Assessment in the Diploma Programme

All subjects are assessed through a combination of internal and external assessments. 

External assessment components can be written examinations or written work, for example the TOK essay, that is completed over a period of time and submitted to IB.

Internal assessment components are completed at various points throughout the two year programme.

The weightings of these components vary from subject to subject. Please see subject details for further information about these.

Please also refer to subject details for highlighted information about timelines for completion of internal assessment, written coursework and portfolios throughout the two-year programme.

Students receive grades ranging from 7 to 1 in their six subjects, with 7 being highest. HL and SL grades contribute the same towards the Diploma. The six subjects contribute a maximum of 42 points towards the Diploma

Students also receive a grade from A to E for EE and TOK; together these contribute up to three bonus points as outlines below.

The Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points and also meet other minimum levels of performance detailed below. Successful completion of the three elements of the IB DP core is also required. 

CAS is graded as either Satisfactorily Completed or Unsatisfactorily Completed, the latter being a Failing Condition.

1.  All assessment components for each of the six subjects and the additional Diploma requirements must be completed in order to qualify for the award of the IB Diploma.

2. The IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate provided all the following requirements have been met:

• CAS requirements have been met. 

• The candidate’s total points are 24 or more. 

• There is no “N” (no grade) awarded for theory of knowledge, the extended essay or for a contributing subject. 

• There is no grade E awarded for theory of knowledge and/or the extended essay. 

• There is no grade 1 awarded in a subject/level. 

• There are no more than two grade 2s awarded (HL or SL). 

• There are no more than three grade 3s or below awarded (HL or SL). 

• The candidate has gained 12 points or more on HL subjects (for candidates who register for four HL subjects, the three highest grades count). 

• The candidate has gained 9 points or more on SL subjects (candidates who register for two SL subjects must gain at least 5 points at SL).