Weston Collegiate Institute


Weston Collegiate Institute, formerly known by its previous names of Weston Grammar School, Weston High School, Weston High and Vocational School and Weston Collegiate and Vocational School is a Grade 9 to 12 public high school located in the York South-Weston area of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the second oldest high school in Toronto, after Jarvis Collegiate Institute. Weston CI is located on 100 Pine Street and has a student population of about 1043.

History

Weston Collegiate Institute holds the distinction of being the second-oldest secondary school in Toronto and the oldest in the former City of York, having been established in 1857 as Weston Grammar School. The school's activities and scholarships are supported by the Weston's Alumni Foundation. The school was renamed to Weston High School in 1871, then Weston High and Vocational School in 1922, and lastly to Weston Collegiate and Vocational School in 1939 before adopting its present name in 1965.
WCI displays an international focus as the student body representing over 80 countries in the world. The diversity within WCI is reflected in its school activities and clubs. The school also strives to meet the needs of all students, with programs that prepare students for universities, colleges, and skills trade that lead to work or apprenticeship.
The original school building in Collegiate Gothic, designed by architect Stephen Burwell Coon was built in 1923. The school's modern facility was constr 1970, includes a library, a large indoor pool, a full-sized field with surrounding track, a double gymnasium and a fitness/weight room.
In 2017, the school celebrated its 160th anniversary.

International Baccalaureate program

The International Baccalaureate Program is a holistic, world-renowned Graduate Diploma recognized by universities internationally. It was introduced by then IB Coordinator, Mr. Gary Hophan, in March 1994 to Weston. The present coordinator is Ms. Anne Dale. All the teachers are specially selected and trained to support the International Baccalaureate program.
The process of applying involves a personal essay about a quote of some sort and successful essays' applicants will then be called in for an interview. Judged on both assessments the applicant will be given or rejected a spot in the program. The interview typically lasts 20–30 minutes and admission is given on the spot. Admission is usually highly selective and only 90 spots are available per year.
The IB Program at Weston Collegiate Institute is taught in English and taken in the latter two years of high school. However, due to its rigorous nature, Weston Collegiate Institute offers the Preparatory International Baccalaureate Program to students. The Pre-IB Program is largely recommended to students, but entry into the IB program without Pre-IB may be accepted. All IB courses are offered at the enriched level, which greatly exceeds the expectations of the Ontario Secondary School curriculum. By Grade 12, all students study at the university-level, leading some universities to offer advanced standing for Higher Level subjects.
Students who are enrolled in the IB program receive both the International Baccalaureate Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma upon successful completion. Students are expected to study 3 subjects at the Higher Level and 3 at the Standard Level. Students may also opt to complete 4 HL and 2 SL subjects if they wish although it is not recommended due to the potential for the exorbitant workload Successful completion of the IB program entails receiving passing grades on all written IB examinations, the Theory of Knowledge essay, and the Extended Essay, as well as 150 hours of volunteered community involvement in three areas. In their final year, students write the official IB exams in May.
All IB students from Weston Collegiate Institute are accepted to their first choice universities and are offered substantial scholarships. In fact, the IB Department at Weston Collegiate Institute provides a number of IB Scholarships for outstanding IB students. Recipients are nominated by IB teachers, administrators, or students and selected by a committee of 5 members. The IB Scholarships are broken into the following categories: IB Ideal, Leadership, Most Improved, Creativity, Service, Academic.
Each year, the Grade 12 students, with the help of the IB Coordinator, organize a 3-day trip to Algonquin Park which includes the newly arrived Grade 9's. The purpose of this trip is to help the new students transition to high school and to foster a sense of community. Weston also offers IB tutoring by advanced students to support new students academically. Furthermore, the IB Department, which includes the students, teachers, and coordinator, organizes an annual IB Multicultural Evening and Fundraiser to raise money to support the IB Scholarships and the Annual Algonquin Park trip. Many Weston Collegiate Institute IB Alumni and their friends and family are invited to this event.

Current IB subjects offered

In order to graduate as a diploma student, an IB candidate must take one science course, one math course, and one higher-level English course, Theory of Knowledge, as well as one secondary language.
Experimental Sciences
Mathematics
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Languages A1, A2, B
Individuals and Societies
Fundraisers
Caring
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