IB Exam Grading Scale Explained | Comprehensive Breakdown of IB Marks Evaluation
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, a renowned global education programme, employs a unique grading system that rewards both continuous assessment and final exam performances.
In this system, the final IB score is the sum of subject grades, which can reach a maximum of 42, and core points, with a maximum of 3. These core points come from the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE) components.
Each subject's score is a combination of the Internal Assessment (IA) and external exam scores. The IA, which includes coursework such as projects and oral presentations, is typically weighted at 20%, while the external exam score, from the final written examinations, accounts for 80%. These weighted scores are then added together to create a total raw score for each subject. This raw score is then compared against grade boundaries set by the IB to determine the final grade, ranging from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).
The IB Diploma total score also includes up to 3 core points from the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge components. These points are added to the sum of grades from six subjects.
To earn the IB Diploma, a student must score at least 24 points overall, have no score below 3 in any High Level (HL) subject, and complete the CAS, EE, and TOK requirements, among other conditions. The highest possible IB Diploma score is 45 points.
The Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay can award a maximum of 3 bonus points. A combination of A (Excellent) in both TOK and the Extended Essay earns 3 bonus points.
IB subjects typically include External Assessments, which make up 70-80% of the final grade, and Internal Assessments, which account for 20-30%.
It's important to note that no absolute raw score corresponds directly to a grade across all years, as boundaries may adjust based on cohort performance. A score of 4 or above is generally considered a passing grade in most subjects.
This method ensures that both continuous assessment and final exams contribute proportionately to the subject grade, providing a comprehensive evaluation of a student's academic abilities.
Engaging in online education platforms for education-and-self-development can offer similar opportunities for learning, as they often incorporate a mix of continuous assessment and final exams, just like the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
For those aspiring to pursue the IB Diploma, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE), integral components of the programme, serve as avenues for additional learning opportunities and potential bonus points.
