What is the IBT program?
IBT is a Regional Choice Learning Program developed by the Peel District School Board. This program provides enhancements of the regular curriculum that includes special attention to business and technology. The International Business and Technology Program is offered at two schools in the Board, and students must apply. There are limited spots available in this program.
Where/How do I apply?
When the application window opens, the Peel Regional Choice Learning Program website will have a link to its application website. Applications for all RCLPs are completed and submitted online using this tool and are forwarded to the individual schools for consideration. The RCLP website (which will contain the link to their application page during the application window) is located here: https://www.peelschools.org/secondary-regional-learning-choice-programs
When do I apply for the IBT program?
For the 2023-24 school year, applications open on November 14th, 2022 and close at 3pm on November 30th, 2022. Only current grade 8 students may apply for the program.
How do the Boundaries work?
There are two schools in Peel that offer the IBT program: Meadowvale S.S. and North Park S.S. You can only apply to the school in the boundary you live in. If you live in the Meadowvale SS boundary, and you are accepted into the IBT program, you must attend our school. However, if you move out of the Meadowvale boundary, and there is an IBT school in your new boundary with a space available, you may be able to transfer. There is no guarantee. You may not transfer IBT schools to another school in a boundary where you do not currently reside. There is no IBT program outside of the Peel District School Board.
Use the Board’s “School Finder” tool by clicking on the link below, selecting “+Advanced Search”, and then selecting “International Business and Technology Secondary”. Then type in your home address.
https://www.peelschools.org/school-finder
Use the Board’s “School Finder” tool by clicking on the link below, selecting “+Advanced Search”, and then selecting “International Business and Technology Secondary”. Then type in your home address.
https://www.peelschools.org/school-finder
Can I apply to IBT if I am not a Peel student?
You are able to apply if you are not currently a Peel student. You must be currently in grade 8. Spots will first be given to applicants within Peel. If there are still spots remaining after the rounds process, these spots can be given to those students outside of Peel.
Please note * Busing will not be provided*
Please note * Busing will not be provided*
What are the requirements for acceptance into the IBT program?
The application for IBT includes three main components. Student’s final marks (grade 7), students learning skills (grade 7, and first term grade 8) and a written reflection component. There is no other test or performance for admission to IBT. A student's final marks and learning skills must meet or exceed the Provincial standards (G or E, and Level 3 or Level 4). The system awards points for academics and learning skills. Points are also awarded for the written component. A student should reflect on what they learned from the things they have done and how they will contribute to our school and community if accepted into the program. If a student meets the minimum points required, they are then entered into a lottery system. If chosen, they will receive an offer to the IBT program during the first round. If a student does not receive an offer during the first round, they may still have an opportunity to get into the program during the second and third rounds. This is because often students apply to multiple regional programs. Students can only accept ONE offer. This in turn, opens up spots for other students, who also met the requirements but may not have been in the first round of the lottery.
How will the school receive my child’s marks and learning skills?
If your child attends a Peel School, their marks and learning skills will automatically upload into the system. If your child attends a private school, or a school outside of the province, a copy of the report card will need to be provided to the school, prior to the application deadline. Report can be scanned and emailed to [email protected]
With enrollment to this program, does that make student's day longer or cut down on some other high school subjects to divert more time towards this program?
An IBT student has the same length of day and roughly the same amount of homework as other students. Students are required to take business or technology in grade 9 and 10 as well as French in grade 9 and 10. They are also required to take 4 grade 11/12 business and/or technology focussed courses.
I am planning on moving into the Meadowvale area if my child gets accepted into the IBT program. How good are the chances of being accepted in this situation?
You must live within the IBT catchment area for Meadowvale in order to apply. If you have already purchased a place in the area and just haven’t moved yet, proof of address is required in order to apply. Chances of getting into the lottery are the same as any other student at this point.
If I wasn’t part of an IBT program in middle school, is it possible to participate in IBT in high school?
Yes. It is not required that you previously be enrolled in an IBT program in middle school. Being enrolled in an IBT program in middle school does not guarantee a spot in the secondary program.
Can my grade 7 child apply to the program?
No. Only current grade 8 students can apply to the IBT program.
I want to apply for IBT, but I missed the deadline. What do I do?
Unfortunately, if you have missed the application deadline of November 30th @3pm, you are no longer able to apply to the IBT program.
How much does it cost to apply to the IBT program?
The application fee is $40. This fee is paid at the time of applying to the program and is non-refundable. If you have concerns regarding the ability to pay for the application fee please reach out to the school administration.
What are the annual fees?
The annual fees for IBT are $200. The grade 9 fees are paid upon acceptance of an offer. Grades 10-12 pay prior to the start of each school year. In addition, each IBT student needs a personal laptop for the duration of the program. This should be factored into your consideration of the costs of the program. If you have concerns about the laptop or annual fees, please speak to administration.
How are the annual fees used?
The majority of the fees collected go towards enhancements and hands on experiential learning for our IBT students. This includes field trips, conferences and guest speakers. In addition, some of the funds are used to purchase program resources and materials. Student program merchandise such as shirts, water bottles etc. also come out of these funds. In some cases, additional fees will apply to more expensive field trips and experiences.
How many spots do you offer for IBT students?
Meadowvale has 87 spots in our IBT program.
What are the curricular requirements for IBT?
In grades 9 and 10, IBT students are cohorted into IBT specific classes. Within these classes students will complete an enhanced version of the curriculum based on technology and these classes will have an emphasis on the business and international components. In grades 11 and 12, IBT students must complete a total of 4 senior IBT credits. These classes will not be cohorted, but rather will include alternative options for IBT students. This is to allow as many pathway options as possible. Please refer to the Requirements page for the list of required courses.
Do post secondary institutions recognize IBT?
The IBT program is not formally recognized by post secondary institutions as it is a Board specific program, rather than provincial. The skills and experiences acquired throughout the IBT program, can provide additional support when applying to post secondary institutions.
Specific Questions regarding the application process
Please visit the Peel Regional Program Application FAQ’s at: https://www.peelschools.org/secondary/programs/sec-rlcp/Pages/default.aspx
Are students required to have their own technology?
IBT students are required to have their own personal laptop to use at school and home. Subject specific technology e.g. 3D printers will be available for use in their classrooms. An Ipad or Chromebook generally do not have the program capabilities required for the IBT program.
I live far from the school. Is busing provided?
Transportation is not provided for IBT students. Students will have to make their own way to the school. Many of our students, who do not live within walking distance, take public transportation, or carpool with other IBT students who live near them.
Do students need to be vaccinated to be part of IBT?
Vaccinations for IBT students are not required at this time, however positions may change in this ever-evolving situation. Some venues that may be accessed might require all entrants to be vaccinated. If field trips become impossible due to a resurgence in COVID 19 numbers, IBT students will still have access to new technology at Meadowvale, guest speakers, and virtual field trips (ex. a virtual tour of Amazon). Also, there are connections to international business and technology made to the curriculum in the core courses you are taking.
Where can I go to get additional Information?
Board Regional Programs Website:
https://www.peelschools.org/secondary/programs/sec-rlcp/Pages/default.aspx
Meadowvale School Website:
https://schools.peelschools.org/sec/meadowvale/Pages/default.aspx
Meadowvale IBT Website:
http://www.meadowvaleibt.ca/