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Calgary French & International School

IB Programmes

Welcome to the International Baccalaureate at CFIS

At CFIS, we believe in nurturing globally-minded citizens who are prepared to excel in a complex world. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) programs offer a rigorous and comprehensive education that encourages students to think critically, act responsibly, and learn continuously. At CFIS, the IB is enriched by our full French immersion setting and global education experiences that take learning outside the classroom. 

Why Choose the IB at CFIS?

The IB programs at CFIS provide a unique, student-centered approach to learning that fosters intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth. Our commitment to the IB philosophy ensures that students receive an education that goes beyond academic excellence to include the development of values and skills needed to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.

Currently, CFIS is authorized to offer the Diploma Programme (DP) and is a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Primary Years Programme (PYP), with the goal of becoming a full IB World School by 2027. IB World Schools share a commitment to high-quality, holistic education that fosters intellectual, personal, and social growth. They emphasize inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and reflective thinking, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. For more information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

PRIMARY Years ProgrammE

The Primary Years Programme at CFIS fosters young learners' natural curiosity and creativity. It emphasizes inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions, explore, and develop a love for learning. The PYP curriculum integrates six transdisciplinary themes that guide in preschool to grade 5 students in making connections, fostering a deep understanding of concepts and issues.

  • Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages curiosity and exploration.
  • Transdisciplinary Themes: Helps students connect learning across different subjects.
  • Holistic Development: Focuses on academic, social, and emotional growth.

MIDDLE Years ProgrammE

The Middle Years Programme at CFIS will bridge the gap between the PYP and the DP, providing a framework that encourages students in grades 6-10 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The MYP promotes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and communication skills.

  • Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourages students to see connections between subjects.
  • Community Projects: Fosters a sense of social responsibility and community engagement.
  • Personal Project: Allows students to pursue an independent project on a topic of personal interest.

DIPLOMA Programme

The Diploma Programme at CFIS is a rigorous pre-university course of study that leads to assessments in six subject areas. It is highly regarded by universities worldwide for its academic rigour and emphasis on personal development. CFIS students in grades 11 and 12 have the option to take the full IB Diploma or earn individual IB certificates, in addition to IB French B HL.

  • Core Components: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Six subject groups offering a balanced education.
  • University Recognition: Widely recognized by top universities globally.

IB Learner Profile Attributes

The IB Learner Profile, central to all IB programmes, embodies the core values and principles that guide the development of well-rounded, knowledgeable, principled, and caring individuals. Key aspects of the IB approach, such as community service, continuous professional development for educators, collaborative learning environments, and research-based practices, ensure students are prepared to succeed in a globalized world.

The IB Learner Profile Attributes highlight the development of students who are:

  • Inquirers: Cultivating curiosity and a love for learning.
  • Knowledgeable: Acquiring in-depth knowledge and understanding across a broad range of disciplines.
  • Thinkers: Applying critical thinking skills to complex problems.
  • Communicators: Expressing ideas confidently and creatively in multiple languages and modes.
  • Principled: Acting with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of fairness and justice.
  • Open-Minded: Appreciating their own cultures and perspectives, as well as those of others.
  • Caring: Showing empathy, compassion, and respect for others.
  • Risk-takers: Approaching uncertainty with forethought and determination.
  • Balanced: Understanding the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance.
  • Reflective: Thoughtfully considering their own learning and experiences.

 

Join Us on the IB Journey

We invite you to discover the transformative power of the IB programs at CFIS. Contact us today to learn more about how your child can benefit from an education that equips them with the skills and values needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.