The Exploration (Internal Assessment)

As with other Diploma subjects, internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is compulsory for both SL and HL learners in all mathematics courses. It enables learners to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge and to pursue their personal interests without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations. 

The internal assessment requirement at SL and at HL is an individual exploration. This is a piece of written work that involves investigating an area of mathematics. It is marked according to five assessment criteria and graded out of 20.

Towards the end of Year 12, we present the exploration to learners as as workshop for the whole year group. Individual teachers then continue during class time before the end of the year and after the summer holidays. This includes helping learners to explore and find ideas, discussing the assessment criteria, completing detailed proposals, and grading and discussing previously submitted work to better understand the IB's requirements and assessment criteria.

In Term 1 of Year 13, learners complete their work in class and at home. A draft is due at the end of Term 1. We expect this draft to be as complete, and as close to the final version, as possible. Learners are then given written feedback and must submit their final draft by the end of Term 2.

Learners are encouraged to liaise with their teacher throughout the process - to give updates, discuss ideas and work with their teacher to produce their best and final piece of work.  Late submissions cannot be accepted, except in rare cases involving a medical certificate.

This internal assessment accounts for 20% of a learner's final grade in the subject, so every mark is  important. Given the autonomous nature of this internal assessment, learners have the opportunity to go into their final examination with a very strong score behind them.