We are advocating for a more equitable solution to reforming the Upper Grand District School Board's International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.  We believe that the IB preparatory program (grades 9 & 10) should continue at GCVI beyond 2026  and are calling on the Board to explore sustainable solutions for improving program access for students in Wellington and Dufferin Counties.

On June 4th, 2024, Peter Sovran, Director of Education/CEO of UGDSB, presented the Refresh of International Baccalaureate (IB) Report to the Board's Policy and Priorities Committee which included the recommendation that:

"THAT the IB Diploma Program at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI) continue, with admissions starting in Grade 11 from September 2026; and,
"THAT the staff explore the expansion of the IB Diploma Program to County of Dufferin and North Wellington."

What this report doesn't specify is that in starting the IB Program in Grade 11, the Board would be cutting or removing the IB preparatory program for Grades 9 and 10.  The IB preparatory program is currently offered to Grade 9 and 10 students and helps to prepare and facilitate their transition into the Grade 11 program. 

At a time when students across Ontario are still suffering from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, ending supportive educational enrichment programs is counterintuitive.  This move will only deepen already-existing equity and accessibility issues within our region, with families in the financial position to seek private educational support doing so, and those not in this position, being left further behind.  

We are calling on the UGDSB to broaden community consultation on this issue, and identify equitable solutions for addressing the accessibility gaps in the IB Program.