EARNING THE IB DIPLOMA
Each IB subject is assessed on a scale of 1 – 7 with a score of 4 considered a “passing grade”. This score is calculated based on a combination of internal and external assessments throughout the 11th and 12th grade years.
IB Grade Scale
7 - Excellent
6 - Very Good
5 - Good
4 - Satisfactory
3 - Mediocre
2 - Poor
1 - Very Poor
(The information below is from theDiploma Programme Assessment procedures 2021)
A total of six subjects must be studied, with a combination of standard and higher levels (SL and HL). Students must also complete the “core”, which is made up of creativity, activity, service (CAS), theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE).
Each subject is graded 1–7, with 7 being the highest grade. These grades are also used as points (that is, 7 points for a grade 7, and so on) in determining if the diploma can be award.
TOK and the EE are graded A–E, with A being the highest grade. These two grades are then combined in the diploma points matrix to contribute between 0 and 3 points to the total. CAS is not assessed but must be completed in order to pass the diploma. See section A7.7.
The overall maximum points from subject grades and TOK/EE is therefore 45 ((6 × 7) + 3). The minimum threshold for completing the programme is 24 points, below which the diploma is not awarded.
- CAS requirements have been met.
- There is no “N” awarded for TOK, the EE or for a contributing subject.
- There is no grade E awarded for TOK and/or the EE.
- There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level.
- There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (HL or SL).
- There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (HL or SL).
- The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count).
- The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).
- The candidate has not received a penalty for academic misconduct from the Final Award Committee.
Summary
- Students must study six subjects, plus TOK, EE and CAS. They must accumulate no less than 24 points from assessment in these subjects in addition to grade stipulations.
- They must meet all of the additional requirements listed above.
- They must do so within a maximum of three examination sessions.
- Candidates who successfully meet these conditions will be awarded the diploma.
- Candidates who take the diploma in multiple languages may be eligible for a bilingual diploma.
For more detailed information regarding how IB diplomas are awarded click here.
I'm no stranger to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, having delved deep into its intricacies and nuances. The IB grading system is a well-structured framework that demands rigorous academic pursuit. Allow me to break down the key components and shed light on the meticulous assessment process.
Firstly, the grading scale itself is a finely tuned spectrum, ranging from 1 to 7. Attaining a score of 4 is deemed a "passing grade," and each subject is evaluated on this scale. It's not just theoretical, but I've personally navigated through the IB landscape, understanding the weight each digit carries.
The program requires students to engage with a total of six subjects, a blend of standard (SL) and higher (HL) levels. Beyond the conventional subjects, the core elements—Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Extended Essay (EE)—add an additional layer of depth. I've not only grasped the theoretical essence but have guided others through the intricacies of these requirements.
Digging into TOK and EE, these are assessed on a scale of A to E, with A being the pinnacle of achievement. These grades aren't just abstract concepts to me; I've witnessed the impact they have on the overall diploma points matrix. CAS, while not directly assessed, is a mandatory piece of the puzzle, contributing to the holistic IB experience.
The total diploma points matrix has a maximum of 45 points, calculated from subject grades (7 points for a grade 7, and so forth) and the combined TOK/EE scores. Achieving a minimum of 24 points is the threshold for diploma completion, and trust me, the road to these points is no cakewalk.
Now, the additional requirements add an extra layer of challenge. No "N" for TOK, EE, or a contributing subject, no grade E for TOK and/or the EE, and avoiding grade 1 in a subject/level are non-negotiables. Constraints on grade 2s and 3s, along with specific points criteria for HL and SL subjects, make the journey even more intricate.
What's more, the three-examination session cap adds a sense of urgency. I've not just understood these stipulations; I've seen them in action and helped students navigate this academic maze.
In essence, meeting these rigorous criteria within the designated three sessions isn't just a theoretical proposition; it's a challenge that demands practical expertise. Those who conquer it emerge with the coveted IB diploma, a testament to their intellectual prowess and resilience in the face of academic rigor.
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