Lester B. Pearson’s IB Program seeks to develop “internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world” (IB Mission Statement). The program encourages participation in creative and service-oriented actions, as well as personal and academic reflection while addressing intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being. Students will cover the curriculum required by Alberta Education and the IB programme. Students who take IB plan to prepare for success at university and life by developing intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being. Learners also desire a demanding curriculum, like the Diploma Programme, which leads to final IB examinations and a qualification that is welcomed by leading universities around the world. Students can also receive recognition from institutions of higher education, such as scholarships.
Open House
TBD at a future date
Course Offerings
Note: Lester B Pearson is the only High School in Calgary that offers the IB Career-Related Program.
IB Programs Offered at Pearson
What Program is Best for You?
Diploma Programme (DP)
- Preparation for many university-based careers
- Exploration of multiple IB subjects
- Develop theoretical knowledge for multiple fields of study
Career-Related Programme (CP)
- Preparation for a specific career that could involve post-secondary/apprenticeship
- Exploration of IB subjects related to your career of interest
- Develop practical career-specific skills
Career-Related Programme/Diploma Program Comparison - please see resource to the right of page...... (IB CP DP Comparison NEW)
Students in our Grade 10 Candidate Program take the following courses:
- Math 10
- Math 20-1 IB
- Science 10
- Social Studies
- English Language Arts
- French 10 and 20 IB (*not mandatory for CP students)
- Phys. Ed 10
- Biology 25 IB
Students planning to enrol in the IB-CP in grade 11 (year 1 of IB CP) should enrol in the career course of interest in their Grade 10 (IB preparation year). For example: If you plan to focus on Engineering, enrol in Pre-Engineering 10.
Completing these courses allows students to choose an IB path that is right for them, whether this is an IB Diploma/Certificates or the Career-Related Programme. IB students in Grades 11 and 12 can choose from the following courses:
- Math: Analysis and Approaches HL
- Biology or Physics
- Chemistry
- History SL
- Literature
- French
Grade 10 IB Candidate Program
The Pearson High School Grade 10 IB candidate program prepares students anticipating entry into the two-year IB Full-Diploma, two year Partial (IB Course certificates) or the two-year IB Career-related Program. If this deadline has passed, please contact the school to see if room still exists in the program. Students have the choice to register in full, career-related or partial IB programs in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
Sample Career-Related Course Selections
Below are some examples of courses students could take to complete the CP Programme. Each student will choose their courses, specific to their chosen career pathway, in consultation with an IB teacher/Coordinator.
- Engineering
- Pre-Architecture (LBP)
- English IB SL
- Physics
- Biological/Medical Sciences (Health professions)
- Sports Performance
- Physics
Becoming an IB World School
Around the globe, schools seek authorization to become IB World Schools, offering one or more of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. IB World Schools have successfully completed an intensive, globally consistent process that enables them to deliver an outstanding IB education. Lester B. Pearson was selected to be an IB school.
As a result of this process, parents and students can be confident that each IB World School, no matter where it is located, has:
- commitment to the IB philosophy with a focus on international-mindedness
- a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum encouraging student curiosity and inquiry
- teachers, leaders, and staff trained in the IB programme and philosophy
- school leadership and administrative structures that serve its mission and support the IB programme
- a comprehensive plan for implementation and sustainability of the IB programme.
Applying for the IB Programme
We are an open status school for the IB Program. Please note that March 15th is the deadline for any program transfers for 2022-23. Also important to note that IB expression of interest needs to be filled along with the standard Transfer Form.
Learning Profile
The following characteristics make up the “IB Learning Profile”:
Inquirers: We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and
research. We know how to learn independently and with others.
We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning
throughout life.
Knowledgeable: We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring
knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues
and ideas that have local and global significance.
Thinkers: We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take
responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in
making reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators: We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than
one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
Principled: We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness
and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people
everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their
Open-Minded: We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as
well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring: We show empathy, compassion and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
Risk Takers: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
Balanced: We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
Reflective: We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and
experience. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses
in order to support our learning and personal development.
For additional details on IB, please see their website: http://www.ibo.org/
What is IB?
IB stands for International Baccalaureate, which is an international organization that aims to develop students who are "inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people" and who are motivated to succeed. A unique aspect of IB is is their goal of developing "students who will build a better world through intercultural understanding and respect" (IB Mission). IB is a holistic program that does not only focuses on academics, but believes students should be engaged in their school and the global community.
Students learn to problem solve, think and work independently, consider local and global context, and ask challenging questions. They also 'learn how to learn'. An IB education is about more than marks: it is about using your strengths, improving areas of struggle, looking at things from a new perspective, and giving back to the community. IB supports the idea that learning should take place in all areas of a student's life, not just in the classroom.
The IB Learner Profile
IB students are expected to strive to improve in many areas of their life. The goal is for students to be:
- Inquirers
- Knowledgeable
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Principled
- Open-minded
- Caring
- Risk-takers
- Balanced
- Reflective
For more information about the IB Organization, visit the IBO website.
More Information
Try our FAQ page or contact us by email.
Diploma Programme - paminhas@cbe.ab.ca
Career-Related Programme - tllock@cbe.ab.ca
