Outstanding achievement in first year at scots

News Release: Wednesday, 11 January 2012

International Baccalaureate Diploma results an outstanding achievement
in first year at scots

Twenty Scots College Year 13 students have been awarded the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, a secondary school qualification taught and recognised world-wide, and introduced at Scots just two years ago.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our first group of IB Diploma students,” confirmed Headmaster Graeme Yule. “With a 95% overall pass rate, 50% gaining 35 points or more from a possible 45, and top grades awarded in English, Geography, History, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, we really have been blown away by our first graduates,” he said. “These results are a reflection of the hard work and talents of each student, and the dedication and expertise of our teaching staff.”

“Scots achieved accreditation as an IB World school in 2009, enabling us to teach the IB curriculum from Year 1-13, alongside, and in addition to, the New Zealand curriculum. Life in the 21st century, in an interconnected, globalised world, requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness, something the IB Programme instills,” he said.

The IB Diploma is a two year qualification students in the Senior School at Scots can elect to take in Years 12-13 as an alternative to NCEA. “We offer a dual-pathway education which means our students can choose to take either the IB or NCEA qualification. They are essentially two different approaches to learning, so it’s really about each student selecting the best qualification for their interests, learning style and aspirations,” said Yule.

“To me the IB Diploma is the type of qualification I wish I had done at school. It ensures students receive a holistic education including two Modern Languages, Science, Mathematics and Humanities as well as Theory of Knowledge. To further develop their roles as global citizens, students are also involved in creative, action and service activities. Students complete a mini thesis Extended Essay where they are encouraged to pursue their own interests and develop thinking and research skills,” said Mathew White, IB Diploma
Co-ordinator at Scots College.

“The other advantage of the IB Diploma is that it is a qualification recognised and welcomed by the world’s leading universities, and guarantees that the education you receive here at Scots in Strathmore, Wellington is on par with the best international schools, something we’re very proud of,” confirmed Yule.

Scots College is the only boys school in Wellington to offer the IB Diploma qualification, and one of just twenty IB schools nationwide, with the inaugural New Zealand IB Awards Ceremony scheduled to be held in Auckland on February 15, 2012. Internationally there are currently 3,315 IB World schools in 141 countries, with a total of approximately 984,000 students. The Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19 started in 1968 with the first examinations in 1970, and is now offered by 2,302 IB World Schools worldwide.

2012 IB Diploma Scholarships – applications now invited from 2012 Year 12 students
(closes Monday 30 January 2012)
Scots College is delighted to be able to offer a number of IB Scholarships to new Year 12 students for study in the 2012 academic year, commencing in Term 1, 2012.

The scholarship(s) are open to students not currently enrolled at the College who wish to undertake study in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. The scholarship(s) provide a percentage of annual school fees and the level of scholarship support is awarded on a needs-based, case-by-case basis.

“What sort of boys are we looking for when we offer these scholarships? It’s hard to pin down – sometimes it’s just that X Factor. We’re looking for the classic all-rounder with great potential. His strengths might lie in the classroom, but equally it could be the sports field, music, the creative arts, IT or he may be a young entrepreneur with a great eye for business. Whatever his passion, he will be a genuine self-starter, with a real energy for life that, given the right guidance and support, will see him leave Scots College as a confident young man ready for whatever life might throw at him. We are looking for an individual who wants to fulfil his potential,” said Yule.

Application forms can be downloaded from the website:
http://www.scotscollege.school.nz/enrolment/scholarships

Applications close on Monday 30 January 2012. Any enquiries should be directed to the school on 04 388 0861.

ENDS

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