things are done and the sense of community and acceptance from the people you get every day when you walk in the door.”