The IB Diploma incorporates varied assessment practices

Subject Guides identify goals, objectives and assessment criteria for each subject. Ongoing assessment tasks, such as written exams and oral presentations, are designed to support and encourage optimum teaching and learning. At the end of the second year of the DP, students sit written exams in most subject areas. There are no written exams in Visual Arts, Music or Theatre. To help prepare students for these written exams, teachers use a variety of tools such as ensuring students practise on questions from previous years’ exams.

Assessment tasks in the DP measure skills such as analysing and presenting information, evaluating and constructing arguments and solving problems creatively. Basic skills are also assessed, including the retention of knowledge and the understanding of key concepts. It is important to emphasise that in promoting academic skills, DP assessment promotes intercultural skills and an international outlook.

Internal versus External Assessment

DP assessment is not only exam-based, each subject has a coursework component referred to as the Internal Assessment. The Internal Assessment is graded or marked by the class teacher and then a sample is submitted to an external IB-appointed examiner. If necessary, the marks will be adjusted to reflect the international marking standard. This process is known as moderation. Internal Assessment can account for 20-60% of the final DP mark, depending on the subject.

External Assessment includes the May examinations along with coursework in a few subjects. The IB appoints external examiners who mark these. Their marking is also subjected to moderation and this is part of the reason why IB results carry worldwide recognition.

Diploma Results

Diploma courses are graded using the IB scale of 1-7, with 7 being the highest. Diploma candidates take six classes, with the potential to earn 42 points. In addition, three points may be awarded based on the combined assessment of the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, giving an overall maximum of 45 points.

A Diploma is normally awarded if a student satisfies the Core requirements and earns 24 points. They must earn a minimum of 12 points in their combined higher-level subjects, with no mark falling below a 2. There are no more than two grade 2s awarded and there are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded. Students must also gain a minimum of 9 points in the standard level courses. Please see the publication “Diploma Programme Regulations” on the IB website for the complete details regarding the award of the Diploma.

Results are published annually on 6 July and are available to candidates on-line via an individualised access code. Universities require that the official results be sent directly to them from the IB offices in Geneva. The original hard copies of IB Diplomas and Certificates are mailed to UWCEA in early September where they are available for collection or can be sent to students if required.