Assessment in the IBDP

Students are assessed in the IBDP using predetermined criteria. Students are graded using a 1-7 achievement scale. A 7 indicates the highest level of achievement in a subject. IBDP reports are different for this reason, offering an indication of student progress through a 1-7 grade.

The IBDP has two assessment components, internal assessments and external assessments.

Internal assessments are designed and assessed by the school, and combined amount to 30% of the student’s final grade. The external assessment component represents 70% of the student’s final grade.

Each subject within the IBDP is award a 1-7 result, amounting to a maximum of 42 points awarded at the conclusion of the programme. The IB Core subjects offer a further 3 points to the grade, allowing a programme maximum of 45 points. Students must score at least 1 point in the core in order to achieve the IBDP.

In some cases, the IBDP results, a score out of 45, can be used to apply to tertiary universities. The IBDP grade can also be converted into an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). For example, a score of 45 in the IBDP would convert to an ATAR of 99.99. The conversion of the IBDP score is consistent across Australia and is determined by Admission Authorities.

Final results for the IBDP are determined at the end of the two-year programme, and the school uses formative assessment, including formative semester examinations, to ensure that students are accurately demonstrating the skills required to succeed in each subject area. First year reports are based on formative assessment for this reason.

The minimum score students can achieve in the IBDP is 24 points. Students must achieve a 3 or more in five of their subjects.

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