High School and IB (International Baccalaureate®)
Starting from 2024, the German International School Toronto joins the ranks of IB World Schools, making it one of the top high schools offering the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for eleventh and twelfth graders. Known as the pinnacle of high school education, the DP is a challenging and well-rounded program that helps students become inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring individuals.
When our high school students graduate, they won't just have the regular IB Diploma; they'll also get the German Bilingual IB Diploma (GIB). This special recognition is given to only a quarter of IB Diploma candidates globally. It shows that, on top of meeting the DP's demanding knowledge standards, the students have successfully tackled advanced coursework in two languages.
Grade 9/10
Fostering open-mindedness through academic challenges.
Our high school continues the school’s philosophy of inquiry-based learning. High academic standards are fostered by engaging learning experiences both in the classroom and in our surrounding areas. Our high school classes combine the skills, strategies and subject areas of the German and Ontario educational systems, teaching students the organizational, socio-emotional and academic skills they will need to succeed beyond the school years. At this level, some of our classes are taught in German and some in English to satisfy requirements for both Germany and Canada. In grade 10, students take the OSSLT, and throughout their high school years, they are guided through obtaining the volunteer hours required in Ontario.
Grade 11/12
Inquirers. Thinkers. Risk-Takers. Say Hallo to the leaders of tomorrow.
As an IB World School, GIST offers the IB Diploma Programme to students in grades 11 and 12. The goals of this programme go beyond fostering academic excellence to include a strong focus on nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement with complex global issues. Through an inquiry-based teaching and learning approach, students learn to become the main drivers of their educational journey, learning how to research complex topics, finding out how they can complete complex and challenging tasks, and developing the confidence, skills and knowledge base to transition to the next phase of their education successfully.
Jasmine Bush, IB Coordinator
“The IB is not only the most renowned credential to enter universities all around the world. It shapes a student’s educational journey fundamentally by building their confidence to tackle global issues with an open-minded approach.”
Subjects
Students in the GIB programme take six subjects: Mathematics, Sciences, The Arts, Language Acquisition, Studies in Language and Literature, and Individuals and Societies. In addition, they take the three core DP subjects: Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service, and the Extended Essay. Whereas the latter is completed under the guidance of supervisors, the two former core DP subjects take the form of a student-led project. Our small class sizes ensure students have the guidance and support they need to excel in their studies.
Languages
At GIST, we offer the GIB, or mixed-language IB, which allows our students to enter German universities. With some of our DP subjects taught in German, our students will graduate with a bilingual degree in German and English.
Transitioning
Our students obtain qualifications which allow them to apply for universities in Germany, Canada, or many other countries that accept the IB Diploma as an entrance qualification. For entrance to universities in Germany, students obtain all required credits, allowing them to enter the university programme of their choice. We offer guidance to students as they embark on their university entrance journey, assisting students through the application processes of their choice.
Focusing on developing internationally-minded, independent learners, the IB DP is widely recognized as one of the leading university preparation courses in the world. Students who graduate with the IB Diploma receive the maximum flexibility in their choice of study program. This is due to 10 reasons:
1
It increases academic opportunity.
Research shows that DP graduates are much more likely to be enrolled at top higher education institutions than entrants holding other qualifications
2
IB students care about more than just results
Through creativity, action, service (CAS) you learn outside the classroom and develop emotionally and ethically as well as intellectually.
3
It encourages you to become a confident and independent learner
For example, the extended essay requires independent research through an in-depth study.
4
It’s an international qualification
The DP is recognized globally by universities and employers.
5
Graduates are globally minded
Language classes encourage an international mindset, which is key for increasingly globalized societies.
6
The IB encourages critical thinking
Learn how to analyze and evaluate issues, generate ideas and consider new perspectives.
7
DP students have proven time management skills
Take good study habits and strong time management to further education and the working world.
8
It assesses more than examination techniques
Learn to understand, not just memorize facts or topics and prepare for exams.
9
Subjects are not taught in isolation
Theory of knowledge (TOK) classes encourage you to make connections between subjects.
10
It encourages breadth and depth of learning
You are able to choose courses from six subject groups and study subjects at different levels.
Source: ibo.org