If you take this program, Nipissing University will recognize one year’s worth of academic credits.
Chippewa students have another reason to stay local for their post-secondary education after recent changes made by Nipissing University in how it recognizes the achievements of students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Kim Larivee, the IB Coordinator at Chippewa Secondary School says, “We are so excited about the new changes and believe that this will continue to strengthen our relationship with Nipissing University. Our continued collaboration offers students a very desirable path to success.”
Four years after Chippewa Secondary School received its accreditation as an IB World School, establishing the program for students looking to get a head start on their post-secondary education, Nipissing University has implemented a policy which provides the equivalent of one full year of university credits to students who complete the IB diploma at an IB World School.
Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila, Provost, VP Academic and Research, Nipissing University says, “These policy changes will offer another attractive reason for local students to attend Nipissing University, and gives them a head start on obtaining their post-secondary education. Beyond the great benefits for local students, these changes mean that Nipissing University provides some of the most lucrative advantages in the country for prospective IB graduates.”
The IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education. More than 1,000 colleges and universities in North America have recognition policies on how they weigh it in admissions, advanced standing, college credit and scholarships.
Chippewa’s IB program, which was accredited in 2015, is a magnet program of the Near North District School Board. Students enrolled in the program attend a retreat at Nipissing University in grade nine, meeting professors and attending workshops. In grade eleven and twelve, students have access to Nipissing University professors and library facilities, while also gaining valuable post-secondary experience by participating in lectures and department tours.
NNDSB Chair Jay Aspin says, “This is another example of how our Near North District School Board establishes and maintains programming partnerships within our community to benefit our
students. We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with Nipissing University and we look forward to future growth initiatives. The strength of this program recognized at the post-secondary level speaks to the high quality of our program. Chippewa IB scores are consistently above comparable program scores across the country. This international program offers an extensive
selection of courses which provides students with a great opportunity for post-secondary success.”
There are two upcoming information nights being held at Chippewa Secondary School for parents of students interested in exploring the IB program. The first, on February 6 at 6:30pm is for the parents of students currently enrolled in the pre-IB program in grade ten. The second information night is for parents of prospective grade nine students on February 13 at 6:30pm.