HL assessment outline
External assessment (4 hours 45 minutes) 80%
Paper 1 (2 hours 15 minutes) 35% (52 marks total)
Six questions in two sections that address syllabus topics and real-world examples
Section A Students answer two of 4 questions on the common SL and HL syllabus.
Section B Students answer 1 of 2 extended response questions based on the HL extension.
Paper 2 (1 hour 15 minutes) 20% (24 marks)
Four source-based questions that address the common SL and HL syllabus in an integrated way. Sources may include text, audio, visuals, data, diagrams and/or infographics.
Students answer all four questions.
Paper 3 (1 hour 15 minutes) 25% (30 marks)
Questions that address an intervention related to an HL extension challenge topic. A brief statement indicating the real-world nature of a selected challenge topic will be released prior to the examination. Students answer all four questions.
Internal assessment 20%
Inquiry project (30 hours) (24 marks)
Students conduct an inquiry into impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities. The submission requirements for the project include: • an inquiry process document not to exceed 1500 words
• a recorded multimedia presentation that does not exceed 10 minutes
• a list of references.
HL Topics
5.1 Global well-being
Prescribed enduring understandings
• Global well-being is a significant challenge involving diverse issues and concerns. Global well-being intersects in important ways with many digital systems.
Prescribed areas for inquiry
Supporting details (possible examples, issues, terms and initial inquiry questions)
5.1A
Local and global inequalities
• Economic inequality and stratification
• Food insecurity and access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food
• Access to health care and medicine
5.1B
Changing populations
• Population growth
• Shifting demographics, for example aging and youth populations
• Migration and the movement of people
5.1C
The future of work
Automation and employment
• Ensuring meaningful and secure employment
• Addressing the collective needs of workers
5.2 Governance and human rights
Prescribed enduring understandings
• Governance and human rights are significant challenges in digital society. Governance and human rights intersect in important ways with many digital systems.
Prescribed areas for inquiry
Supporting details (possible examples, issues, terms and initial inquiry questions)
5.2A
Conflict, peace and security
• Wars and civil conflicts
• Regional, national and global security
5.2B
Participation and representation
• Political speech and activism
• Access and representation in governing bodies and institutions
5.2C
Diversity and discrimination
• Gender equality
• Racial and ethnic discrimination
• Ability, access and inclusion
• Tolerance for religions and cultural differences
5.3 Sustainable development
Prescribed enduring understandings
• Sustainable development is a significant challenge in digital society. Sustainable development intersects in important ways with many digital systems.
Prescribed areas for inquiry
Supporting details (possible examples, issues, terms and initial inquiry questions)
5.3A
Climate change and action
• Global efforts to address climate change
• National, regional and local efforts to address climate change
5.3B
Responsible use of resources
• Responsible consumption, production and distribution of products and services
• Designing for responsible use of shared infrastructures and resources, for example, energy, transportation and built spaces
5.3C
Managing pollution and waste
• Pollution and waste monitoring
• Pollution and waste prevention
• Pollution and waste reduction