IB academic calendars
How does assessment work in the IB programme?
To earn an IB Diploma, students must complete one course from each of six subject groups, including at least three, but no more than four, at the higher level. Each course is scored out of seven, for a maximum of 42 points. Up to three additional points are available for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge components.
A minimum of 24 points is required to be awarded the diploma.
Students also have the option to take individual IB courses as part of the certificate program, which recognizes their participation in specific IB subjects without completing the full diploma.
External assessment
Most IB courses are assessed through final examinations, held in May of the Grade 12 year. These exams may include:
- Essays
- Structured problems.
- Short-response and data-response questions.
- Text analysis and case studies.
- Limited multiple-choice questions.
In addition to exams, students complete a small number of externally assessed assignments, such as the Theory of Knowledge essay, the Extended Essay, and world literature assignments. These are completed over time under teacher supervision and marked by external IB examiners.
Internal assessment
In addition to final exams, teacher assessment plays a key role in most IB courses. This includes:
- Oral work in language courses.
- Fieldwork in geography.
- Lab work in the sciences.
- Investigations in mathematics.
- Artistic performances in the arts.
These assessments are moderated by external examiners and typically count for 20 to 30 per cent of the final grade.
In some arts courses, such as music, theatre and visual arts, the practical component may account for up to 50 per cent of the total mark.