Program Description

The International Baccalaureate Programme at Pacific Academy, includes a Grade 9 and 10 Pre-IB Programme and the Grade 11 and 12 Diploma Programme. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies which span the 2 year period of Grade 11 and Grade 12, leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students. The goals of IB are to insure intellectual rigor and high academic standards, to teach young people to relate the experiences of the classroom to the real world, to become critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants in their communities and in the world. Students who successfully complete the program will earn the prestigious IB Diploma in addition to the PA Academic Diploma.

Requirements of the IB Programme at Pacific Academy include successful completion of six IB subjects: English, History, Math, Science, French, and an IB elective (Visual Art, Theatre Arts, Music, or a second Science). Three of these subjects must be taken at the Higher Level (240 hours of instruction) and three at the Standard Level (150 hours of instruction). At the completion of the coursework, students sit for external exams in each subject. These exams are scored by international judges who assess IB students in Canada on the same standards as IB students in any other country in the world. In addition to the coursework, students must also take the seminar class Theory of Knowledge (which will be the IB Diploma student’s Christian Perspectives course while in the programme), submit the 4000 word Extended Essay on original research, and complete 150 hours of community service/action in the areas of creativity, action and service (CAS).

Students who graduate from the IB Programme may earn university credit, advanced standing, and/or advanced placement in many colleges or universities around the world. The IB Organization lists college recognition policies on its website: www.ibo.org. Please visit our Programme website at www.paportal.net.
Students wishing to enter the IB Programme at Pacific Academy must submit a completed application to Mr. Brad Smith, the IB Coordinator, by no later than the first Friday in March of grade 10. Applications are available in Student Services.


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