Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) announced Feb. 3 that Bishop Macdonell has become the newest member of an ever-growing global community of schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 144 different countries.
Students will be able to take the diploma programme at the school, with the first cohort commencing their studies in September 2015.
The IB has a positive impact on students, schools and their wider communities with learning going well beyond the classroom. Its unique and innovative approach to learning means both students and teachers are genuinely engaged with the programs and benefit from being a part of an unparalleled global network. Students are able to participate in international conferences and educators work with their peers internationally to ensure that the IB remains at the cutting edge of international education.
Richard Olson, principal of Bishop Macdonell says, “We wanted to offer our students a holistic education which will instill in them the skills, knowledge, and outlook to succeed in the 21st century, both in their local community and in the wider world.
“At the same time, we wanted to give our teachers the opportunity to be a part of an international network of experts leading the field in education.
“We are delighted to become an IB World School and we look forward to how the programme will enrich our faith-based, inclusive school community.”
Drew Deutsch, director of IB America, International Baccalaureate says, “The IB is recognized across the world for its innovative approach to education.
“We strongly believe that it is important to place an equal focus on academics and other, transferable skills, in order to best prepare students for success beyond school.
“That Bishop Macdonell has now successfully completed the authorization process and can now start offering the IB marks an exciting time for WCDSB and most importantly, for the students who will benefit from an IB education.”
