The IB’s language and definitions can produce confusion. Many of the labels regularly used in IB mimic those students have used for the last several years, but in the context of the Diploma Programme they may have very different meanings.
For example, a course grade is the grade that is awarded and reported to the transcript.
An IB mark is the final score reported to the IB for the purposes of determining the IB diploma or individual IB course credit when a rubric or markscheme is employed to assess the work. An IB grade is the result of your work in the course - your marks are considered here - and it is reported to the IB.
A variety of methods are used to communicate student achievement throughout the academic year. Curriculum outcomes and assessment practices are communicated through course syllabi provided to students. Parent meetings are held in September of year 1 to clarify IB grading and answer any questions parents may have concerning IB assessments. Curriculum evenings are held each semester to inform parents and guardians about course objectives and assessment practices. Parent-teacher interviews are held each semester, providing parents and guardians with a time to meet teachers to discuss their child’s progress in each course. As needed, teachers consult with parents and guardians on an individual basis.
Course grades, based on school-based assessments, are reported to students and their parents and guardians on an ongoing basis through the use of password-protected online accounts on Infinite Campus. Grades are also reported to students and parents twice a semester.
Marks in IB courses are reported using the IB 1 - 7 scale as described below. The 1-7 marks are based on the IB standardized criteria on levels of achievement in each course.
7 = Excellent Performance
6 = Very Good Performance
5 = Good Performance
4 = Satisfactory Performance
3 = Mediocre Performance
2 = Poor Performance
1 = Very Poor Performance
Final IB grades are based on the IB internal and external assessments, not on school-based assessments. Students are notified of their final IB grades in early July through access to a secure IB website. Requests may be made at the school in May for official IB results to be sent directly from the IBO to universities in July. Students may later contact IBO directly to request that transcripts be sent to universities.