A key feature of the International Baccalaureate is its emphasis on criterion-based assessment of performance. This means that students are not graded “on a curve,” based on other students’ performance; their learning is measured in relation to established, published standards that apply equally to each student at every IB World School.
The IB Organization’s assessment strategy emphasizes validity, reliability and fairness. Teachers and IB examiners work to ensure that students have various opportunities to demonstrate what they have learned. A student’s progress is assessed by her teachers through classroom and group work, assignments, labs or artistic performances. Specified IB tasks will be either moderated or marked by highly qualified IB examiners. All Diploma course examinations held in Grade 12 are graded externally by IB examiners. Grades are awarded on a scale of one to seven, with seven being the highest.
Students in the full IB Diploma programme, in addition to their exam grades, may receive up to three additional points for combined performance in the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is awarded to students who graduate with at least 24 points, up to a maximum of 45 points.