Think Big.
Dream Global. Start Here.
Your Journey Starts Here – Are You Ready?
IB Overview
Superior CVI is proud to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The IB Programme, a symbol of academic integrity in over 150 countries and in over 5,000 IB World Schools, is designed for students who are looking for a challenge, working in a community of like-minded students and supportive teachers. The IB’s Mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB Programme is open to all students in Thunder Bay, regardless of elementary school, and attracts students from outside the city, the province, and even the country.
Learner Profile
The learner is at the centre of the IB Programme. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
As IB learners, we strive to be:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
IB Preparatory (Grades 9 & 10)
The Grade 9 and 10 IB courses are designed to prepare students for entry into the International Baccalaureate Programme. These courses cover The Ontario Curriculum in addition to providing enrichment in content and skill development.
The pace of learning is faster than the corresponding course at the regular level, and the activities challenge the students to problem solve in innovative ways. Successful students will demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and sound work habits.
These courses will prepare students for the challenges of the Diploma Programme. There are five interrelated skills called the IB approaches to learning. These skills aim to empower IB students of all ages to become self-regulated learners who are in control of their own learning and who see their learning as an active and dynamic process.
The five IB approaches to learning are:
- thinking skills—including areas such as critical thinking, creative thinking and ethical thinking
- research skills—including skills such as comparing, contrasting, validating and prioritizing information
- communication skills—including skills such as written and oral communication, effective listening, and formulating arguments
- social skills—including areas such as forming and maintaining positive relationships, listening skills, and conflict resolution
- self-management skills—including both organizational skills, such as managing time and tasks, and affective skills, such as managing state of mind and motivation.
IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11 & 12)
The IB Diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country while incorporating the best of many. It has been designed as a comprehensive two-year course of study in Grades 11 and 12, that will allow its graduates to fulfill the Ontario diploma requirements and complete the International Baccalaureate components in preparation for international examinations.
The curriculum is displayed in the shape of a circle with six academic areas surrounding the core. Subjects are studied concurrently over the two years and students are required to take courses from both the Humanities and the Sciences. Students are required to select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at the higher level (HL), meaning that the course represents a minimum of 240 teaching hours. Standard level (SL) courses cover 150 hours. HL courses are studied in greater depth while SL courses offer a broad exploration during the two year programme. Students are encouraged to specialize in courses they consider to be strengths while meeting the challenges of subjects that they may not normally have taken. The Science-oriented student must also learn a second language, while the Humanities-oriented student must learn about laboratory procedures.
The Core of the Diploma Programme consists of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), the Extended Essay and the course, Theory of Knowledge (TOK). With CAS, students are expected to evaluate the importance of life outside of school, and CAS provides a refreshing balance to the academic emphasis. Student participation in artistic activities, sports and community service encourages young people to share their energies and talents while developing awareness and ability to work with others.
Diploma candidates are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and allows the students to practice the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at university. Students must choose a topic in a subject area currently taught at Superior CVI.
The Theory of Knowledge is a course that all DP students must take. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.
Students may also choose to take only certain courses at the IB level. Rather than completing the entire Diploma Programme, students may choose individual IB courses and work toward a Course Certificate.
The DP is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. More than 1,000 colleges and universities in North America have recognition policies on how they weigh it in admissions, advanced standing, college credit and scholarships. A list of colleges and universities that grantcredit, scholarships and/or advanced standing for DP diplomas and certificates is available at www.ibo.org.
Information Session @ SCVI
Want to learn more about the programme and have a chance to tour the school? Join us for an IB Information Night
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
6:30 pm
Superior CVI cafetorium
Visit SCVI
There are three great ways to see our school and learn more about the IB Programme.
- Attend our Information Session on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm in Superior’s cafetorium
- Book a private tour with the IB Coordinator, Karen Watt, (807 625-4001
- Shadow a Grade 9 student for a day. Sign up at the information session or by contacting the IB Coordinator. Shadowing will take place after March break and into the first weeks of April.
FAQs
Do I have to have straight A’s to participate in the IB Programme?
No, you do not need to have straight A’s. You do need to be curious and have a love of learning. If you are intrinsically motivated to be successful, you will be!
I am in French Immersion. Will I still take French in IB and can I write the DELF?
A second language is a requirement of the IB Programme. At Superior you can take French or, starting in Grade 10, Spanish. If you come from immersion and stay in French throughout your four years, you will be eligible to write the same DELF as the French Immersion students, if you wish.
I live on the south side of town. Will I get a bus to Superior?
Yes. As long as you live within city limits and are eligible for a bus right now, you will have bus transportation to Superior.
Do pre-IB students in Grade 9 get the same electives as other Grade 9’s?
Yes. All the electives are offered at Superior. You will get three electives in Grade 9, just like every other school.
How does the IB DP differ from AP?
The IB DP is a two-year comprehensive curriculum with a culminating set of externally graded final exams. IB, Advanced Placement (AP) and other college-preparatory curriculums like Cambridge are all university preparatory, academically rigorous programmes. There are important differences, however, in the content and exams. The DP is a cohesive and comprehensive programme, not a collection of individual courses as is the case with Advanced Placement. The most important distinguishing factor is the core of the Diploma Programme (CAS, TOK and extended essay).
Is IB For Me?
Are you…
- enthusiastic about learning?
- looking for challenges?
- motivated?
- searching for leadership opportunities and community involvement?
- interested in improving time management and organizational skills?
- actively involved in your school and community?
then the IB Programme is for you. The programme is for everyone – just try it!
Apply Now
If you are ready for this new adventure, please click on the link below to complete the application form. You will hear from us in June.
Student Application for International Baccalaureate Preparatory Programme – Fill out form
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Karen Watt, IB Coordinator at:
Superior CVI, 333 High St N
(807) 625-4001
