IBDP students sit for cumulative examinations in the six subjects at the end of the second year of the programme and receive an IB Diploma from the International Baccalaureate.
The IB Diploma score is out of 45 total possible points.
Each of the six subjects is graded on a scale of 1-7. The grade is decided based on three or four components for each subject. The majority of components are externally assessed by IB examiners.
Each subject has one internally assessed component that the student completes over the two year programme with the guidance of his/her teacher. This component is marked by the teacher and a sample of work is selected and moderated by an IB Examiner which may lead to an adjustment of the marks.
The Extended Essay and TOK are graded on a scale of A-E giving up to 3 diploma points according to the matrix:
Source: "Understanding DP Assessment." International Baccalaureate, 2018, www.ibo.org/contentassets/1cdf850e366447e99b5a862aab622883/assessment-principles-and-practices-2018-en.pdf.
IBDP Mock Examinations
These are practice IB examinations that students at IKNS sit in April of their graduating year. Teachers prepare papers that match the length and style of the IB exams. The mock exams are marked by IKNS teachers and the IB subject boundaries are used to decide on the student’s grade in the subject. These exams replace the semester exams in the second semester of Grade 12.
IBDP External Examinations
IB External examination take place in May, and the IB results are issued on 5th July and the official documents arrive in school at the end of August.
IBDP Achievement Levels
The IKNS Assessment Policy links the IBDP Achievement levels (1 - 7) to percentage grades according to the table below.
| IB Grade |
Descriptor |
Percentage Grade |
| 7 |
Excellent performance |
90 – 100% |
| 6 |
Very good performance |
80 – 89% |
| 5 |
Good performance |
70 – 79% |
| 4 |
Good performance |
60 – 69% |
| 3 |
Mediocre performance |
50 – 59% |
| 2 |
Poor performance |
40 – 49% |
| 1 |
Very poor performance |
0 – 39% |
The following conditions would lead to failing the Diploma:
- Candidate is found guilty of academic misconduct
- Obtaining less than 24 diploma points
- Obtaining less than 12 points in three HL subjects
- A grade is not awarded for one or more subjects, TOK or EE (for example for missing an examination)
- A grade E is obtained on TOK or EE
- A grade 1 is obtained in a subject
- Not completing CAS
Source: "Understanding DP Assessment." International Baccalaureate, 2018, www.ibo.org/contentassets/1cdf850e366447e99b5a862aab622883/assessment-principles-and-practices-2018-en.pdf.