Wonder how Victoria Park Collegiate Institute became the first public school in Ontario to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program? Let’s uncover its story.
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, often called Victoria Park C.I., stands proudly in North York. It is located south of York Mills Road and west of Victoria Park Avenue. This school isn’t just any high school. It holds a special place in Ontario’s education history.
Established in 1960, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute quickly became a vital part of the community. Its name comes from the nearby Victoria Park Avenue. For decades, it provided quality education to local students.
Then in 1987, Victoria Park C.I. made history. It became the first publicly funded school in Ontario to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This prestigious program attracts students from all over.
The International Baccalaureate program is taught in English. Victoria Park Collegiate Institute is open to both male and female students.
Before entering the IB program, students in grades nine and ten can join a pre-IB program. This helps them prepare for the rigorous IB curriculum. Applying requires a math test and a 400-500 word essay. An interview with the IB Coordinator completes the process.
Victoria Park C.I.’s IB graduates consistently score high. Many rank in the top 5% worldwide. For example, in 2013, 16 students scored 40 points or above. One student even achieved 44 points.
Beyond academics, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute offers diverse extracurricular activities. Sports include baseball, volleyball, soccer and archery. The archery team has won medals every year since 2003. There is also tennis, ultimate frisbee, badminton and rugby. Basketball, track and field, water polo, cricket, cross country and co-ed swim round out the athletic options.
Many clubs enrich student life at Victoria Park C.I.. There is everything from Dance Crew to Eco Council to Mandarin Club. Students can also join Math Club, She Empowers, French Club and Gardening Club. Other options include Target Alpha, Ditsy, Protein Club and Stage Crew.
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute also provides a well-equipped library for its students. It offers workstations, computer labs, and printing services. The library houses thousands of books spanning various genres.
The White Pine high school reading program began at Victoria Park C.I. in 2003. Students read Canadian young adult fiction and discuss the books in meetings. They then vote for their favorite book.
Several notable people have passed through Victoria Park Collegiate Institute. These include Katharine Birbalsingh, Brian Maxwell and Pierre Browne. Bruce Boudreau, Paul Quarrington, Dan Hill and Michael Coteau also attended. Yuanling Yuan and Jowi Taylor are also alumni.
In the late 2000s, the Brian Maxwell Fitness Centre opened. Renovations between 2016 and 2018 improved the gym and track field. The school also added a resource room and cell phone charging station.
Victoria Park Collegiate Institute continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of its students. From its start in 1960 to its IB program, Victoria Park C.I. remains a pillar of education. Its motto, “Perge et Perage” meaning “Take Action and Pursue our Goals with Enthusiasm”, reflects its commitment to student success.