Toronto IB Workshop - DP Film

Category 1 & 2 — Combined

For teachers at any stage of their IB DP Film experience who want to develop their practice within a collaborative, mixed-experience setting.

• This workshop brings together teachers new to IB DP Film and those with existing experience, with content differentiated to ensure appropriate support and challenge for all participants.
• You will engage directly with the subject guide, assessment criteria, and student work across all components, including the Textual Analysis, Comparative Study, Film Portfolio, and Collaborative Film Project, developing strategies for effective course design and delivery.
• You will leave with practical strategies for effective course design, delivery, and assessment, whatever your starting point.

Note: All participants register for the Combined Category and receive an IB Combined Category 1 & 2 certificate.

Category 3 — Practical Film Production

For film and media educators who want to deepen their practical filmmaking expertise and strengthen how they support students in creating and assessing film work.

• This workshop focuses on the creative and technical processes that underpin strong student film work, engaging with filmmaking from concept through to final output across roles such as directing, cinematography, editing, and sound.
• You will develop strategies to guide students in shaping meaning on screen, strengthening connections between practical production and assessment, particularly in relation to the Film Portfolio and Collaborative Film Project.
• You will leave with practical tools, refined approaches to feedback and assessment, and strategies to support students in creating confident, creative, and assessment-ready film work.

Not sure which Category is right for you? Download our Category Selection Guide to help you choose the workshop that best matches your experience and professional development goals.

ISTA works with IB-approved workshop leaders who bring deep expertise in both film education and the DP Film course. All of our workshop leaders are experienced DP Film educators with active backgrounds in filmmaking, curriculum design, and artistic practice.

They are skilled facilitators who understand the realities of teaching film in IB schools, and are committed to making professional learning practical, relevant, and genuinely inspiring

Each of our workshops includes a focused, practice-based session led by a professional film practitioner, designed to extend your creative practice, technical skills, and perspective as an educator within the IB DP Film course. Rooted in areas such as directing, cinematography, editing, or sound, these sessions emphasise transferable approaches, creative processes, and practical strategies that deepen understanding through making.

Working practically and collaboratively, you will engage in guided exploration, short production tasks, and reflective discussion. You will leave with practical ideas, adaptable strategies, and new approaches that can be applied directly to your teaching and to the demands of the DP Film course.

All IB workshop bookings are made via your ISTA website account. To complete your booking:

1. Provide your participant and school details, including name, contact information, dietary or accessibility needs, and whether you hold an ISTA membership
2. Select your workshop category and share a brief overview of your IB teaching experience
3. Confirm your agreement to ISTA's Terms and Conditions, including media consent and account creation

Once submitted, your booking confirmation will appear in the profile of the person who completed the registration. Please note: if a colleague booked on your behalf, the confirmation may sit under their account.

If you requested an invoice, it has been sent to the email address provided at the time of booking. Your place is reserved, subject to payment in line with our booking terms.

Please note: Registrations close 7 days before the event start date.

IMPORTANT: Participants attending combined workshops must register for Category 1 & 2 (Combined) via the ISTA website. All participants will be certified under this category, and certificates will state Category 1 & 2 (Combined).

Please note the following before completing your booking:

• Once booked and invoiced, registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable in accordance with our event terms and conditions
• Late registrants will not be able to order a t-shirt
• You're welcome to book up until 19 February 2027. However, if you book after 5 February 2027 we can't guarantee a hard copy of the teacher workbook, though we'll do everything we can to provide a suitable alternative.

Workshop Schedule

• Start: 9:00am on Friday 26 February 2027
• End: 12:30pm on Sunday 28 February 2027

Days 1 and 2 run from 9:00am to 5:00pm, with a full programme of collaborative sessions, practical exploration, and reflective learning. Day 3 runs from 9:00am to 12:30 pm, focusing on assessment, reflection, and next steps before the event closes.

Please note: The IB requires participants to attend all sessions on all days in order to receive their certificate of completion. If you have an unavoidable scheduling conflict, please contact the Event Manager before the workshop starts.

Click here to take a look at a sample workshop schedule to get a feel for how the three days are structured.

IMPORTANT: Participants must attend ALL workshop sessions in their entirety in order to receive IB Certificate of completion. Please plan your trip accordingly.

Accommodation

All participants are responsible for booking their own accommodation in Toronto for the duration of the workshops. ISTA recommends a 3-night stay, with check-in on Thursday 25 February and check-out on Sunday 28 February.

Arrival: Participants should plan to arrive in Toronto by the evening of Thursday 25 February 2027.

Departure: Participants should not plan to leave the venue before 12:30pm on Sunday 28 February 2027.

Local Transportation

Participants will be responsible for arranging their own local transportation for this event. Please book travel accordingly and allow for ample time to travel to and from the airport or train station.

Recommended Travel Routes

Airports:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) — approximately 30 minutes by taxi to the venue
• Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) — approximately 20 minutes by taxi to the venue

By Train: Participants arriving by train will arrive at Toronto Union Station, approximately 20 minutes by taxi or 25 minutes by public transportation to the venue.

Local Transportation

All participants — including both visiting and local attendees — are responsible for arranging their own transport within Toronto.

Directions to the Venue

By public transit:

• Nearest bus stop: Yonge Street at Woodlawn Ave East (Stop ID 1069) — 1 minute walk to venue
• Nearest Underground Station: St Clair on Line 1 (Yonge-University) or Summerhill on Line 1 — 5 minute walk to venue

By taxi or rideshare: pull into the laneway immediately south of the school. If parking, there are several paid parking lots just off Yonge Street north of the school.

Visa Requirements

It is the responsibility of participants/schools to ensure they have the necessary visas. Visa applications can take time, so we strongly recommend starting the process as soon as possible.

Please check the Canada e-Visa portal for required travel authorisation for individuals entering Canada:

If you require assistance or supporting documentation for your visa application, please contact the Event Manager well in advance.

Important Communication Information

ISTA business days are Monday to Friday, and we aim to respond to all emails within three business days.

ISTA staff do not monitor emails on weekends (Saturday & Sunday) or public holidays. If a staff member is working at an event, response times may be longer than usual.

The event fees include tea and coffee breaks each day, and lunch on Days 1 and 2.

Participants should bring:

• Current IB DP Film Subject Guide (ask your IB Coordinator if you do not have one)
• Laptop (with charger) or notebook and pen for note-taking
• A device capable of capturing video and audio, such as a phone, iPad, or small camera (please do not bring additional equipment)

Please note: ISTA and the host venue are not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.

All registered participants will receive an E-Programme approximately two weeks before the workshop.

This digital guide includes:

• Workshop venue details, full schedule, and timings
• Facilitator and artist biographies
• Key information to help you prepare and make the most of your ISTA learning experience

At the workshop, you will receive a printed teacher workbook to use during sessions and for future reference, along with access to workshop resources.