At Branksome Hall, we encourage students to be open-minded and reflective, and we help them develop the confidence and leadership skills that will serve them well in life. We also aim to inspire girls to help shape a better world.
Our values and beliefs mesh perfectly with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, which we have adopted.
Branksome is a fully authorized IB World School, offering a liberal arts program that is designed to ignite a spark in each girl. We are committed to helping each student reach her full potential as she explores her own interests, builds positive relationships, and learns to understand the world around her.
Our faculty are committed to ensuring that each girl’s learning needs are understood and met, and that each student becomes a well-rounded, independent and confident graduate. Meet some of our faculty>>
From an early age, our students are thoughtful learners who seek knowledge and think critically. They are comfortable with differing points of view. In addition, they understand that our world is a complex, changing place that needs caring, compassionate and principled leaders, and they take action to make the world a better place.
Our IB programs
All students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 benefit from an IB curriculum:
JK–Grade 6 Primary Years Program (PYP)
Grades 7–10 Middle Years Program (MYP)
Grades 11–12 Diploma Program
Themes
Branksome’s three IB programs are linked by the following major themes:
- Inquiry and critical thinking
- Assessment to support learning, based on judging student work against clearly outlined criteria and the provision of regular, significant feedback
- International-mindedness and student action
- Differentiated teaching suited to all learners, whatever their learning styles and needs
We believe that a challenging liberal arts curriculum exposes our students to a variety of perspectives on human knowledge and values.
Students are encouraged to ask questions in order to become knowledgeable. They are taught the tools to become critical thinkers and effective communicators. They are expected to demonstrate care for others and the environment, as well as principled behaviour in all aspects of their lives. They are supported to achieve balance in their lives. They are also provided with opportunities to take risks and to reflect on their learning.
How girls benefit from the IB programs
The IB programs offered at Branksome Hall are designed for all students seeking an exceptional education that leads to university studies. Involvement in the IB is likely to improve a student’s performance and abilities.
Our graduates generally receive both the IB Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). They are welcomed by the top universities in North America and around the world, most with scholarships. Furthermore, our graduates leave us as confident, compassionate and well-rounded young women who are ready to make a difference in the world.
At Branksome Hall, we help our students thrive in our IB programs. Through the IB, a girl can develop her capacity to be:
- Highly motivated, well organized and willing to work hard
- Interested in doing independent inquiry, with guidance, in an area of her choice
- Ready to gain advanced standing and succeed in university
- Eager for a variety of learning opportunities
- Keen to combine academic studies with participation in athletics, creative pursuits and community service.
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
The IBO was established in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, by an international association of educators who sought to create a comprehensive curriculum with consistent assessment standards adaptable to any country. Its goal was to develop truly global citizens capable of succeeding in university programs around the world.
The roster of IB World Schools has grown to more than 3,000 institutions in 140 countries, with over 300 IB schools in Canada. Branksome Hall is the only independent girls’ school in Toronto to offer the International Baccalaureate exclusively. More about the IBO>>