Welcome To The ISP, ALP and IB Information Website
Halton offers two enrichment programs called the International Studies Preparation (ISP) and International Baccalaureate (IB). Students in the grades 9 and 10 ISP program receive special enrichment classes in 6 groups of the Diploma Program (English, Science, Geography, History, Math and French), as well as complete three requirements of the hexagonal core - the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Action and Service (see the IB Hexagon above). These classes are designed to help student prepare for the challenging, yet rewarding experience of the IB program. The IB is a multi-disciplinary program that is recognized nationally and Internationally as one of the top university preparation program. Students who successfully complete the IB program often receive university credits or gain direct entry into second year university.
The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP)
The Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) is White Oaks Secondary School’s pre-IB program. It is a two-year program designed to meet the challenges of the IBDP. The overarching purposes of the ALP are to:
• prepare students for the academic rigour of the DP
• help students hone their inter-personal skills required for success in the DP.
As such, students enrolled in the ALP will receive a time-table which will prepare them for the demands, both academically and personally, of the DP. It will also allow for successful timetabling of DP courses which will also meet graduation requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Successful ALP students :
|
|
· are naturally curious
|
· demonstrate integrity, honesty, fairness
|
|
· enjoy learning
|
· are caring, empathetic, and compassionate
|
|
· think critically and creatively
|
· are open-minded, well-balanced and reflective individuals
|
|
· express ideas and information confidently
|
· demonstrate consistent and perseverant work habits
|
|
· explore second languages
|
· take risks
|
• What are the advantages of graduating with an IB Diploma?
IB World Schools must undergo a rigorous authorization process in order to offer an IB program. Its curriculum is recognized all over the world and IB standards and focus is universal across all IB World schools. As a result, an IB Diploma graduate often receives a higher level of university acceptance, not to mention greater scholarship potential. An IB Diploma holder may also receive credit for courses in first year university.
The curriculum and pedagogy of the IB focus on international perspectives of learning and teaching, while insisting that students fully explore their home culture and language. Therefore, students will learn to live in ‘global’ society because of the emphasis on the international aspect of the program.
IB students will learn to hone their time-management skills, application skills, critical-thinking, organizational skills, communication skills, problem-solving skills, and research skills while in the program. Moreover, the core elements of the Diploma program encourages students to take on an active role in their community while participating in creative and service-oriented activities, while reflecting on a personal and academic level.
• What is the application process for the ALP?
The ALP requires an interested student to complete an ALP application package, downloadable from your school's website.
All applications will be considered. We hope to contact applicants accepted into the program between six and eight weeks of the deadline of application.
Note that acceptance into the ALP does not guarantee acceptance into the IB program Student performance will be monitored throughout enrolment ALP, and recommendations into the IB program will be made at the end of the ALP.
• Is there an application process for the IBDP?
During their ALP years, students will be monitored on their academic skills, participation in the school community, and their learning skills. At the end of the ALP, if successful, students will then be recommended to enrol in the IB program.
• I’m only interested in taking some subjects in the Diploma Program. Is that possible?
We currently do not offer Certificates at White Oaks; students are not allowed to only take some IB subjects. We encourage students to take the full Diploma Program since it allows students to develop skills in all areas instead of focusing on just one or a few. It also allows students to appreciate the concurrency of learning by making connections between IB courses.
Program Locations