What is the catchment area for the St. Kateri IB Programme? Is school bus transportation available?
Students living within the Halton Region are eligible to apply and attend the St. Kateri IB Programme. Students living outside of the Halton Region are also eligible to apply. School bus eligibility is only available to IB students living within the St. Kateri busing catchment. Families are encouraged to investigate Milton Transit routes and accompanying fares that may work best for their situation.
What are the minimum grades to get into the IB Programme?
There are no minimum grade requirements. Acceptance into the IB Programme is dependent on the number of applicants.
Does the IB Programme have a lot of homework?
There is generally more homework for IB students compared to students in the academic program.
How many students are in each class on average in the IB Programme?
There are typically 25–30 students in each class.
Are French courses mandatory to be enrolled in the IB Programme?
Religion courses are mandatory. IB students take Religion in Grade 9 and Grade 10 and transition to Theory of Knowledge in Grade 12 through a Grade 12 Social Justice course. Many of the preparatory skills needed for Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS are developed in the cohorted IB Religion classes.
What is the difference between Pre-IB and the IB Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is a four-year commitment. Grades 9 and 10 are preparatory years for the Diploma Programme, which officially begins in Grade 11 and concludes in Grade 12.
Is the IB Programme only for students interested in science or engineering? Do IB Programme students write exams in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12?
No, the IB Diploma Programme is not limited to STEM pathways. Many IB students pursue Arts and other non-STEM post-secondary programmes. IB students write IB exams in both Grade 11 and Grade 12.
Are students in the IB Programme able to continue participating in competitive sports?
Yes. IB students participate in school athletic teams as well as competitive sports outside of school.
What are the requirements for acceptance into the IB Programme?
A committee reviews all applications and evaluates learning skills, grades in Math, English, and French from Grade 7 and Grade 8, as well as a 150-word student essay.
How many students are accepted into the IB Programme in Grade 9 and Grade 10?
The IB Programme receives many applications each year. Each grade level is reviewed individually. The Programme adheres to the HCDSB Inclusion Policy and the the IB Programme philosophy of inclusive education, which aims to remove barriers so all students can fully participate.
How are IB Programme exams different from regular secondary school exams?
Grade 11 and Grade 12 IB exams are held in May each year. Exam dates and times are determined by the IB Organization. Exam content is set by the IB Organization and marked externally by IB evaluators.
Are French courses Core French, French Immersion, or Extended French?
St. Kateri offers Core French, French Immersion, and Extended French. Students wishing to earn bilingual status are encouraged to write the DELF exam.
French Immersion students require 10 credits taught in French, while Extended French students require 7 credits to meet Ministry requirements. Students in Extended French are strongly encouraged to take CHV/GLC in French, and students in French Immersion are strongly encouraged to take both NAC1OM and CHV/GLC in French.
Are entrance tests required to join the IB Programme?
No. There are no entrance tests as part of the application process.
Can a student be in the SHSM Program and the IB Programme at the same time?
Yes. IB students may pursue the following SHSM programmes at St. Kateri, depending on their course selections:
- Sports Leadership & Health Promotion
- Business
- Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
- Education & Child Care
- Arts & Culture
Students must meet with their guidance counsellor in the spring of their Grade 10 year to plan accordingly.
Can a student join the IB Programme in Grade 11 or Grade 12 from another school?
Students may enter in Grade 11 if they are transferring from another IB school with a Programme that aligns with St. Kateri’s IBDP structure.
Why should we choose the IB Programme?
Learning is a scaffolded process, and the IB Programme emphasizes skill development over time. Collaborative learning in the IB classroom fosters risk-taking and resiliency, skills essential for post-secondary success.
Do students need to be Catholic to be considered for the IB Programme?
No. However, students are required to take Pre-IB Grade 9 and Grade 10 Religion courses.
How many courses do IB Programme students take in Grades 9–12?
IB students take 8 courses per year (4 courses per semester).
How do rules for IB students differ from those for academic students?
St. Kateri has the same expectations and rules for all students – both Ontario curriculum and IB students.
Can a student apply to the IB Programme in Grade 11?
Unless the student is transitioning from another Grade 10 Pre-IB Programme with a compatible course sequence, including Grade 11 mathematics in second semester, they will not be eligible to apply.
IB Programme Frequently Asked Questions