IB Diploma Programme Systems Transformation Pathway |
An integrated approach to systems thinking and real-world application
UCC is among four IB schools globally selected to offer a new pathway for senior students — a unique and exciting learning opportunity that represents a shift in IB Diploma Programme offerings towards a more flexible model with more real-world learning and greater student agency.
This innovative pathway underscores UCC's commitment to advancing learning methods for the emerging needs of a changing world, providing students with the knowledge, skills and mindsets crucial for navigating the complex global challenges of our time.
The cornerstone of this pathway is the new Systems Transformation: Innovation for a Better World course, developed by UCC in partnership with the IB. This innovative course is designed to appeal to students looking for challenging and authentic project-based experiences in their learning journey. Students will gain knowledge of the major social, environmental and economic challenges of our time as well as the technical skills and confidence to build, test and iterate a prototype solution aimed at solving some aspect of those issues.
Through this transdisciplinary and action-oriented course, students learn and apply systems thinking, design thinking and digital innovation skills to understand and develop ethical solutions to challenges at the complex and contested intersection of pluralism, wellbeing and sustainability. This requires students to be creative and empathetic, and to consider the ethics of their actions. It also requires them to integrate perspectives, methods and approaches from multiple disciplines to produce solutions that may not have been foreseen through the lens of a single discipline.
The IB DP Systems Transformation Pathway includes:
- UCC's DP Core course (Theory of Knowledge (TOK); Extended Essay (EE); Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)); the Systems Transformation: Innovation for a Better World course, which meets the requirements for two standard level (SL) IB DP courses; one additional SL course; plus three higher level (HL) courses with increased selection flexibility across subject groups
- At least one but no more than two courses in Language and Literature (Group 1) and Language Acquisition (Group 2)
- At least one course from the Sciences (Group 4) and Mathematics (Group 5)
- No more than two courses from any one subject group
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Graduates of this pathway earn both the IB Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
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Frequently Asked Questions
| Who should take the IB DP Systems Transformation Pathway? |
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All UCC Year 10 students will consult with the UCC University Counseling Office on their graduation pathway options, as part of the application process. As part of these consultations, students may consider whether this pathway is right for them and make an application. This pathway may be ideal for students who are: Interested in making the world a better place through social innovation, business and entrepreneurship, and opportunities to initiate change and develop leadership skills Looking to balance and broaden their assessment experiences and enjoy collaborative, real-world focused learning, tackling authentic problems Interested in science, medicine, engineering, technology with a desire to continue with a design focus and deeper pursuit of sciences and maths Interested in the social sciences, law, global politics, international development with a desire to continue with a focus on social justice and action Interested in languages, literature, communications, journalism and the arts with a desire to continue with a focus on the power of the arts and media in supporting community and wellbeing Want more flexibility in their subject options, beyond the traditional IB Diploma requirements. |
| How do students apply? |
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Year 10 students entering Year 11 in September 2025 and after may submit an application outlining their interest in the IB DP Systems Transformation Pathway. Specific elements of the application will be noted at our information sessions this fall. Applications will require sign-off from the University Counselling Office and parents/guardians. A selection committee will review all applications and select up to 24 students to participate in this pathway beginning in the 2025–26 academic year. |
Thank You to Our Founding Supporters
- The Brian and Joannah Lawson Family Foundation
- Justin Madhany and Robert D'Andrea
- The Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation
- The Wright Foundation
Course Development Team
A talented, multidisciplinary group of UCC educators is working closely with the IB to develop the Systems Transformation: Innovation for a Better World course and the additional experiences included as a part of the pathway that will contribute to transformational learning for students.
Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee brings industry leadership and educational insight to the design and implementation of the IB DP Systems Transformation Pathway, with the goal of maximizing transformational learning and impact of the program.
