All You Need to Know About IB Internal Assessments

Internal Assessments (IAs) are a crucial part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, offering students the chance to demonstrate their practical skills and in-depth understanding of the subject matter. This guide provides an overview of IAs, including their weighting, evaluation criteria, and specific requirements for each subject, with distinctions between Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).

What Are Internal Assessments?

Internal Assessments are tasks completed during the IB course that are set and marked by teachers but moderated by the IB. They include projects, experiments, presentations, or written reports depending on the subject. IAs are designed to assess students’ practical abilities and research skills in addition to their final exams.

Types of Internal Assessments and Their Weighting

IB Mathematics

SL: The Mathematics IA accounts for 20% of the final grade. It involves a mathematical exploration where students choose a topic of interest and use mathematical concepts to investigate and analyse problems.
HL: The IA also contributes 20% to the final grade. HL students are expected to engage with more complex mathematical problems and show a deeper understanding and analysis.

IB Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

SL: The Science IA typically represents 20% of the final grade. It involves designing and conducting an experiment, analysing the results, and presenting findings.
HL: The IA constitutes 25% to 30% of the final grade. HL students are required to undertake more complex experiments and demonstrate a higher level of scientific analysis.

IB English

SL: The English IA generally makes up 30% of the final grade. This assessment typically involves an oral presentation or an individual oral commentary on a text studied in class, requiring detailed analysis of literary elements.
HL: The IA contributes 20% of the final grade. HL students are expected to deliver a more in-depth analysis and critical evaluation of literary texts.

IB History

SL: The History IA represents about 20% of the final grade. It involves a historical investigation where students research a topic of their choice and present a detailed analysis.
HL: The IA typically contributes 25% of the final grade. HL students must undertake a more extensive investigation and provide a more comprehensive analysis.

IB Economics

SL: The Economics IA accounts for 20% of the final grade. It involves writing a commentary based on real-world economic data and applying economic theories for analysis.
HL: The IA also contributes 20% to 25% of the final grade. HL students are expected to provide a more detailed and sophisticated analysis of economic theories.

IB Business Management

SL: The Business Management IA generally makes up 25% of the final grade. This involves analysing a real-world business case study and preparing a report that addresses business issues.
HL: The IA usually represents 30% of the final grade, reflecting the additional depth and complexity required in HL assessments.

Understanding the Evaluation Criteria

Each IA is assessed based on specific criteria relevant to the subject:

Personal Engagement: Demonstrates interest and involvement in the project.
Research and Analysis: Assesses the quality of research, investigation, and analysis.
Presentation and Structure: Evaluates clarity, organisation, and adherence to formatting guidelines.
Critical Reflection: Looks at the depth of reflection and evaluation of the process and findings.

Tips for Maximising Your IA Score

Start Early: Begin your IA as soon as possible to allow ample time for research, analysis, and revisions.
Understand the Rubric: Familiarise yourself with the evaluation criteria for your subject to ensure your work meets all required standards.
Seek Feedback: Regularly consult with your teachers for feedback and make necessary improvements based on their advice.
Align with Criteria: Ensure that your IA aligns with the criteria and expectations outlined for SL or HL levels.

Resources and Support

Official IB Documents: Refer to the IB’s official guidelines and rubrics for detailed criteria and scoring information. [Link to official resources here]
Tuition Centre Support: Utilise resources and support available at our tuition centre to help you excel in your IAs.

Conclusion

Internal Assessments are a significant component of your IB grade, providing a practical way to demonstrate your understanding and skills. By understanding the specific requirements and weighting for SL and HL courses, you can better prepare and achieve excellent results. Start early, seek feedback, and ensure your IA meets the necessary criteria to make the most of this crucial assessment component.

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