Understanding the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
Overview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) for students aged 16 to 19. It is a pre-university programme designed to make students skill-ready and provide a strong foundation in subjects for college programmes. The programme is interdisciplinary and includes elements that extend academic understanding in real-life contexts. It integrates non-academic elements that contribute toward the holistic development of the student. All these aspects are graded and affect the overall grading for the assessment.
Understanding IBDP Grading
In IBDP, students choose 6 subjects, with at least 3 at the Higher Level and the remaining at the Standard Level. The highest score one can achieve in each subject is 7 points. 80% of the scores are earned in the final external assessment, which consists of written tests. 20% of the points come from internal assessments, including regular attendance, assignments, projects, etc. The minimum score required to pass a subject is 4/7.
The DP Core, which includes the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), is graded from A to E. There is a schedule to convert these grades into points, with 3 points of the final DP score assigned to the DP Core.
Thus, the final score of IBDP is 42 points from the six subjects plus 3 points for the DP Core, totaling 45 points. The minimum passing score is 24/45. Even if a student crosses 24 points from the six subjects, they must earn good grades in the DP Core to receive the IBDP certificate.
Scoring 45 in IBDP
IBDP is an intensive programme that engages students at different levels and tests their application and knowledge in every subject. Scoring the highest 45 points in IBDP can be a challenge, but it can be accomplished with focus, dedication, and application.
Here are 10 tips on how to get the perfect score in IBDP:
1. Be Constant
Before the course begins, orient yourself to understand its requirements and the pedagogy and curriculum of the school. IBDP has many activities which have a bearing on how you score in the IB assessments. So, prepare a timetable and constantly adhere to it.
2. Be Consistent
Between all the activities, it is easy to lose sight of your goal. It is important to ensure consistency in self-study, doing the schoolwork, and completing the DP Core requirements.
3. Read, Research, and Revise
IB does not have set textbooks. It gives the syllabus, recommended reading list, and approved academic and non-academic papers to study. So, read, research, and revise what you have learnt and understood to gain conceptual clarity.
4. Make Copious Notes
Note-making is a skill and preparing comprehensive notes will help you through the two-year programme. Have extensive reference notes to help you understand the concepts and recall the theories.
5. Ask for Help
Your school will have academic counsellors, teachers, seniors, and student support groups. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, academic or non-academic, when you are stuck or overwhelmed.
6. Don’t Procrastinate with DP Core
Start working on DP core from the first day. Try to complete as much of the CAS element from the first term so that you have time for self-study. Wait till you understand the syllabus before you start on ToK and EE so that you have a strong topic and ample material to research and write.
7. Attempt Past Papers and Improve Your Writing
To understand the assessment objectives, frame answers, and improve your speed to write within the set time frame, practice past question papers regularly.
8. Refer IB Resources
There are many approved IB resources online that you can refer to. Many alumni and IB educators also share videos, notes, and solved assessment papers that you can refer to.
9. Understand the Course Objectives
IB course objectives promote international-mindedness and interdisciplinary understanding. So, these must be reflected in your answers. Understand the course objectives so that you can fulfil them through your assessments.
10. Play to Your Strengths
Understand your strengths and weaknesses and work on self-improvement through your learning process.
IBDP teaches you to aim for excellence in all your endeavours. The perfect
IBDP teaches you to aim for excellence in all your endeavours. The perfect 45 score is not unattainable, but the challenge is formidable. Choose your subjects wisely, focusing on their relevance to your college programme and at a level where you are certain you can score full marks. It is important to approach the course strategically to ace it.
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