A three programme IB school

At Canadian International School (CIS), we offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum, providing a coherent, inquiry-driven education from early childhood through to pre-university graduation. Our IB programmes develop confident, compassionate, and internationally minded learners who are prepared to thrive in a complex and changing world.

The full IB continuum at CIS

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6
An inquiry-based programme that builds strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking while nurturing curiosity and confidence.

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Grades 7 to 10
Encourages students to make real-world connections, develop conceptual understanding and strengthen research, communication and analytical skills.

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

Grades 11 to 12
A rigorous pre-university programme that prepares students for top universities worldwide through academic depth, independent research and meaningful action.

Together, these programmes create a seamless learning journey grounded in the IB Learner Profile, academic rigour, and meaningful action.

Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at CIS nurtures curious, caring, and confident learners during their most formative years. Designed for students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6, the PYP is a student-centred, inquiry-based programme that encourages children to make connections across subjects and apply their learning to the world around them.

Learning through inquiry

Through six transdisciplinary themes, students explore big ideas that span subject areas such as language, mathematics, science, and social studies. This integrated approach builds strong foundations in:

• Literacy and numeracy
• Critical and creative thinking
• Social-emotional development
• Collaboration and communication

Enriched learning experiences

Specialist lessons in languages, the arts, and physical education enhance the core curriculum, ensuring students develop a balanced skill set and a love of learning.

The PYP exhibition

The programme culminates in the PYP Exhibition in Grade 6. This signature experience allows students to independently research real-world issues, collaborate with peers, and present their learning journeys. The Exhibition demonstrates students’ ability to think critically, act responsibly, and take meaningful action—key skills for success in the Middle Years Programme (MYP).

Grades 7 to 10

At CIS, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a transformative journey that brings our school mission to life. Designed for students in Grades 7 to 10, the MYP bridges the PYP and the Diploma Programme by combining academic challenge with personal growth.

How the MYP connects to our mission

Engage: Students investigate real-world issues through inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary connections.

Enlighten: A concept-driven curriculum helps students understand and transfer big ideas across subjects.

Empower: Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills build independence, collaboration, and confidence.

Key Features of the MYP at CIS

• Inquiry-based, concept-driven learning across eight subject groups:
  • Language and Literature
  • Language Acquisition
  • Individuals and Societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Arts
  • Design
  • Physical and Health Education

• Study of at least two languages, fostering intercultural understanding
• Use of global contexts to explore identity, community, and global challenges
• Service as Action, where students apply learning to make a positive community impact
• The Grade 10 Personal Project, an independent project that reflects students’ interests and showcases their initiative and skills

By the end of Grade 10, CIS students are confident, internationally minded learners who are well prepared for the academic rigour of the IB Diploma Programme and the responsibilities of global citizenship.

Grades 11 to 12

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) at CIS is a rigorous, internationally recognised two-year pre-university programme for students aged 16–19. Respected by leading universities worldwide, the DP challenges students academically while supporting their personal development.

The DP at CIS

Students study six subjects across different disciplines, choosing a combination of Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses:

• A minimum of three HL subjects (240 instructional hours each)
• Remaining subjects at SL (150 instructional hours each)

This structure allows students to specialise in areas of interest while maintaining a broad and balanced education.

The DP core: Learning beyond the classroom

Central to the IB Diploma Programme is the DP Core, which encourages students to apply their knowledge in meaningful and reflective ways.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK invites students to explore the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. At CIS, students complete:

• A TOK Exhibition, connecting TOK concepts to real-world contexts
• A TOK Essay, which develops critical thinking and academic writing skills

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research paper that allows students to investigate a topic of personal interest. With guidance from experienced supervisors, students build advanced research, time-management, and analytical skills essential for university success.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS encourages students to grow beyond academics through sustained engagement in:

• Creativity – artistic and innovative pursuits
• Activity – physical wellbeing and healthy lifestyles
• Service – meaningful community involvement

At CIS, students often participate in ongoing CAS projects that reflect our values and local and global connections, culminating in a CAS Project that demonstrates collaboration, commitment, and impact.