W estern Canada High Schoolschool.cbe.ab.ca/School/Repository/SBAttachments/2d9cd377-d3a2 … ·...

Western Canada High SchoolGateway to Excellence for the 21st Century

intellegentia

vires virtus

Western CanadaHigh School

cbe.ab.ca

http://cbe.ab.ca


641 - 17 Avenue S.W.Calgary, AB T2S 0B5t | 403-228-5363f | 403-777-7089e | [email protected]/WesternCanada

cbe.ab.ca

Monday November 4, 2019

Feeder School ToursRegular School hours.Students only please!

Parent Information Evening:Due to a high number of visitors, we offer multiple sessions covering the same content. We appreciate your patience and understanding if sessions are full.

Main Assembly: Main Gym6:00 pm, 7:30 pm

IB Presentation: Main Gym5:15 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:15 pm

Transfer Process: Theatre5:15 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:15 pm

French Immersion, International Languages & International Certificate:Library5:15 pm, 6:45 pm, 8:15 pm

TimeFrame

Due to high demand, we have several repeated sessions. If a session is full, please join us at the next opportunity. We appreciate your understanding.

5:15 –5:45

Main GymIB Presentation

Sue Rivers

TheatreDrama Presentation

Out of Area Transfer ProcessKerry Blum,

Gregg Wesley

LibraryFrench Immersion,

International Languages & International Certificate

Cito Ariza,Nancy Prentice

6:00 –7:30

Strings in the front foyer

5:45 –6:00

Jazz Band in the Main Gym

6:00 –6:30

Main Gym: Main Presentation. Simulcast in the Theatre.Carma Cornea (Welcome), Linda Forde (Student Services), Brendan Hagan (Fine Arts Certificate + Video), Sheldon Brady (Athletics + Video), Carma Cornea (Closing)

6:15 –8:00

Self-directed tours with the support of Rowdies: Prospective Grade 9 students and their parent(s) are invited to use the suggested route and map on page 2.

6:15 –8:00

Cafeteria: Information Breakout Sessions • Pre IB/IB, English, ELL, Social Studies, Resource, PE/Athletics, Clubs + Student Union + Leadership + Student Voice (Math – Room 102; Science – Room 176; other specialized subject areas are on the same tour route.)

6:45–7:15

Main GymIB Presentation

Sue Rivers(Repeat)



Gregg Wesley(Repeat)




(Repeat)

7:15 –7:30

Jazz Band in the Main Gym

7:30 –8:00

Main Gym: Main Presentation Repeat. Simulcast in the Theatre.Carma Cornea (Welcome), Linda Forde (Student Services), Brendan Hagan (Fine Arts Certificate + Video), Sheldon Brady (Athletics + Video), Carma Cornea (Closing)

8:15 –8:45 Main Gym

IB PresentationSue Rivers(Repeat)



Gregg Wesley(Repeat)




(Repeat)

Parent Information Evening 20195:15 – 8:45 pm

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http://school.cbe.ab.ca/school/westerncanada/Pages/default.aspx

http://cbe.ab.ca


cbe.ab.ca

Students and their families are invited to tour the school using the attached map and the station signs. Due to the high number of guests that we entertain, the tours must be self-directed, supported by our student volunteers. We appreciate your understanding.

Main FloorStation 1: Math - Room 102Station 2: Drama, Technical Theatre - TheatreStation 3: Band & Jazz Band - Band RoomStation 4: Team Practices - Aux GymStation 5: Pre IB/IB, English, ELL, Social Studies, Resource, - Cafeteria Athletics, Second Languages, Student Clubs Station 6: Science - Room 176Station 7: CTS: Business, Foods, Robotics, Design, - Room 182 & 183 Computer Science, Legal, Work ExperienceStation 8: Choral & Electronic Music - Room 084Station 9: Visual Arts - Room 085Station 10: Sports Medicine - Room 091Station 11: Sports Performance - Room 089Station 12: Dance Studio - Room 090 Tour moves outside through the doors near the dance studio, then through the historic wooden front doors of the school & to the Career Centre.Station 13: Career Center - Room 152 Station 14: Library - 2nd Floor by Main office

Self-Directed Tours6:15 – 8:00 pm

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Western Canada High School Nov 4, 2019: Student/Parent Self Directed Tours: 6:15 – 8:00 pm

Career Centre

Clubs

102 Math

Aux Gym (no entry due to Volleyball Practice)

Band Room

Stairsto2ndfloor

Western Canada High SchoolNov. 4, 2019: Student/Parent Self Directed Tours: 6:15-8:00 pm


http://cbe.ab.ca


cbe.ab.ca

“Intellegentia, Vires, Virtus” Knowledge, Strength, Courage

Building a Global Community

French Immersion


Western Canada High SchoolResidency and Registration Information

ResidencyUnder the School Act, resident students are determined by faith and location of residence of the parent(s) or legal guardian. Thus, resident students of the Calgary Board of Education are those who have one or both non-Catholic parents and reside within the City of Calgary.

Therefore, to register at Western, students must live within their chosen program boundaries.

n English n French Immersion n International Baccalaureate (IB) – Enrollment in the program for 3 years is requiredn French Immersion International Baccalaureate – Western Canada High School is

the ONLY school in the city to offer an IB Diploma Programme in French Immersion. Students from all areas can apply directly to Western for that programme. Enrollment in the program for 3 years is required.

To determine your designated school for desired program, use the link through CBE’s website http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/find-a-school/Pages/default.aspx

How do students register at Western?

Current CBE students residing in boundary |

n English Regular Program and French Immersion: Current CBE students who reside within our English Regular program boundary or French Immersion boundary will register for Grade 10 at their junior high school with Western Canada High School counsellors. If WCHS counsellors do not visit the junior high school and the student lives within our program boundary, they should inform their junior high counsellor they intend to attend Western. The counselor can then call Western student services department to request registration information.

n International Baccalaureate: Students residing in the IB boundary who wish to apply for IB should submit an CBE IB Expression of Interest no later than January 15, 2020. The Expression of Interest can be found on either the CBE or WCHS websites.

http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b816/pages/ib/ib.html

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http://cbe.ab.ca

http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/find-a-school/Pages/default.aspx

Non-CBE students outside of WCHS boundary

Students living outside of our designated program boundaries may request admittance to WCHS through the Application for Transfer process. Students must have a valid reason for transfer:

Valid reasons for transfer include:

n Educational program desired not available at designated school. This must include a sequence or series of courses that go to the Grade 12/30 level. These courses must be taken to completion

once accepted at Western.n Siblings who wish to remain togethern Exceptional circumstances such as peer group support and transportation

Note | Transfer students will only be considered should space and resources be available.

n English Regular Program and French Immersion: o Obtain a transfer form from WCHS specifying CBE or non-CBE application for transfer o Complete transfer form including the reason for transfer o Have transfer form signed by administrator at designated CBE school for desired program o Submit transfer form along with required documentation and attachments to WCHS no later

than March 16, 2020.

n International Baccalaureate: Students residing outside of WCHS IB boundary must submit the CBE IB Expression to his/her designated area CBE IB school by the January 15, 2020 deadline. Please include a transfer application and a letter to the IB coordinator at their designated IB school stating reasons for the transfer request to Western. The IB coordinator at the designated school will then work with the WCHS IB coordinator through the transfer application process.

Required Documentation for English Regular Program & French Immersion Transfer Applications1. Most recent report card (January 2020)2. Attendance report for current grade3. Student-written letter explaining why the student wants to attend Western with reference to

specific programs including both curricular and co-curricular programs. Transfer requests will not be granted for extra-curricular programs such as athletics.

No other references or attachments are needed or considered

2020-2021 Acceptance of Transfer students to Western Canada High School n English and French Immersion: Out of boundary students will be notified in late

March or early April 2020 as to the status of their application for transfer to WCHS. Please note we will be accepting students based on valid reason transfer as well as space and resources available.

n International Baccalaureate: Students will be contacted in late January 2020 as to the status of the previously submitted IB expression of interest. Students (and their parents) will be invited to attend an information session in February where final decisions to enrol in the IB program will be made.

International BaccalaureateExpression of Interest

Students residing outside of WCHS IB boundary must submit the CBE IB Expression to his/her designated area CBE IB school by the January 15, 2020 deadline.

English Regular Program & French Immersion

Submit transfer form along with required documentation and attachments to WCHS no later than March 16, 2020.

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Western Canada High School English Regular Program Boundary

The website http://www.cbe.ab.ca/schools/find-a-school/Pages/default.aspx allows you to check which school is your designated school, according to your home address.

Western Canada High School2019-20 Attendance Area

Western Canada

Attendance AreaOut of Attendance AreaWater BodyGreenspace

BANKVIEW

ALBERTPARK/RADISSON

HEIGHTS

KELVINGROVE

SHAGANAPPI

ELBOYA

SUNALTA

GARRISONWOODS

RICHMOND

EASTFAIRVIEW

INDUSTRIAL

INGLEWOOD

PALLISER

BRIDGELAND/RIVERSIDE

BURNSINDUSTRIAL

HIGHFIELD

CRESCENTHEIGHTS

SUNNYSIDE

MAPLERIDGE

MERIDIAN

SOUTHWOOD

BRITANNIA

DOWNTOWNWEST END

DOVER

SCARBORO

CEDARBRAE

CURRIEBARRACKS

EAUCLAIRE

ELBOWPARK

OGDENSHOPS

RAMSAY

RENFREW

DOWNTOWNEAST VILLAGE

09H

ROSEDALE

FOOTHILLS

HILLHURST

MANCHESTERINDUSTRIAL

09D

FAIRVIEWINDUSTRIAL

ALTADORE

FAIRVIEW

ST.ANDREWSHEIGHTS

UPPERMOUNTROYAL

GARRISONGREEN

MOUNTPLEASANT

NORTHGLENMORE

PARK

ACADIA

MAYLAND

WINSTONHEIGHTS/MOUNTVIEW

SHEPARDINDUSTRIAL

PARKHILL

SOUTHVIEW

MAYLANDHEIGHTS

ROXBORO

WINDSORPARK

SOUTHAIRWAYS

DOUGLASDALE/GLEN

MEADOWLARKPARK

KINGSLAND

ERLTON

ALYTH/BONNYBROOK

VISTAHEIGHTS

DOWNTOWNCOMMERCIAL

CORE

BRAESIDE

HOUNSFIELDHEIGHTS/BRIAR

HILL

SOUTHCALGARY

GLENMOREPARK

MAYFAIR

WILLOWPARK

LAKEVIEW

OAKRIDGE

VALLEYFIELD

CHINOOKPARK

OGDEN

EAGLERIDGE

WESTHILLHURST

PUMPHILL

HAYSBORO

TUXEDOPARK

BAYVIEW

LINCOLNPARK

MISSION

BELTLINE

BEL-AIRE

SUNRIDGE

RIDEAUPARK

CAPITOLHILL

RIVERBEND

CE

NTR

E S

T S

MEMORIAL DR NW

17 AV SW

9 AV SW

90 AV SW

26 AV SE

PARKDALEBVN

W

58 AV SW

16 AV NW

HERITAGE DR SW

24 S

T S

E

17 AV SE

QUARRY PARK BV SE

18 ST SE

11 AV SW

MA

CLE

OD

TR

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4 AV SE

25 AV SE

HIG

HFI

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5 AV SE

RICHARDRD

SW

SOUTHLAND DR SE

42 AV SE

26ST

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61 AV SE

HERITAGE DR SE

MA

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TRS

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5 AV SW

9 AV SE

86 AV S E

4 AV SW

58 AV SE

50

AVSW

SOUTHLAND DR SW

12 AV SE

16 AV NE

8 S

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9S

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11 S

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6 AV SE

MEMORIAL DR NE

46 AV SE

CR

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33 AV SW

11 AV SE

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24 S

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MEMOR IAL DR NE6 AV SW5 AV SW

BLACKFOOT TR SE

BA

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MEMORIAL DR SE

GLENMORE TR SW

16 AV NW

BA

RLOW

TR SE

BOW TR SW

DEER

FOO

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GLENMORE TR SE

16 AV NE

14 S

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0 0.5 10.25Kilometre

1:50,000

Prepared by: Planning & TransportationMap: 18-19 Western Canada AA.mxd

Date: October 02, 2018

NAD 1983 3TM 114

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cbe.ab.ca

Fine and Performing Artsat Western Canada High School

“The arts are an essential element of education, just like reading, writing, and arithmetic…music, dance, painting, and theater are all keys that unlock profound human understanding and accomplishment.” - William Bennett

Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Art Art 10Art 10 preIB

Art 20Advanced Art 25Art 20 IB

Art 30Advanced Art 35Art 30 IB

Band Band 10 & Band 15AMBand 10AMChamber Ensemble 15

Band 20 & Band 25AMBand 20 AMChamber Ensemble 25

Band 30 & Band 35AMBand 30 AMChamber Ensemble 35

Choir Choral 10Choral 15Vocal Jazz 15

Choral 20Choral 25Vocal Jazz 25

Choral 30Choral 35Vocal Jazz 35

Dance Dance 15 Dance 25 Dance 35

Drama Drama 10Technical Theatre 15

Drama 20Technical Theatre 25Advanced Acting 25

Film Studies 35

Electronic Music Electronic Music 10 Electronic Music 20 Electronic Music 30

Jazz Jazz Band 15Jazz Combo 15

Jazz Band 25Jazz Combo 25

Jazz Band 35Jazz Combo 35

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Western Canada High School boasts one of the most vibrant, respected and in demand High School programs for the Fine & Performing Arts programs in all of Canada. Annually, 50% of the student population at Western is enrolled in one of the Fine & Performing Arts disciplines. With offerings in: Art, Band, Choir, Dance and Drama, along with countless performance and profile opportunities attached to each discipline, there is something for every student in our Fine & Performing Arts program.

The majority of the Fine & Performing Arts courses at Western for students entering grade 10 do not require any previous experience or pre-requisites. The one exception to this is Band (Instrumental Music 10), where students are required to have completed junior high band or have maintained at least one year of private instruction on their instrument.

Opportunities are provided in every facet of the Fine & Performing Arts Program for students wishing to pursue excellence, while engage in a dedicated and passionate student community at Western.Below you will find some important information that is specific and relevant to all incoming Grade 10 students who may wish to get involved in any of the Fine and Performing Arts Programs. It is important to note that all of our course offerings are scheduled classes for credit. Classes are scheduled in the AM block before school, the day block and in the PM block after school to maximize opportunity for students to access the program.

More information about Western’s vibrant Fine and Performing Arts Program, can be found on our website at: www.westerncanadafinearts.com We want to help you get involved in our program, so please do not hesitate to contact any one of the Fine and Performing Arts teachers with respect to courses offered at the school. All contact information is on the website.

Learn more | Please direct any questions you may have to: Brendan Hagan Learning Leader | Fine and Performing Arts Western Canada High School [email protected]


http://cbe.ab.ca

http://www.westerncanadafinearts.com

mailto:[email protected]


cbe.ab.ca


“En français, le programme nous permet de penser de façon créative. Ceci nous aide á devenir plus indépendants et nous encourage à sortir des sentiers battus.”

“In French, the program allows us to think outside the box. This helps us become more independent and to travel the road less taken.”

“Mis años en español en WCHS han sido estupendos. El viaje a España es algo que recordaré toda mi vida…”

“My years in Spanish at WCHS have been stupendous. The trip to Spain is something I will remember the rest of my life. Studying French and Spanish at Western has given me a hint of what a global community can be.”

- Student testimonials

French Immersion, International and Classic Languagesat Western Canada High SchoolFrench Language Arts / International Baccalaureate/Honours*n FLA 10-1 (FLA1304) or FLA 10-1 Cohort IB/Honours (FLA 1304H) n FLA 20-1 (FLA2304) or FLA 20-1 IB/Honours (FLA 2304HA) n FLA 30-1 (FLA3304) or FLA 30-1 IB/Honours (FLA 3304HA) (Language B High Level)

Diploma Exam at the end of FLA30-1/ Diploma and IB exam at the end of FLA30-1 IBDiplôme d’études en langue française (DELF) = International Accreditation (optional)FLA is only for French Immersion students

French Immersion students and others who have Latin-based language experience who wish to study Spanish should register in the SPN10 Cohort IB/Honours

Spanish Language and Culture** / International Baccalaureate/Honours*n SPN L&C 10-3Y (SPN1345) or SPN L&C 10-3Y Cohort IB/Honours (SPN1345H) (for BEGINNERS)

n SPN L&C 20-3Y (SPN2345) or SPN 20IB/Honours (SPN2345HA) n SPN L&C 30-3Y (SPN3345) or SPN 30IB/Honours (SPN3345HA) n SPN 31 IB/Honours (SPN3349HA) (Language B Standard Level) IB exam

n SPN 35 IB/Honours (SPN3895HA) (Language B High Level) IB ExamCourse sequence for beginner students in SPN: SPN L&C 10-20-30 or SPN L&C 10 Cohort IBH/20IBH/30IBHonours Some students take a fourth course: SP31IB/HonoursStudents with experience of 3 or more years: 20, 30, - 30IB/H-31 IB/H (optional) or SP20IBH/30IBH/31IBHonoursSome students choose to take a fourth or fifth course: SP35IB/HonoursStudents from the Spanish Bilingual programme or native speaker: 30IBH/31IBH/35IBHonours

French (as a Second Language) / International Baccalaureate/Honours*n FR 10-3Y (FSL1093) or FR 10-3Y Cohort IB/Honours (FSL1093H)

n FR 20-3Y (FSL2093) or FR20 IB/Honours (FSL2093HB)

n FR 30-3Y (FSL3093) or FR 30 IB/Honours (FSL3093HB) (ab initio Standard Level) IB exam

n FR 31 IB/Honours (FSL3306HB) (Language B Standard Level) IB exam

Course sequence for Beginner students in FSL: FSL10-20-30 or FSL10WCPreIB/H-20IB/ H-30IB/HonoursStudents with experience: FSL20-30-30IB/Honours or FSL20IB/H-30IB/H-31IB/Honours

*H = Honours (Honours students do not write the IB exam) **L&C = Language and Culture

Latin (Classic Language) Japanese Language and Culturen Latin 10 (LAT1325) n JLC 20 (JLC2097) n Latin 20 (LAT2325) n JLC 20 (JLC2097) n Latin 30 (LAT3325) n JLC 30 (JLC3097)

Learn more | contact French Immersion, International & Classic Languages Learning Leader Lucille Bergerman [email protected]

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http://cbe.ab.ca


cbe.ab.ca

“Intellegentia, Vires, Virtus” Knowledge, Strength, Courage


French Immersion


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The International Baccalaureate Programmeat Western Canada High School2020-21 n Expression of Interest - Deadline January 15, 2020

The IB ProgrammeAn OverviewThe IB Programme provides a rigorous, pre-university course of study leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated and academically oriented secondary students. It develops in students a broad intellectual, social and critical perspective.

In the 21st century, knowledge continues to expand exponentially. Advances in technology and global economies are linking vastly different cultures. Thus, it is imperative that education of the whole student be the focus of our classrooms. Students must be able to see beyond provincial and national ideologies. Success in the world community requires appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity. The focus of the IB Programme is to expand these horizons while providing a strong foundation of knowledge and skills of the subjects being taught.

In content, the IB curriculum is a deliberate compromise between the preference for specialization in some countries and the emphasis on breadth preferred in others. The intent is that students will learn how to learn, how to analyze, how to reach considered conclusions about people, their languages and literature, their ways in society and the scientific forces of the environment.

A short history of the IB ProgrammeThe concept of the International Baccalaureate grew out of concerns of various international schools about the mobility of their clientele. School authorities found that they required an internationally recognized curriculum so that their students’ achievements would be accepted by universities world-wide.

In 1965, the International Baccalaureate Office (IBO) was set up in Geneva. By 1967 an experimental programme was launched and by 1970 the programme was offered in 20 schools. Much of the curriculum work was done at Oxford University. Since that time, the programme has grown to incorporate more than 3400 participating schools in some 143 countries, working in three official languages (English, French and Spanish). The IB Programme enjoys the respect and support of many governments and recognition by an ever growing number of colleges and universities.

In North America, IB has been adopted in large measure by public schools as an enrichment programme for their highly motivated academic students although it is designed to be accessible by all students. At present, more than 150 Canadian high schools teach the IB diploma curriculum.


http://cbe.ab.ca

“One of the rewards of the IB Programme is the amazing friends you meet.”

- Aidan Y., Grade 12 student

IB at Western Canada High SchoolCourse OfferingsThe IB curriculum provides courses at two levels. Higher Level (HL) courses go much beyond the normal high school curriculum and are generally recognized for advanced placement or credit at universities. Standard Level (SL) courses are enriched high school courses and, generally, make the student’s transition from high school to university much smoother and less stressful – some institutions offer advanced credit.

The IB courses offered at Western are:

HIGHER LEVEL (HL) STANDARD LEVEL (SL)

Group 1ENGLISH LITERATURE

Group 1ENGLISH LITERATURE

Group 2FRENCH B (FLA)SPANISH B

Group 2FRENCH BFRENCH ab initioSPANISH ab initio SPANISH B(Mandarin ab initio, B and Cantonese B Off-campus)

Group 3HISTORY of EUROPE (SOCIAL STUDIES) in both English and FrenchPHILOSOPHY

Group 3PHILOSOPHYBUSINESS & MANAGEMENT

Group 4 BIOLOGYCHEMISTRYPHYSICS

Group 4BIOLOGYPHYSICS

Group 5MATHEMATICSAnalysis & Approachesin both English and FrenchorApplications & Interpretationsin English

Group 5MATHEMATICS

Group 6VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL ARTS

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Full Diploma CandidatesThose students who pursue the full IB Programme (Diploma Candidates) will work towards the attainment of two high school diplomas: one granted by IB and the other by Alberta Education.

Although Diploma Candidates may write IB exams in May of both their grade 11 and 12 years, they receive diplomas only in their final year of IB studies. As well, Diploma Students (full IB) must complete three core aspects of the IB Programme. These are Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components. *See CAS explanation below.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK examines how and why we can claim to know what we know. The flagship course for IB, TOK attempts to develop an appreciation for the similarities and differences of what it means to know something in a discipline, such as History. Moreover, students will develop a perspective on what they have learned in the subjects taken over the three years of high school. Areas discussed in Theory of Knowledge include Language, Emotion, Reason, and Sense Perception as “ways of knowing” as well as Mathematics, Natural Science, Human Sciences, History, Ethics and Art as “areas of knowledge”.

The Extended Essay: Full diploma candidates must complete and submit an Extended Essay. The essay, which is begun half-way through Grade 11 and submitted in February of their grade 12 year, must reflect, as the name implies, an extension beyond their normal course requirements. The essay (approximately 40 hours work and 4000 words) must be the result of the student’s own research into a student-chosen topic and is completed outside of regular school hours. Western Canada High School has a superb library and flexible access to computers with a wide variety of computer databases and the World Wide Web to assist students in their search for resources.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): The requirements of a full IB diploma promote students’ involvement in a variety of experiences outside the classroom in order to broaden their perspective of the world and society. A Diploma Student (full IB) must complete a range of CAS activities. More importantly, the student should complete the seven CAS “outcomes” in the activities they choose as well as a collaborative CAS project. The explanations below are very general. Each student will be matched with a CAS Advisor in grade 11 to ensure that his or her extra-curricular activities meet the required outcomes.

Creativity entails development of an appreciation for aesthetic aspects of life through involvement in pursuits such as music, choirs, dance and art.

Activity requires participation in group activities such as intramural, varsity or community sports, scouts, guides and other similar endeavors.

The Service component requires that students give something back to the community which supports them. Students may volunteer for the Canadian Blood Services, at the Food Bank, at hospitals, as peer tutors or other service clubs, guide/scout leaders or as camp counselors, etc. The range of possible activities is quite extensive.

“In IB, the ends justify the means!”

- Christian B., Grade 12 student

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Choosing CoursesAn IB Diploma Candidate must take three of the higher level (HL) courses listed above and three of the standard level (SL) courses (at least one in each of groups 1 through 5). In grade 11, Diploma Candidates write IB and Alberta Education exams in a maximum of two SL subjects. In grade 12, they write IB and Alberta Education exams in 3 HL subjects and at least 1 SL subject. In French ab initio, Spanish ab initio or Chinese IB, students write an IB exam in Grade 12 only.

As IB students are required to learn Alberta Curriculum and IB curriculum, many IB subjects require additional courses.

Diploma Courses Students (Partial IB Candidates)Students may choose not to take a full IB diploma, but rather to complete a portion of their high school course work from the IB curricula and the rest from the regular Alberta Education curricula.

Thus, students may seek to be challenged in areas of strength or interest. Students are to aim to take at least two IB courses to completion. Diploma courses candidates receive a statement with results for each IB course in which they write an IB examination. Timetables of Diploma Courses students would vary greatly depending on which IB courses they choose from the full programme. Partial IB students may now take the Theory of Knowledge course, write an Extended Essay, and should still strive to complete significant C.A.S. requirements. It is encouraged to take IB courses in different areas of knowledge to fulfill the spirit of IB – which is to develop well-rounded students.

Western Canada’s Grade 10 ‘Cohort IB’ ProgrammeWestern’s grade ten “Cohort IB” courses are courses designed to prepare students for entry into the International Baccalaureate Programme at Western. These courses cover not only the Alberta Education Curricula, but also the enrichment in content and process-skill development which will enable them to be successful in the IB courses in grades 11 and 12. As a result, the pace of learning and homework load for a Grade 10 Cohort IB course is greater than it is for the corresponding course at the regular level. Successful students in Cohort IB courses demonstrate maturity, responsibility and sound work habits

Registration sessions occur in February and March to assist with course selection.

Transition to the IB ProgrammeStudents who demonstrate desire, skill, and aptitude in a particular course in addition to IB learner profile attributes (inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, reflective) will be encouraged to pursue IB classes in Grade 11. Students will have the chance to tailor their IB programme in Grade 11 (20-level courses) based on the experience and success in Grade 10 classes. However, students who transfer to Western for theIB programme will be expected to maintain IB courses throughout high school.

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“Success cannot be measured in numbers, but by the ability to strive forward in the face of challenge.”

- Ka Wing L., Grade 12 student

IB and French ImmersionWestern Canada High School has a French Immersion programme. Immersion courses are offered at the IB level and give students the opportunity to earn a Bilingual Diploma from IB, 45 of their 100+ credits in French for their high school diploma from Alberta Education and the Calgary Board of Education’s French Immersion Certificate of Achievement. Students may also choose to take the French DELF international accreditation exam.

Extra-curricular activities The IB programme has been in operation at Western since 1981. During its tenure, the program has been very successful. Western’s students have traditionally scored above the world average in all subjects. Moreover, a quick inspection of our extra-curricular programs indicates that these students do not just pursue excellence in the classroom. IB students are found in all areas including, but not limited to Service Clubs, Drama productions, the Concert and Jazz bands, the Festival and Jazz choirs, on many sports teams, on Students’ Council, in the Speech and Debate Clubs, on the school newspaper and yearbook staffs, in Spanish Club and in the Franco-Western Club. IB students provide a valued leadership core in our school. The old adage, “if you have a job to do, give it to a busy person”, is certainly exemplified by the enthusiastic hard work and involvement of the IB students in all areas of school life.

IB and Alberta EducationIB courses include the material required by Alberta Education so that our IB students are well prepared to take the Alberta Education Diploma Exams. IB students usually score well on the Diploma Examinations.

The role of the IB CoordinatorThe IB Coordinator facilitates the IB Programme at Western. Students or parents who have particular concerns, problems or questions pertaining to IB should first contact the IB Coordinator Susan Rivers: [email protected] or t | 403-228-5363 ext 2123

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Some common questions about the IB Programme

How is IB different from AP? The AP (Advanced Placement) is a set of exams that Princeton University sells to high schools wishing to offer their students a chance to earn advanced placement or credit when they enter university. There is little monitoring of AP standards except by the exams.

In contrast, the IB Programme is a whole high school diploma program encompassing extra-curricular components (CAS), a learner profile (emphasizing individual inquiry as well as collaboration), mandatory teacher training and a prescribed curriculum which is updated on a 5-year cycle. The internal assessments (for example lab portfolios or oral commentaries) are marked by our teachers, and moderated by IB. In each subject an exam is set by IB and externally assessed. These are comprehensive exams spanning the complete course studied over either two (SL) or three (HL) semesters. The diploma is accepted and respected world-wide.

Will my grades be lower in the IB courses? The transition to high school can be difficult and students may notice a drop in grades until they adjust. In the Cohort IB classes this mark decrease may be more pronounced than expected. Teachers give formative assessments during the semester that may be marked using more difficult IB standards.

At report card time, teachers will report grades according to Alberta Education outcomes only. This will usually result in a higher grade being reported, although the pace and volume of work given may not allow some students enough time to achieve as well as they would in a regular Alberta curriculum class.

As Grade 10 grades do not generally affect university admission, students who select the programme will have time to tailor their programme to best suit their needs and achievement as they move into Grade 11 (provided they keep the minimum number of two IB classes required).

How do I get my grades to universities? After you write exams in May of your grade 12 year, you fill out a transcript request form available from the IB Coordinator. The school will send your form to the IB AMERICAS office in New York, and they will automatically send your transcripts to the universities you listed on the form. The transcripts usually arrive at the universities in July.

How much does IB cost?Students are responsible to pay exam fees in the years they are written. There are no fees in Grade 10. Current Grade 11 and 12 students pay $200 per subject.

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