The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a challenging curriculum that prepares students for university through rigorous assessments and a holistic approach to education. This post will cover the technical aspects of the program’s core components—Internal Assessments (IA), the Extended Essay (EE), and Theory of Knowledge (TOK)—along with the IB grading system, practical tips, and an essential timeline.
The IB Grading System
How Are the 45 Points Calculated?
The IBDP is scored out of a maximum of 45 points:
- Subject Grades: Students study six subjects, each graded on a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 is the highest score. This contributes to a maximum of 42 points (6 subjects x 7 points).
- Core Components: The remaining 3 points come from the core components: the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). Both are assessed on an A to E scale, with the combination of these grades contributing up to 3 additional points.
Impact of Internal Assessments (IAs):
- Contribution to Final Grade: IAs typically account for 20-30% of the final grade in each subject. The specific weight varies depending on the subject.
- Example: If a student scores 6 out of 7 in a subject, part of that score comes from their performance on the IA. This means that strong performance in IAs can significantly boost overall grades.
Passing the IBDP:
To be awarded the diploma, students must achieve a minimum of 24 points, provided they meet other requirements like completing CAS and not scoring below certain thresholds in the core components.
Internal Assessments (IA)
What Are IAs?
IAs are projects or investigations required for each subject, contributing to the final grade. They offer students an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and skills in a more applied setting.
Key Points:
- Subject-Specific: IAs vary by subject. For instance, a Science IA might involve an experiment, while a Language IA might require an analysis of a text.
- Independent Work: Though supported by teachers, IAs demand significant independent effort.
- Assessment Criteria: Each IA is marked according to specific criteria, including knowledge, understanding, analysis, and presentation.
Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Start working on IAs early to manage the workload effectively.
- Detailed Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from teachers to refine your work.
- Thorough Documentation: Keep detailed notes and records of your work, as this can support your final submission.
Extended Essay (EE)
What is the EE?
The EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper that allows students to explore a topic of their interest in depth. It is a significant component of the IBDP core and contributes to the additional 3 points with TOK.
Key Points:
- Topic Selection: Choose a topic that is both interesting and researchable.
- Research Skills: The EE demands strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
- Formal Structure: The essay must include a clear introduction, body, conclusion, and bibliography.
Tips:
- Topic Approval: Get your topic approved early to ensure it meets IB requirements.
- Steady Progress: Work on the EE consistently, avoiding last-minute rushes.
- Focus on Analysis: The depth of your analysis is crucial for scoring well.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
What is TOK?
TOK challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we know what we claim to know. The course culminates in a TOK essay and a presentation, both of which are critical for achieving the additional 3 points.
Key Points:
- Critical Thinking: TOK emphasizes understanding and questioning different ways of knowing.
- Essay and Presentation: The TOK essay is a 1,600-word paper on one of the prescribed titles, while the presentation applies TOK concepts to a real-life situation.
Tips:
- Conceptual Clarity: Ensure you understand TOK concepts thoroughly.
- Real-Life Applications: Use current events or personal experiences to illustrate TOK theories.
- Presentation Practice: Practice your presentation to ensure clear communication of ideas.
Timeline and Important Information
Year 1:
Term 1: Introduction to IAs, EE, and TOK.
Term 2: Begin IA research and topic selection for EE.
Term 3: Draft EE proposal; start TOK discussions.
Year 2:
Term 1: Complete IA drafts; finalize EE topic and begin writing.
Term 2: Submit EE first draft; continue with TOK essay and presentation preparation.
Term 3: Finalize and submit IAs and EE; complete TOK essay and presentation.
Key Deadlines:
IAs: Vary by subject but typically due by Term 2 of Year 2.
EE: First draft by Term 2 of Year 2; final submission by Term 3.
TOK: Essay submission and presentation usually occur in Term 3 of Year 2.
Download Our Comprehensive Guide
For a more detailed breakdown of each component, including sample topics, assessment rubrics, and additional tips, download our comprehensive IBDP guide here.
