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At Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, the International Baccalaureate is more than a programme. It is an ethos that shapes how students grow. Through structured inquiry, conceptual learning and intentional skill development, students learn to think deeply, communicate clearly and reflect on who they are becoming, not only what they achieve.
Offered alongside the Alberta Programs of Study, the IB continuum from Kindergarten to Grade 12 builds academic rigour, cross-cultural understanding and principled leadership.
STS was among the pioneers of IB education in Alberta, and decades of experience inform how we teach and how students learn.
The IB is not an add-on here. It is woven into the fabric of our School.
Students think globally while staying rooted in a close-knit Alberta school community, with learning that is recognized around the world.
With intentional application of IB at every grade level, students experience healthy challenges and grow ready for their life beyond STS.
Whether they are learning, leading, or competing, students are guided to act with respect, empathy, and integrity in the community and beyond.
Founded in Geneva in 1968, the International Baccalaureate is one of the world’s most respected educational frameworks, present in 160 countries and more than 5,700 schools. Its mission is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help build a more peaceful and interconnected world. At STS, that mission is the lived experience of every student, every day.
The IB’s three programmes — the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) — form a continuum from Kindergarten to Grade 12, building academic excellence and genuine global citizenship at every stage.
For families who travel internationally or may relocate, IB accreditation means a child’s education is recognized and transferable at accredited schools worldwide.
Embedded in all MYP subject groups, the following skills form the basis for independent learning and skill development, and equip students with the ability to learn effectively.
Grade 10 students undertake an independent research study called the ‘Personal Project,’ which serves as the culminating IB MYP experience. The final written or oral report undergoes assessment by an STS Teacher Advisor and, in some cases, an external IB examiner to maintain a globally consistent and high academic standard.
Each IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP) is designed for a specific stage of development, yet all are unified by four core principles that guide teaching and learning at STS.
Students develop an understanding of different perspectives and cultures, and learn to see themselves as part of a global community.
Each IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP) is designed for a specific stage of development, yet all are unified by four core principles that guide teaching and learning at STS.
A set of attributes that guide student development, including being inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and principled individuals.
Each IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP) is designed for a specific stage of development, yet all are unified by four core principles that guide teaching and learning at STS.
Learning is structured around big ideas and meaningful connections across subjects, supporting depth of understanding and real-world application.
Each IB programme (PYP, MYP, DP) is designed for a specific stage of development, yet all are unified by four core principles that guide teaching and learning at STS.
Research-based teaching practices and transferable skills that support how students learn, including thinking, communication, and self-management.
Follow the links below to learn more about the PYP, MYP, and DP, and how each programme supports your child’s development and future goals.
The IB Learner Profile defines the habits of mind and character developed throughout an STS education. These attributes shape how students think, collaborate, lead, and contribute, now and in the years ahead.
Nurturing curiosity, developing inquiry, and research skills.
Developing deep conceptual understanding across disciplines.
Applying critical and creative thinking to complex challenges.
Expressing ideas with clarity, confidence, and respect.
Acting with integrity, accountability, and strong moral courage.
Engaging diverse perspectives with empathy and global awareness.
Demonstrating compassion, service, and responsibility to others.
Approaching uncertainty with determination, independently and together.
Evaluating experiences to grow with intention and humility.
Sustaining well-being across academics, activities, and life.
Explore real stories that bring IB teaching, learning, and growth into focus.
The IB Diploma Programme is widely recognized by universities in Canada and around the world for its academic rigour and emphasis on independent thinking. At STS, students develop advanced research skills, critical analysis, strong writing and effective time management — all essential for success beyond high school.
While no programme can guarantee admission, IB students are often well prepared for the expectations of university learning. Many institutions recognize IB coursework for its depth and, in some cases, may offer advanced standing or course credit.
Students at STS engage with the IB framework throughout the Primary Years (PYP) and Middle Years (MYP), alongside the Alberta Programs of Study. In Grades 11 and 12, students may choose to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme or individual IB courses, depending on their goals and interests.
This flexibility allows students to benefit from the IB philosophy and skill development while selecting a pathway that aligns with their strengths and post-secondary plans.
The IB Programme is academically rigorous and intentionally designed to challenge students. It emphasizes conceptual understanding, interdisciplinary thinking and independent research. At STS, students are supported as they build the skills required to manage increasing expectations. Through structured teaching, mentorship and strong relationships with faculty, students learn to balance challenge with well-being. The goal is not simply performance, but growth — developing confidence, resilience and the ability to think deeply and independently.
STS delivers the Alberta Programs of Study while integrating the IB framework from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This means students meet all provincial graduation requirements while also benefiting from the global perspective, conceptual depth and skill development embedded in IB. The result is an education that satisfies provincial standards while extending beyond them in scope and approach.
Students who are open to growth tend to flourish in an IB environment. Some arrive naturally curious and reflective; others develop those qualities over time. Success in IB is less about innate ability and more about willingness to engage, ask questions, manage responsibilities and learn from feedback. At STS, the IB framework is designed to cultivate these skills progressively, ensuring students are both challenged and supported.
Well-being is intentionally embedded in IB philosophy. The Learner Profile emphasizes balance, reflection and principled action. Students are encouraged to pursue academics alongside athletics, arts, service and leadership. At STS, small class sizes and strong faculty relationships ensure students are known and supported. Rigour and care go hand in hand.
STS offers the IB continuum on a single campus, creating consistency in philosophy and approach from the earliest years through graduation. Decades of experience, dedicated faculty and an integrated approach to teaching mean the IB at STS is not an add-on — it shapes how we design learning across the School. Combined with our unique country campus, Outdoor Education programming and strong sense of community, the IB at STS is both academically rigorous and distinctly rooted in place.