There will be an IB Information Evening for students and parents. The evening will include an informative presentation on the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate Organization itself and the requirements to successfully earn a Middle Years Programme certificate, followed by a question-and-answer period.
111 Broadview Ave. Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 3Z4
In May 2018, approximately 500 students chose to be considered for St. Thomas IB. About 45% of applicants were offered a place in the program. Of those students accepted, approximately 80% will enrolled at St. Thomas.
Both are looked at equally when determining a student’s acceptance into the program, we focus primarily on the grades from English, French and Math. French is particularly important given that half of their school day will be conducted in French.
It is a common misconception that there are zones for purposes of enrollment at the secondary level. This is only true at the elementary level. St. Thomas does not have a zone for enrollment purposes, although there is zoning for transportation (bussing) purposes.
Nevertheless, proximity to the school is not a factor in the acceptance of students into the IB program. Students are selected based on the entrance criteria.
Students who do well in the IB program might be described as inquisitive, work well collaboratively are fairly autonomous and look for a challenge.
Graduates of the IB Middle Years Programme often report feeling better prepared to handle the challenges of the fast-paced, self-directed educational environment of CEGEP. Students in the IB program will ‘learn how to learn’ and how to think critically about information that is presented to them. They will learn to take an active role in their own education at an early age, which studies have shown in turn often eases the transition from a structured high school environment to a more independent CEGEP environment.
Students who apply to some CEGEPS will receive a percentage boost on their application when they are applying from an IB Programme.
St. Thomas is a fully accredited IBMYP Programme; therefore students who successfully complete all of the requirements of the IB Middle Years Programme at St. Thomas will receive a Certificate NOT a record of participation. They will receive this in addition to their Quebec Secondary School Diploma.
The Diploma is awarded to students who have successfully completed the IBMYP Programme and wish to go on to the 2 year Diploma Programme in CEGEP or in a High School out of the province. Students who complete the Middle Years Programme and are interested in continuing with the IB curriculum should visit www.ibo.org to learn more about the IB Diploma Programme.
Both the CERTIFICATE as well as the DIPLOMA are internationally recognized by Universities. Given the nature of the Quebec education system it is much more common for students to only complete the Certificate and not go on to the Diploma Programme.
IB students that live within the St. Thomas bussing zone can be eligible for bussing. If you live outside the zone, you may be eligible for courtesy bussing. Visit the LBPSB Transportation Department website for more information on bussing
Registration for the exam for LBPSB students is through Mozaik, please follow the steps below:
1. Login to Mozaïk: https://portailparents.ca/accueil/en/
2. Click on the "Resources" icon.
3. Select the "School Board" tab.
4. Click on the "Enrichment Program Exam Registration" link.
5. Click on your child's picture.
6. Fill out the registration form, noting that you must put your two choices in order of preference.
For out of board students, please go to the LBPSB website https://boardsite.lbpsb.qc.ca/
We do not send a written confirmation when your application is received.
There is no re-take date for the exam at this point in time.
As far as St. Thomas High School is aware, there are no books or websites available to prepare for our exam. Furthermore, St. Thomas does not endorse any private programs that claim to train students to be accepted into the IB program. Our entrance exam is a standardized test that we use to gauge a student’s current academic abilities. In order to determine whether a child is a suitable match for our program, we are looking for the most accurate assessment possible of their actual abilities. In order for us to have this information, we do not recommend that students study for the test. While you may remind your child of good test taking strategies (i.e.: skip a question you don’t know and come back to it), the most important preparation is a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a no-pressure attitude!
A selection committee consisting of IBMYP coordinator and school administrators will review all applications for admission. Decisions are made cooperatively by the committee.
The selection committee will review the exam results and the grade 5 report card.
You will be notified in writing whether or not your child qualifies for admittance into the program. Acceptances will not be given by phone.
Exam results will not be returned to the student or parent.
Entrance into the Immersion or English programs is not automatic, even if the child has already expressed interest in the IB program and has written the exam. If you wish your child to be considered for the Immersion or English programs, you must follow the regular enrollment procedures for the school board. If your child is currently in a LBPSB school, this means indicating ‘St. Thomas’ as your high school of choice on the re-registration form provided to you in the Jan-Feb registration period. If your child is currently attending school outside the board, you must make an appointment to register him/her during the normal registration period. In either case, students are accepted based on LBPSB enrollment criteria; that is, their acceptance into these programs will not be influenced in any way by their IB application or results. Furthermore, following these procedures does not guarantee a place in the Immersion or English programs. Please note that there is no entrance exam for the Immersion or English programs.
Amber Carlon IB Coordinator 514-694-3770 Extension 21342 acarlon@lbpearson.ca