At CDNIS, students benefit from a dual-diploma pathway that combines the academic rigour of the IB Diploma with the flexibility and global recognition of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Authorised by the Ontario Ministry of Education, the OSSD provides a rigorous academic structure that supports skill development, critical thinking, and strong learning habits.
What makes the CDNIS experience unique is that the OSSD is delivered alongside the IB programmes. All students in Grades 9–10 are fully enrolled in the Middle Years Programme, and those in Grades 11–12 complete the Diploma Programme. Together, these pathways form a distinctive dual‑diploma model, giving CDNIS graduates exceptional breadth, academic versatility and unparalleled access to universities worldwide.
CDNIS also offers comprehensive information on our IB Programmes. Families can explore these programmes separately to gain a deeper understanding of the learning pathways and experiences that shape each student’s journey.
What is the OSSD?
The OSSD is the official secondary school qualification for the province of Ontario, Canada. It is recognised by universities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and beyond. To earn the OSSD, students complete:
- 30 credits, including 17 compulsory credits in courses such as English, mathematics, sciences, arts, Canadian history and geography, technology, health & physical education, civics, careers and STEM-related courses
- 13 optional credits
- 40 hours of community involvement activities
- The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
- The financial literacy graduation requirement
- Ongoing course-based assessments
Unlike exam‑only systems, the OSSD emphasises continuous assessment, including projects, assignments and presentations, which mirrors university expectations more closely than exam‑heavy systems like A‑Levels or IGCSEs.
How CDNIS Delivers the OSSD With the IB
Grades 9-10: MYP + OSSD Credits
Students complete the final two years of the Middle Years Programme while simultaneously earning their first OSSD credits. The continuous assessment approach of the OSSD complements the inquiry‑driven, conceptual learning of the MYP.
Grades 11-12: DP + OSSD Completion
All students begin Grade 11 fully enrolled in the Diploma Programme, supported by subject specialists, the DP Core (EE, TOK, CAS) and dedicated university counsellors. While completing the DP, students also meet the remaining OSSD requirements. Universities value both the externally assessed IB results and the ongoing evidence of achievement provided through OSSD coursework.
This means CDNIS students can graduate with two diplomas - the IB Diploma and the OSSD without doubling their workload. The frameworks align naturally, and curriculum design ensures assessments serve both requirements efficiently.
Why This Dual-Diploma Model Works So Well
Two Assessment Styles = Stronger University Applications
OSSD coursework provides steady academic evidence, while the DP offers externally moderated results. Together, they give universities a richer, more complete picture of a student’s ability. Some institutions even prefer the ongoing assessment record provided by the OSSD when reviewing applications.
Flexibility + Rigour
The OSSD’s flexible, skill-based structure supports students’ development across research, communication, collaboration and critical thinking - skills demanded by global universities and employers. The IB adds academic depth, intellectual challenge and international-mindedness.
Outstanding Global Recognition
OSSD graduates receive preferential admissions pathways at Canadian universities and can use OSSD English results for applications in Hong Kong, Singapore, the US and the UK without additional tests like IELTS in many cases.
A Natural Fit With Inquiry-Based Learning
The OSSD’s emphasis on continuous assessment, project-based work and transferable skills supports the IB ethos of inquiry, reflection and action. This alignment is one of the reasons the two programmes can run concurrently so effectively.
A CDNIS Advantage: Continuum IB + OSSD
Where many international schools offer either IB or OSSD, CDNIS offers both within a coherent structure from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Our curriculum design, student support systems and teacher training ensure that students experience a purposeful, integrated pathway - not two separate programmes stitched together.
What Sets the Dual-Diploma at CDNIS Apart
A True Dual-Diploma Experience
CDNIS is the only school outside of Canada where every student can complete both the IB DP and the OSSD, giving them a competitive edge in post-secondary admissions.
Ontario Ministry Recognition and Annual Inspection
CDNIS undergoes annual Ministry of Education inspections to verify curriculum delivery, academic standards and credit integrity – ensuring students receive an OSSD identical in value to one earned in Ontario, Canada.
Enhanced University Counselling
Dedicated university counsellors guide every student through OSSD and IB requirements, ensuring they understand how to leverage both diplomas for their chosen pathways.
Greater Access to Selective Universities
The combination of ongoing OSSD course results plus the rigour of the IB DP appeals to institutions requiring detailed, term‑by‑term performance reports - especially competitive programmes in Canada, the US and the UK.
A Balanced Approach to Learning
The OSSD’s moderate stress profile and flexible pathways pair well with the IB’s high academic challenge, promoting both excellence and well-being.