Five years ago, Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute (C.I.) was authorized to deliver the International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diploma Program. In June 2010, the first class of six I.B. students graduated; and since then, I.B. student enrolment has been steadily climbing. Today, over 330 students are enrolled in the Laurier pre-I.B. and I.B. programs.
The I.B. Diploma program involves a rigorous I.B. assessment process that includes both internal and external components for each subject. Some evaluations are performed internally by I.B.-trained teachers while others are mailed oversees to be evaluated by external moderators. Final examinations are written in May and are marked externally. Results received on the final examinations are critical as they constitute more than fifty percent of the assessment for each subject. To receive their Diploma, each I.B. candidate must also complete the Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) as well as the Extended Essay components of the program.
Every year, since the program’s inception, Laurier’s I.B. Results have steadily improved. Every one of Laurier’s 45 candidates who took the I.B. examinations in May of 2012 earned their I.B. Diplomas! Proudly, Laurier students achieved averages that were higher than the corresponding world-wide averages for each subject in which Laurier’s students participated.
At Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the 39 qualified staff members take a collegial approach to running the popular program. A great deal of time, creativity and effort is invested by the Laurier administration and staff into the planning and implementation of the I.B. Diploma Program, and accordingly, staff are very proud of the quality program being delivered to students.
Laurier is currently conducting a self-study process as part of preparations for their first five-year review by the I.B. Organization. This is a great opportunity to reflect on experiences as a World I.B. School and to ensure that the integrity of the I.B. Diploma Program at Sir Wilfrid Laurier CI is maintained.
From the Laurier I.B. students:
I have found my time in the I.B. program to be very enjoyable and successful. I enjoy most the atmosphere in all of our classrooms and among our students of pure focus and drive. My greatest success so far has been my results of the May 2012 exams. I was thrilled to see that my hard work had paid off with a level 7 on the Math exam. I feel that my greatest challenge has been writing my extended essay. However, although it’s been a long journey, I’ve found it to be very rewarding and educational.
Hamza Assan
The I.B. program has been taken me on quite a ride, so to speak. My biggest success thus far has been the development of my aptitude to speak the French language. I am by no means fluent, but take pride in the progress I have made over the last three years. The class atmosphere was one conducive to learning and has ignited a desire for me to continue studying this language in post-secondary school. My greatest challenge has been maintaining my impulse to work hard, and consistently so. The May 2012 exam results are a testimony not only to the capacity of the students here at Laurier, but to the staff for their ongoing support and passion to enlighten.
Mariba Douglas
I cannot imagine my high school experience without I.B.. The I.B. program has shaped my academic life for the better. I love the I.B. program so far and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings! I feel that the greatest successes in my experience are creating a diverse and active environment around me and in my community through the CAS program which has allowed me to experience events and activities that I never would have tried outside the I.B. program. A few examples are the Goodlife Teen Fitness Program, The Race for Dignity and the Bollywood dance group. However, I have been challenged to take risks and try completely new things. Through I.B., I have become more of a risk-taking and outgoing individual.
Kezia Joseph
I am finding the I.B. programme to be an exciting challenge. Though at times it can be very tough, what with trying to balance extra-curriculars with a large workload, I feel the programme truly encourages me to challenge myself so that I can gain the skills necessary for later in my academic career. My biggest success so far was performing and helping out with the I.B. done dinner. My biggest challenge has been adjusting to the increasing workload. Looking at the Laurier May 2012 I.B. Exam results, and seeing that we are above the world average in every single subject, I feel proud to be an I.B. student at Laurier as these results reflect the hard work and dedication of both the students and teachers at this school.
Kaitlyn Lister
As a grade 12 I.B. student at Laurier, I can say that my participation in the program has definitely created a positive high school experience. The aspect of program that I enjoy the most is the close knit community that you develop with the fellow members of your cohort. Being a part of the I.B. community allows you to develop true friendships and have a network of people that you can rely on when it comes to academics, everyone is willing to help you out and support each other during those crazy exam times! Once grade 11 rolls around and the CAS program starts, it pushes you to try new things. For me I needed that push, and once I was involved within the school through Me to We and in the community at the public library all I could think about was how much I had missed out on during the past two years.
Ashley Singh
