A change in the way Nipissing recognizes the achievements of students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program, like the one at Chippewa Secondary School, is helping those students reach ahead with their post-secondary education.

There are certain criteria, but under an updated policy at Nipissing, students who complete the IB diploma at an IB World School will be receive the equivalent of one full year of university credits.

Chippewa has been an accredited IB World School for four years now.

Officials say the IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognized as representing one of the highest standards in university preparatory education.

“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” says Dr. Arja Vainio-Mattila, Provost, VP Academic and Research, Nipissing University.

“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,” says Kim Larivee, IB Coordinator, Chippewa Secondary School.

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.

Students enrolled in the program at Chippewa 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 through participating in lectures and department tours.

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 6th at 6:30 pm, 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 13th at 6:30 pm.

Filed under: chippewa-secondary-school, international-baccalaureatte-world-school, nipissing-university