More Students Preparing for Good Jobs, Citizenship

High school students in every region of Nova Scotia now have access to a challenging program that helps prepare them for good jobs and citizenship.

Horton High School in Wolfville launched its International Baccalaureate (IB) program this morning with 29 students registered.

"In our province, the IB program is open to any student who is willing to take on the challenge and raise the bar for themselves," said Education Minister Ramona Jennex. "The achievement of our IB students across the province is something we can all be proud of because it shows our teachers and students can compete on an international level."

Nova Scotia's IB graduates are some of the strongest academic performers in the world, with an overall pass rate of 88.7 per cent, compared with 78.2 per cent for IB students worldwide.

Last year, Nova Scotia IB students outperformed all IB graduates in 27 of 29 subjects.

Nova Scotia IB graduates continue to receive excellent recognition from universities in Canada and abroad. Many get scholarships and bursaries, making their higher education more affordable. The 2012, graduates received more than $3.8 million in scholarships and bursaries.

"I'm proud to be part of IB in Nova Scotia and I know the students and teachers at Horton will help add to its strong academic success," said Allison Cusack, IB student at Horton High School. "I know this program will give me the foundation I need to achieve my academic and personal goals."

Nova Scotia's IB students consistently succeed, not only by earning their diploma, but also by showcasing to the rest of the world how we are putting kids and learning first.