Responsibility for all academic judgments about the quality of candidates’ work rests with more than 5,000 examiners worldwide, led by chief examiners with international authority. Conventional external examination techniques are chosen from a range of options: oral and written, long and short responses, data-based questions, essays and multiple choice questions. These are complemented by internal assessment of course work by the Cardinal Carter CHS teachers responsible for evaluating students over the two-year period.

The grading system is criterion-referenced. Each student’s performance is measured against well-defined and widely accepted levels of achievement. Top grades reflect attainment of knowledge and skills to set international standards, equally applied to all schools and all IB candidates.

Grade 7: Excellent performance

Demonstrates excellent knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; very strong and detailed appreciation of the effects of technique and style; very strong evidence of independent and/or original perspectives on the works studied, where appropriate; consistently focused, carefully developed and persuasive presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is varied, clear, concise, precise and convincingly adapted to tasks.

Grade 5: Good performance

Demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of works and tasks; good appreciation of the effects of technique and style; good evidence of a relevant personal response to the works studied, where appropriate; clearly focused and effective presentation of ideas or argument; use of language that is clear, concise and appropriately adapted to tasks.

Grade 3: Mediocre performance

Demonstrates some knowledge but superficial understanding of works and tasks: some awareness of the effects of technique and style; some evidence of a relevant personal response to the works studied, where appropriate: some evidence of a focus but ideas are neither appropriately developed nor presented; use of language that is limited in clarity. accuracy, fluency and appropriateness to tasks.

Grade 1: Very poor performance

Demonstrates: rudimentary knowledge and/or understanding of works and tasks: presentation without clarity or relevance; use of language that is barely intelligible.