Diploma Programme (DP)

Rigorous Programme. Exceptional Support. Remarkable Results.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is one of the most respected pre-university curricula in the world, and at STS, students don’t just complete it. They excel.
Offered in Grades 11 and 12, the IB DP challenges students to think critically, research independently, and engage with ideas that go far beyond memorization. It’s a two-year commitment that builds the kind of thinkers, writers, and problem-solvers universities are looking for.

What makes STS different? Our highly trained, knowledgeable faculty. Our small class sizes. And a culture where ambitious students are genuinely supported at every step.

The IB Core: Learning Beyond the Classroom

At the heart of the IB Diploma are three core elements that shape how students think, research, and engage with the world.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

How do you know what you know? TOK is a two-year philosophical exploration of knowledge itself, what counts as evidence, whose perspectives shape understanding, and how different fields of inquiry approach truth. Students develop and defend their own ideas in a 1,600-word essay, which is assessed by the IB. It’s one of the most intellectually distinctive elements of the programme, and it changes how students think about everything they study.

Extended Essay (EE)

The EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student’s own choosing, related to one of their IB subjects, or pursued as an interdisciplinary World Studies essay. Over two years, students learn to ask meaningful research questions, develop a sustained argument, and produce university-level academic writing. For many students, the EE becomes a defining achievement and excellent preparation for the research demands of post-secondary study.

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

CAS is the IB’s commitment to the whole student. Through a portfolio of extracurricular pursuits, creative projects, physical activity, and meaningful service to the community, students develop initiative, resilience, collaboration, and self-awareness. CAS isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about growing beyond the classroom in ways that matter.

Subject Offerings

Why Families Choose STS for the IB Diploma Programme

Faculty Who Know the IB — and Know Your Student
Our teachers are trained in IB pedagogy and experienced in guiding students through its demands. In small classes, they know each student well — their strengths, their goals, and where they need support to succeed.

Guided from Start to Finish
From course selection in Grade 10 through final exams in Grade 12, students are supported every step of the way. Faculty advisors, dedicated TOK instruction, and integrated post-secondary guidance ensure no one navigates the programme alone.

Alberta and IB — Both, Not Either
Students meet Alberta Education and IB requirements simultaneously, graduating with both credentials. Division Heads and teachers coordinate timelines and assessments so students are set up for success across both programmes.

Flexible Pathways, No Dead Ends
Students can adjust course levels or pursue the full Diploma or individual IB courses as their goals evolve. The focus is always on finding the right path and the best outcome for each student.

Results That Reflect the Experience

Across key measures — including final averages, mean subject grades, and diploma pass rates — STS students consistently outperform global IB averages. In 2025, every IB Diploma candidate at STS earned their Diploma, achieving a 100% pass rate compared to a world average of 81%.

Frequently Asked Questions

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