IB Grading System

The IB evaluation system is criterion-referenced. This means that each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement consistent from one exam session to the next. Grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills relative to set standards equally applied to all schools world-wide. Each academic subject is assessed on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) with 4 considered the "passing grade". In all IB subjects this grade is arrived at through internally as well as externally assessed or moderated work, throughout the two-year program with the final examination.

Therefore, to achieve the IB Diploma a student should achieve a minimum of 24 IB points (IB grade 4 in 6 subjects) with the maximum possible diploma score being 45 points (IB grade 7 in 6 subjects plus 3 bonus points). However, there are specific IB requirements which mean that a student scoring a 1 in any subject is not awarded the Diploma, even if the total score is 24 or greater. Similarly, a student scoring a 3 in one subject at HL still needs to reach a total of 12 points at HL, or an overall Diploma total of 28 points.

For this reason, we recommend that students aim for a total of 28 points with no failing conditions in order to be considered strong IB Diploma candidates.

Assessing Student Work

Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidate work rests with the examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. A variety of assessment methods are used to judge both the content & the process of academic achievement & to take into account different learning styles and cultural patterns. Conventional external examination techniques are complemented by internal assessment of course work by the teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period.

Award of Diploma

The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions including a minimum of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS activities. The maximum score of 45 includes three diploma points for an exceptional essay and course work in TOK. All students are encourages to engage in the full program. Those who fail to satisfy all requirements or who elect to take fewer than six subjects are awarded a certificate for examinations