The following statement was issued today by Gerry Reid, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

International Baccalaureate

I rise this afternoon to inform this Honourable House about an exciting new initiative of the Department of Education which will present an enriched learning opportunity to students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The internationally acclaimed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is offered exclusively at ten United World Colleges worldwide, and Lester B. Pearson Collegiate in British Columbia is one of these renown institutions. Since 1974, the province has partnered with Lester B. Pearson Collegiate, in offering one scholarship annually to a student from this province. Recipients of these scholarships have come from all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 2000, Holy Heart of Mary High School in St. John�s became one of 1,425 schools worldwide to offer the IB program to students, and has the distinction of being the only school in Newfoundland and Labrador to offer the program as a part of its curriculum. Students go through an application process, and must demonstrate a commitment to this advanced level of study. Currently, we have approximately 25 students participating in the IB diploma program at Holy Heart, and last year all 25 students registered in the program graduated with marks well above the international average for the program.

The IB program is a demanding, pre-university course of study designed for highly motivated secondary students. The program offers a comprehensive, two-year international curriculum, and stresses critical thinking and inter-cultural understanding. Students study six subjects concurrently in the areas of: language; a second language; individuals and societies; experimental sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

Though intended for academically advanced students, the program is designed to develop well rounded students, and includes a strong emphasis on community involvement and volunteerism. With this in mind, participants are required to complete 150 hours of community work throughout the duration of the program.

The intent is to create a bond between the student and the community that will last long after the program has ended. IB also introduces students to an international learning environment and graduating students are well prepared to enter university with advanced standing.

Until now, only students residing within the St. John�s metro area were able to avail of this challenging and dynamic program. However, I am pleased to announce today that the Department of Education will now provide two new scholarships for students living outside of the St. John�s metro area, for enrollment into this exciting program.

The scholarships are valued $10,000 each or $5,000 a year for the two year period. These scholarships will allow students to attend school at Holy Heart of Mary and enjoy the educational and cultural advantages inherent in this esteemed program. Additionally, the department will provide an allowance of $1,000, if required, to cover the expense of the students� travel to and from St. John�s.

This government has an agenda which includes student achievement levels that match or exceed the highest performers in all of Canada. Our IB graduates are already out-performing the highest achievers in Canada and the world, and I am delighted that we will provide this prestigious educational opportunity for two dedicated individuals in the coming school years.

2003 04 09                                         2:15 p.m.