The International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global leader in international education - developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident, and caring young people. IB programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

We are proud to be the first independent school in Canada to be accredited to offer the IB program from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. As an IB World School, we cultivate skills that we believe are the cornerstones of academic excellence, such as critical thinking, researching, writing and time management.

At every level, our IB programs nurture age and stage appropriate personal development and academic achievement. Every day, our teachers challenge our students to demonstrate curiosity, ask the right questions and think across disciplines.

Watch our video to discover what makes York’s IB program unique.

IB students develop strong academic, social and emotional characteristics. They are also likely to perform well academically – often better than students on other curricula.

The IB LEARNER PROFILE

At The York School, the IB Learner Profile serves as the foundation of our educational philosophy, guiding students to develop as well-rounded, globally minded individuals. These attributes aim to inspire and cultivate lifelong learners who contribute positively to the world.

  1. Inquirers: Students nurture their natural curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. They learn with enthusiasm and sustain a love of learning throughout life.

  2. Knowledgeable: Students explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance, gaining in-depth understanding across a broad range of disciplines.

  3. Thinkers: Students use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. They make reasoned, ethical decisions.

“York inspired me to challenge my perspectives and explore a diverse range of viewpoints, enriching my understanding of the world.”

- Sarah Willson ‘13

4. Communicators: Students express themselves confidently and creatively in multiple languages and modes. They listen carefully to the perspectives of others.

5. Principled: Students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice. They take responsibility for their own actions and their consequences.

6. Open-Minded: Students appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. They are willing to seek and evaluate a range of perspectives.

7. Caring: Students show empathy, compassion and respect. They are committed to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment.

8. Risk-Takers: Students approach uncertainty with courage and forethought. They work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies.

9. Balanced: Students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others.

10. Reflective: Students thoughtfully consider the world and their own ideas and experiences. They strive to understand their strengths and areas for growth to support their learning and development.

APPROACHES TO LEARNING (ATL)

The Approaches to Learning (ATL) are a core component of the IB framework, designed to equip students with essential skills for learning and life. At The York School, we embed ATL skills across all subjects to help students become self-regulated learners who can think critically, communicate effectively, and take responsible action in a rapidly changing world.

The Five ATL Skill Categories

  1. Communication Skills: Students learn to express themselves clearly and confidently in written, oral and visual forms. They develop active listening skills and the ability to engage effectively in collaborative discussions.

  2. Social Skills: Collaboration and relationship-building are central to the learning experience. Students develop empathy, teamwork and conflict-resolution strategies to work effectively with others.

  3. Self-Management Skills: Time management, organization and resilience are key aspects of self-management. Students learn to set goals, stay focused and adapt to challenges with a growth mindset.

  4. Research Skills: Inquiry-based learning is supported by strong research skills. Students learn to identify reliable sources, gather and evaluate data, and synthesize information to develop well-supported conclusions.

  5. Thinking Skills: Critical and creative thinking are central to the IB philosophy. Students develop problem-solving abilities, analyze information, and generate innovative solutions to complex challenges.