Student Testimonials: Jada Neumann, Investment banking analyst
I graduated from the French Immersion International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I was
then accepted to the Commerce program at Queen’s University, and received a Major Entrance
Scholarship worth $26K. Currently I work in Toronto as an investment banking analyst, my dream
job which I am very happy to have just begun.
Further, the ability to transfer credits offers the opportunity to either reduce your initial course
load, or to use them as prerequisites to upper-year courses and start off in more advanced and
interesting classes than would otherwise have been possible. IB definitely allows you to start with
a head up on those who followed the Provincial stream only.
With less effort spent on simply learning to handle the increased coursework expectations, time is
freed up to take full advantage of the university experience – that being of course socializing and
making new friends, extracurricular sports, committee involvement, and career planning. This
latter point is where I noticed the biggest difference among university classmates. Those who
came from an IB background (as many in Queen’s Commerce did) seemed focused from day
one, knowing from the beginning what it would take to achieve future success beyond university;
others seemed overwhelmed. Performance in the early years of university is arguably more
important than that in the final years, since this is what leads to internships and what is seen by
recruiters as early as third year. IB allows you to be ready for those crucial early years.
Page 1
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student testimonials: Dale Unruh, Cdn Coast Guard
French was another huge asset. Another language is always a plus in life, and continuing
knowledge of French is always, in my eyes, greatly beneficial. The French IB program
continued not only in grammar and writing, but expanded to interrogate literature and
present one's own opinions in another language. In College, half of the students are from
Quebec or Acadian New Brunswick, and to be able to communicate with them helps tear
down that barrier that seems to exist between two languages, whether it's intended to be
there or not. I have just recently finished French classes and written the National Bilingual
Tests. The solid background I have in the French language, due largely in part to the IB
ideal that 'you never stop learning', is a huge asset I intend to improve on and keep up.
I do not regret taking part in the IB program. It is a great precursor to any university or
career, and can benefit anybody willing to work at it.
Page 2
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student testimonials: Nancy Noren; 2nd yr university
I found that university was actually even easier than IB especially the labs for chemistry.
I had already learned about half of the course material so I had a good basic
understanding of the course so as to expand with new material.
The essays were also very essential especially the extended essay. Being able to
perform that level of research and produce a comprehensible essay from it is a very
important skill for university especially since most of your essays are about subjects
you've never even considered.
The time management skills you learn from IB are also essential for university. If you
are planning on following the focused path then this is crucial for keeping your sanity.
The suggested amount of study time at university per course is two hours a day
including homework questions and lab reports. With this and juggling your social life it's
difficult unless you had a little 'training'. IB gives you the skills to organize your time so
you can fit in your studying and fun time without letting the former slip behind. It's not a
guarantee but it does help if you had a year or two of practice.
In the short run IB will feel hard but in the long run it really pays off.
Page 3
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Diploma Programme
Presentation for those
considering IB for Grade 12
January
2014
The unique benefits of the DP
Contents









Refresher
Learner profile
The Circle
The Core
Schedule Grade 12
Challenges?
University recognition
For your consideration
Student testimonials
Page 5
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Refresher: What is the IB?
Its roots
Its values

IB began in 1968 as an effort to provide a
consistent, internationally accepted curricula.
Motivated by a mission
We aim to create a better
world through education

IB has now grown to over 1,132,000 students in
over 146 countries
Partnerships
We achieve our goals by
working together
Its mission
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) aims to develop
inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who
help to create a better and more peaceful world through
intercultural understanding and respect.
Quality
We value our reputation
for high standards
Participation
We actively involve our stakeholders
International mindedness
We embrace diversity
Further resources:
•
The Annual Review including accounts is available on www.ibo.org.
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© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student qualities we encourage: The Learner Profile
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
Knowledgeable
Thinkers
Communicators
Principled
Open-minded
Caring
Risk-takers
Balanced
IB programmes promote the education of the whole
person, emphasizing intellectual, personal,
emotional and social growth through all domains of
knowledge.
Page 7
Reflective
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Contents: What does the Diploma Programme curriculum contain?
The curriculum contains six subject groups and a core of three parts.
Notes:
 IB content was
introduced in Grade
11
 Students complete the
core over Grades 11
and 12... with
guidance and
support.
Page 8
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
The core: What is the heart of the Diploma Programme?
There are three core requirements completed over Grades 11 and 12
Creativity Action Service
This began as early as the summer after Gr.
10
Meaningful volunteer or personal growth hours
150 hours spread over 18 months
Theory of Knowledge
A seminar style course based on how we
know what we think we know
Exploring other cultural perspectives
Ends at Semester Break
Extended Essay
Choose a topic that appeals to you
You will receive support from a teacher
Page 9
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Grade 12 : How is your schedule affected?
Grade 12
• your courses are throughout the year
• you will write IB exams in May
• If you are a Diploma status student, you may have
no classes as of April 30th
• you can earn transfer credits for university
• excellent preparation for university research,
writing and work ethic
Page 10
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Grade 12 : What could a full IB schedule look like?
Semester 1
IB English
IB Biology or Physics
Computer Science
IB Math/ IB French/Français
TOK
IB History/IB Economics
Visual Art
Sports Exercise and Health
Page 11
Semester 2
IB English
IB Biology or Physics
Computer Science
IB Math/ IB French/Français
IB History/Economics
Visual Art
Sports Exercise and Health
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Clarification : Diploma-route students
•Students earn a Diploma out of 45 points

You continue with the five IB courses
and slowly complete CAS and the
Extended Essay

CAS : Started in the summer after
Grade 10 and ends in Spring of
Grade 12

EE: Explained in Spring of Grade 11
and submitted in December of Gr. 12
in a subject of your choice and with
support from a teacher advisor
•Each course is worth 7 points
•Maximum of 3 points combined for TOK
and EE
UBC study shows that Diploma students
earning a 27/45 were A students on their
campus.
Thinking of studying in the States or in
BC? They favour Diploma students.
In the States, Admissions Personnel
often interview students about the
Extended Essay.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Special scholarships: Diploma students
Diploma route
 Tier system for scholarships:
Tier 1
(43 – 44 pts)
$2,800
Tier 2
(40 – 42 pts)
$2,500
Tier 3
(37 – 39 pts)
$2,200
Tier 4
(34 – 36 pts)
$1,900
Tier 5
(31 – 33 pts)
$1,600
Tier 6
(28 – 30 pts)
$1,300
Tier 7
(25 – 27 pts)
$1,100
Students also have a larger
transfer credit pool
This is exclusive to the Diploma route
students (U of M).
For your university, pls contact Admissions
directly
Page 13
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Clarification : Course Study route information
Diploma Programme Course Study
route
Diploma Programme Course Study route



Minimum of one IB exam course
CAS : not required, but many
scholarships seek to reward
citizenship, volunteerism and
leadership
EE: not required but students can
choose to do the Extended Essay
anyway
Page 14

Students have a smaller transfer
credit “pool”

Students applying for Advanced
Early Admission scholarships are
placed in the same group as other
provincial students

Students still get ahead in individual
courses
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
University recognition: How well is the diploma recognized?
The IB diploma is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities.
The IB works closely with universities in all regions of the world to
gain recognition for the IB diploma. Often you’ll find with IB, you
have…




great mobility
transfer credits
special entrance scholarships
broad cultural perspectives
Page 15
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Diploma Students: Who recognizes your work at home?
University of Manitoba
University of Winnipeg
Collège Universitaire de Saint-Boniface
Canadian Mennonite University
Brandon University
Page 16
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Transfer credits: Some more information
University of Manitoba:
Course
min. mark req`d
English (HL)
4
History (HL)
4
Physics (HL)
4
Biology (HL)
4
French or Français (SL) 4
Chemistry (SL)
5
Mathematics (SL)
5
grade given
B
B
B
B
B
B
3 hrs assigned
Please note: the higher the IB mark, the higher the university grade
Please note: different universities have different policies regarding IB.
Contact the university you wish to attend to see what it does.
Page 17
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Diploma Students: Who recognizes your work out of
province? (non-exhaustive list)
Acadia University, NS
Bishop's University, QC
Brandon University, MB
Brock University, ON
Capilano College, BC
Carleton University, ON
Concordia University College of Alberta, AB
Dalhousie, NS
Laurentian University, ON
McMaster University, ON
Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL
Mount Allison University, NB
Mount Saint Vincent University, NS
Ontario College of Art & Design, ON
Saint Mary's University, NS
Simon Fraser University, BC
St. Francis Xavier, NS
St. Thomas University, NB
Page 18
Acadia University, NS
Bishop's University, QC
Brandon University, MB
Brock University, ON
Carleton University, ON
Concordia University College of Alberta, AB
Dalhousie, NS
Laurentian University, ON
McMaster University, ON
Memorial University of Newfoundland, NL
Mount Allison University, NB
Mount Saint Vincent University, NS
Ontario College of Art & Design, ON
Saint Mary's University, NS
Simon Fraser University, BC
St. Francis Xavier, NS
St. Thomas University, NB
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
IB Faculty: How its members help
IB Faculty uses a calendar to make do their best to avoid conflicts
with major assessments.
IB Faculty is known to be flexible and mindful of IB students’
workloads.
IB Faculty coaches and trains for writing and lab work in a way that
university professors and their teaching assistants do not.
IB teachers create relationships with their students and support
them while those students acquire university content in a way
many university professors and their teaching assistants do not.
Page 19
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
IB: But what if…




I want to do extra-curricular?
Have a part time job?
Enjoy time with my friends?
Participate in elite sports/ performing arts,
etc.?



Page 20
Balance – regardless of if you’re in provincial stream,
certificate route or diploma route, mix a personal
challenge with what can handle beyond school.
Part-time jobs – maybe 10 hours a week would be a
healthy amount. After all, if you prepare more for a
course, you may save yourself the time and the cost
assosicated with taking it at university!
Friends – many of them are in IB with you. They’re
more than classmates.
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
For your consideration: Is IB still the right fit for you?
Are you willing to learn or further develop a genuine work ethic?
Are you willing to learn further develop time management skills?
Are you willing to be diligent in your approach to homework?
Are you willing to seek extra help and ask questions?
Diploma route students: Are you ready to work on EE and CAS during the
summer… it’ll make your life easier!
Page 21
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
IB: Is it worth it in the end?
Patricia Pittman (1995)
Amelia Au (1999)
Franklin Bristow (2002)
Ian Hall (1995)
Medical doctor
Marketing Specialist
Grad Student, Computer Sciences Wpg’s Environmental Coordinator
Deepak Pruthi (2001)
Faculty of Medicine
Mandy Furney (1998) Zeineb Soufi (1998)
Carly Tapp (1995)
Teacher Elizabeth Atkin (2005)
Lisa Caulley (2002)
Archivist
Medical doctor
nd
2 Year Law student
Medical doctor
David Barchyn (2006)
Lindsay Porteous (2001)
Ellen Bees (2001)
Environmental Engineer
Dale Unruh (2006)
Medical resident
Teacher Scott McLeod-Arnould (2005)
Canadian Coast Guard
Medical Student
Lilly Caulley (1999) Jada Neumann (2004) James Debeer (1999)
Esther Hill (2005)
Electrical Engineer Investment Manager Reverend
Santina Lee (2005)
3rd Year Veternarian School
Karen Bees
1st year Medical Student
Elizabeth Matyi
Teacher
Jordana Buckwold
Diana Bodiroga (1999)Assistant Principal
Heather Zinn
Margaret Carlyle (1987)Assistant Principal Sharon Blady (1988)
Dental Surgeon
Teacher
Kurt Schulz (2010)
University professor, French
MLA MB Legislature
Aaron Corso (2010)
1st yr Eng. U of Ottawa
Davie Wong (2002) Sakina Soufi (2001)
1st yr U of Waterloo
Claire Harland2007)
Final year Pharmacy
Amy Striemer (2004) Final yr., Medicine
Pharmacy
Darryl Sterk (1991)
Sarah Beattie (2006)
Masters student, Queen’s
Hugh McFayden (1988)
Professor, U of Alberta 4th Yr Biochemist Honours
Leader of Opposition, MB Andrew Swan (1988)
Shahiroz Juma (1995)
Attorney General, MB
Andrew Steele (1988)
Advanced Physiotherapist
Janelle Hume (2006)
Mickey Robertson (1988)
Professor
Education student
Lawyer
Page 22
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student testimonials: Letters and visitors…
French was another huge asset. Another language is always a plus in life, and continuing
knowledge of French is always, in my eyes, greatly beneficial. The French IB program
continued not only in grammar and writing, but expanded to interrogate literature and
present one's own opinions in another language. In College, half of the students are from
Quebec or Acadian New Brunswick, and to be able to communicate with them helps tear
down that barrier that seems to exist between two languages, whether it's intended to be
there or not. I have just recently finished French classes and written the National Bilingual
Tests. The solid background I have in the French language, due largely in part to the IB
ideal that 'you never stop learning', is a huge asset I intend to improve on and keep up.
I do not regret taking part in the IB program. It is a great precursor to any university or
career, and can benefit anybody willing to work at it.
Dale Unruh (2006)
Canadian Coast Guard
Page 23
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student Testimonials: Letters and visitors…
I graduated from the French Immersion International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I was
then accepted to the Commerce program at Queen’s University, and received a Major Entrance
Scholarship worth $26K. Currently I work in Toronto as an investment banking analyst, my dream
job which I am very happy to have just begun.
Further, the ability to transfer credits offers the opportunity to either reduce your initial course
load, or to use them as prerequisites to upper-year courses and start off in more advanced and
interesting classes than would otherwise have been possible. IB definitely allows you to start with
a head up on those who followed the Provincial stream only.
With less effort spent on simply learning to handle the increased coursework expectations, time is
freed up to take full advantage of the university experience – that being of course socializing and
making new friends, extracurricular sports, committee involvement, and career planning. This
latter point is where I noticed the biggest difference among university classmates. Those who
came from an IB background (as many in Queen’s Commerce did) seemed focused from day
one, knowing from the beginning what it would take to achieve future success beyond university;
others seemed overwhelmed. Performance in the early years of university is arguably more
important than that in the final years, since this is what leads to internships and what is seen by
recruiters as early as third year. IB allows you to be ready for those crucial early years.
Jada Neumann (2004)
Investment banking analyst
Page 24
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Student testimonials: Letters and visitors…
I found that university was actually even easier than IB especially the labs for chemistry.
I had already learned about half of the course material so I had a good basic
understanding of the course so as to expand with new material.
The essays were also very essential especially the extended essay. Being able to
perform that level of research and produce a comprehensible essay from it is a very
important skill for university especially since most of your essays are about subjects
you've never even considered.
The time management skills you learn from IB are also essential for university. If you
are planning on following the focused path then this is crucial for keeping your sanity.
The suggested amount of study time at university per course is two hours a day
including homework questions and lab reports. With this and juggling your social life it's
difficult unless you had a little 'training'. IB gives you the skills to organize your time so
you can fit in your studying and fun time without letting the former slip behind. It's not a
guarantee but it does help if you had a year or two of practice.
In the short run IB will feel hard but in the long run it really pays off.
Nancy Noren (2009)
Science Student at University
Page 25
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007
Questions?: Let’s talk!
Ms. Peters
888-0684 (ext. 5031)
jpeters@sjsd.net
Page 26
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007