IB Newsletter - Alexander Mackenzie High School November 2025
Dear Parents/Guardians:
I hope you are doing well. In this newsletter, you will find important updates and information about our IB Programme at Alexander Mackenzie High School (AMHS).
IB Information Night 2025
Our IB Information Night took place on October 16th, and both the cafeteria and library were filled with enthusiastic families interested in learning about our program. Key details about the application process were shared that evening.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to all the teachers and staff who volunteered their time and helped make this event such a success!
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(IB info night 2025)AMHS is proud to be the only school in York Region that offers both a specialized Arts program and the IB Programme. Each program has its own unique application process.
 | AMHS is proud to be the only school in York Region that offers both a specialized Arts program and the IB Programme. Each program has its own unique application process. |
Internal Assessments (IA)
An IB Internal Assessment (IA) is a required coursework component for most IB courses. It is graded by the student’s teacher and then moderated externally by the IB to ensure consistency.
These personalized assignments—which can take the form of essays, projects, scientific investigations, or oral presentations—allow students to apply their learning, explore topics of personal interest, and develop essential research and analytical skills. The IA typically contributes 20–30% toward a student’s final grade in that subject.
- DP1 students will work on IAs in Mathematics and in Physics, Biology, or Music during this school year. Departments will coordinate timelines to ensure that students’ workloads remain balanced.
- DP2 students will continue to work on IAs in History, English, French, and Chemistry.
CAS Lunch and Learn
On October 23, a CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) “Lunch and Learn” session was held for DP1 students. Our CAS Coordinator and Head of Guidance, Mr. Daides, introduced students to the CAS requirements and shared helpful tips on how to meet them effectively.
CAS provides students with structured opportunities to develop leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills—competencies that are just as vital as academic excellence for success in post-secondary education.
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Introduction to the Diploma Programme and Alumni Sharing
On October 30, the IB Council met with DP1 students to provide an overview of the Diploma Programme. A former IB graduate also joined the session to share insights about university life and studying Engineering, offering valuable advice and inspiration to our current students.
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Grade 12 Equivalent IB courses
As many of you know, DP1 and DP2 students write IB exams each May.
- DP1 students will complete Mathematics SL and Physics/Biology SL exams in May, with each subject exam spread over two days.
In our program model, by the end of Grade 11 (DP1), students will have earned three Grade 12–equivalent credits:
- MHF4U – Advanced Functions
- MCV4U – Calculus and Vectors
- SPH4U (or SBI4U or AMU4M) – Physics, Biology, or Music
In addition to the regular mark alignment process, final marks for these Grade 12–equivalent courses are re-aligned after IB exam results are released in July, using this conversion chart. The left column indicates the aligned report card mark, and the corresponding final level (from the IB exam) determines the final re-aligned mark for each Grade 12 credit.
Thank you for your attention and continued support of the IB Programme at AMHS. If there are any specific questions about the IB program, please contact me directly by phone or Email.
Benjamin Law (benjamin.law@yrdsb.ca)
IB Coordinator, Alexander Mackenzie High School, York Region District School Board
905-884-0554 ext 419