Responsibility for all academic judgements about the quality of candidates´ work rests with more than 4000 examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to value both the content and the process of academic achievement and to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. Conventional external examination techniques (essay, short answer, multiple choice, etc.) are complemented by internal assessment of coursework by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period. This represents at least 20% of assessment in each subject. With classroom teachers and international examiners working in partnership, the emphasis is on ensuring that students have ample opportunity to demonstrate what they know and are able to do.
Award of the diploma
Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) activities. The maximum score of 45 points includes three bonus points for exceptional work in TOK and an excellent Extended Essay. All students must engage in the full Diploma programme. The external examinations take place in May of the second year of the programme (DP2). Re-takes are available in November and the following May at the discretion of the school.
University recognition
IB diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout the world. These include prominent institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, and other leading universities in Europe and worldwide. Formal agreements exist between the IB and many Ministries of Education and private institutions. Some colleges and universities may offer advanced standing or course credit to students with strong IB Diploma examination results.
For more information regarding the IB please refer to www.ibo.org