Academic monitoring

The IB Diploma is a huge undertaking for all students. Even students coming from the IGCSE program with A grades in their subjects will undoubtedly struggle at some point. As a recommendation we strongly advise that students going into Higher Level subjects do so with at least a grade B at IGCSE and for Standard Level subjects, a minimum of a grade D at IGCSE.

CCS is quite flexible and understanding with regards to helping students find the right IB pathway. If a student achieves grade B's or above in most of their chosen higher level subjects in the IGCSE and is close to having a full set of Diploma Program subjects (maybe falling short in one area), we will endeavor to find the student an IB Diploma pathway. However, progress will be monitored closely each semester (see below for details).

It is essential that student progress in the IB programs (Diploma or Courses) is monitored carefully. Students can quickly find themselves overwhelmed and out of their depth and this can negatively affect student wellbeing. The goal for students at CCS is to develop as confident lifelong learners who are challenged by their school work but not discouraged or disheartened by it.

At the end of each Semester, we analyse grades in all IB classes. If a student is not achieving the levels specified below, we will call a meeting to discuss their pathway.

Where parents and students decide to go against the advice of the school, we will ask them to sign and acknowledge that this is the case.

IB Diploma Candidate Monitoring

• If any IB semester grade is 2 or less, the class may be dropped a level (from HL to SL) following consultation with the subject teacher. This will usually mean that the student cannot continue as a Diploma candidate as they won’t have the required number of SL & HL classes.

• If any IB semester grade is a 3, the student will have one term to get it to a 4. If, after one term the grade is still 3 or less, students may not continue as a Diploma candidate and may be advised to drop the class entirely.

• If a DP student’s 3 Higher Level subject semester grades add to 10 points or less, the student may be moved to the IB Courses pathway. 

• If the 3 HL semester grades add to 11, the student will be given one semester to get the total to a minimum of 12 (and all HL subjects to a minimum score of 4 points in each subject). 

• If the 3 SL semester grades add to less than 9, the student must drop from Diploma to Courses.

• EE, TOK and CAS are crucial core components of the Diploma. If a student fails to meet published milestones and deadlines, they may be required to move from IB Diploma to IB Courses.

IB Courses Candidate Monitoring

• If any IB semester grade is 2 or less, the class will be dropped a level (HL to SL, or SL to CCS award).

• If any IB semester grade is 3, the student will have one semester to raise it to a 4. If, after one semester, the grade is still 3 or less, the class will be dropped a level (from HL to SL, or SL to CCS award).