International Baccalaureate

IB is a globally recognized, academically challenging and balanced program for university-bound grade 11 & 12 students. It has earned the respect and recognition from the world's leading universities and is the fastest growing enrichment program worldwide. A combination of internal assessments, marked by the classroom teacher and external exams, marked internationally, are used to develop the final mark.

The depth of the IB extends beyond the regular curriculum and actively promotes critical thinking, independence and social awareness. The program has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities and can lead to advanced standing or credit.

IB originated in 1969 in Europe as an effort by international schools to assure quality educational standards for students, regardless of where they lived. Since that time, it has become the world leader in preparing students to be globally minded, principled leaders with a commitment to service, academic integrity and excellence.

What are the benefits?

IB graduates are recognized as the "whole package": exceptional academic preparation, work ethic, leadership and involvement. Most universities will give credit for higher level IB subjects and IB students experience greater success and higher graduation rates from post-secondary. Scores on IB assessments are also a significant predictor of performance in university. .

Does the IB Diploma prepare students for university?

A view from the flip side: Top university admission director talks IB...

Andrew Arida, associate registrar and director of student recruitment and undergraduate admissions at the University of British Columbia discusses the value of the IB in the university admissions process. View the PowerPoint: IB Students & First Year Performance UBC admissions and the benefits of the IBDP

LEAD: IB Preparation

At Chippewa, we offer a preparatory program called LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Advocacy Development) in grade 9 and 10 in order to fully equip students for grades 11 and 12. Students complete the Ontario curriculum in English, French, Science and 3 Math courses in the first two years of high school through an IB lens. This program of study covers material, more quickly, than its Ontario counterparts. The purpose is to emphasize the pace and depth of study and focus on writing and thinking skills necessary for success in the IB Diploma Program. IB style assignments and evaluation methods are introduced.

Who is suited for LEAD and IB?

LEAD is for students who love to learn and who are actively searching for opportunities to become future leaders. Key indicators:

develop excellent time management and study skills
be self-motivated, able to set priorities and meet deadlines
have the capacity to think critically, work collaboratively and independently
learn second language skills to further develop fluency and an international mindset
develop the capacity to initiate and lead service work
have a wide variety of academic interests

Admission Criteria

Students interested in the program will self-select the LEAD courses in their Course Selection process in February 2023. Once this is completed, the student will meet with a future LEAD/IB teacher to discuss the program.

Students who do not currently attend Chippewa Intermediate should complete the application form found under the "Special Programs" tab on the website. These should be submitted to kim.larivee@nearnorthschools.ca.

Transportation

Currently, students in the Grade 9 and 10 LEAD program and in the Grade 11 and 12 IB Diploma program are eligible for transportation.

Fast Facts on IB

Ontario students have the highest success rate in all of Canada, with 92% of all students achieving the IB Diploma
Worldwide, more than 1 millions students take IB courses in more than 143 countries. In Canada, we have over 130 schools now offering IB, with most in Ontario
Research at UBC shows that a student with a passing mark in the IB Diploma program performs as well as an Ontario student with 80%