St Columba Anglican School is proud to announce it has officially achieved the status of IB World School, marking a significant milestone for education in the region. With this authorisation, St Columba becomes the only IB school between Newcastle and Lismore offering local students an international educational pathway previously unavailable in the area.
This achievement allows the school to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a rigorous, internationally recognised curriculum designed for students in Years 11 and 12. Starting in 2027, students at St Columba will have the unique opportunity to choose between the traditional Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the IB Diploma Programme, providing a tailored approach to their final years of secondary education.
"Achieving IB World School status is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible opportunities for the students in the Hastings and beyond," said Allan Guihot, Principal at St Columba Anglican School.
"The IB Diploma Programme aligns beautifully with our existing Deep Learning framework and the 6Cs that have guided our school since 2019. Skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and global citizenship are embedded throughout the IB, reinforcing what our students already experience at St Columba. As the only IB school on the Mid North Coast, we are opening doors to a global standard of learning while staying true to our educational foundations.”
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme is respected by leading universities worldwide for its holistic approach. Unlike many traditional curricula, it requires students to study six subjects across a broad range of disciplines including languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics, ensuring a balanced education.
The programme’s emphasis on "international-mindedness" aligns perfectly with St Columba’s vision of developing globally-minded citizens who are prepared to navigate and lead in an increasingly complex world.
To support families and students as they plan for the future, the school will be hosting a "Stepping into Year 11" Information Evening on the 28th of July. This session will provide an in-depth look at both the HSC and IB Diploma Programme pathways, helping students decide which route to take, and subjects to study, to best suit their university and career aspirations.
St Columba looks forward to welcoming the Mid North Coast's first IB Diploma cohort in 2027.
For more information about the IB at SCAS, see scas.app/IB
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