Chippewa Secondary School

International Baccalaureate

What is IB?

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. For a list of all universities worldwide and their IB policy click here.​

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

ExcelleRAIDER: IB Preparation

At Chippewa, we offer a preparatory program called ExcelleRAIDER in grade 9 and 10 in order to fully equip students for grades 11 and 12. Students complete an enriched curriculum in English, French, Science and 3 Math courses in the first two years of high school. This accelerated program of study covers more material, more quickly, than academic courses. 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 ExcelleRAIDER and IB?

Academically motivated students are encouraged to apply for the ExcelleRAIDER program in Grade 8. Students who are likely to be successful will:

  • develop excellent time management and study skills
  • be self-motivated, able to set priorites 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 initate and lead service work
  • have a wide variety of academic interests

Admission Criteria

Parents interested in enrolling their child must complete the ExcelleRAIDER application including a Student Profile, Parent Profile and Teacher Recommendation. A copy of the February Grade 8 report card must also be included. A minimum overall average of 75% in English, Math, French and Science is required, with no individual subject lower than 60%. Exceptional learning skills are required. These standards apply to each successive year in the program, although students do not need to reapply each year. Depending on the number of applications received, the admission process may be more competitive.
The personal information on the application and all related application documentation is collected under the authority of the Education Act and in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will only be used for the purpose of considering applications to the ExcelleRaider and International Bacclaureate Program. Original applications, reference submissions, and other specific information regarding a student's application will not be returned to or shared with applicants or others following the selection process.

Transportation

Currently, students in the Grade 9 and 10 ExcelleRAIDER enrichment program and in the Grade 11 and 12 IB Diploma program are eligible for transportation for the 2018-2019 school year. Transportation arrangements for subsequent years will be reviewed.

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%​