Total Internal Assessments Count for IB Students: Comprehensive Overview
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme incorporates Internal Assessments (IAs) as a core component, with each subject requiring one IA. This means that students, who typically take six subjects, complete one IA per subject group, totaling six IAs for the full diploma.
Each IA takes the form of coursework such as essays, projects, presentations, or commentaries, depending on the subject. These assessments are internally marked by teachers and contribute to the final grade alongside external exams. The nature and weighting of the IA vary by subject, with some subjects, like IB Economics, placing a significant emphasis on the IA commentary.
In Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature, the IA is an Individual Oral, consisting of a 10-minute presentation and a written script. Group 2: Language Acquisition also features an Individual Oral, focusing on a conversation and analysis of visuals or themes.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies requires a written investigation or research project, while Group 4: Sciences demands a scientific investigation or experiment report, both of which can be quite lengthy due to data analysis and precise formatting. In Group 5: Mathematics, the IA is a mathematical exploration, typically spanning 6-12 pages of analysis and reflection.
In Group 6: The Arts, the IA varies by subject. For example, in the Extended Essay (EE) and TOK Essay & Exhibition, students delve into a research project and a philosophical exploration, respectively, which are separate core components of the IB Diploma Programme, in addition to Internal Assessments.
Managing multiple IAs can be overwhelming, but strategies include starting early, using a calendar, breaking IAs into stages, rotating focus, communicating with teachers, and treating each IA as a long-term project. It's essential to follow rubrics closely, stay within word/page limits, and meet deadlines to ensure a successful outcome.
Teachers mark your IA using IB-assigned rubrics, and a sample of these is moderated by external examiners. If discrepancies are found in the moderation process, all grades may be adjusted. It is not possible to redo an IA if you're not happy with your grade, but drafts can be improved before the official deadline.
In total, expect to complete 9 major submissions across your IB Diploma journey, including the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) components. It is crucial to avoid common mistakes such as procrastinating, choosing vague topics, ignoring rubrics, skipping feedback, not citing sources, and failing to meet deadlines.
With careful planning and a proactive approach, students can successfully navigate the Internal Assessments in the IB Diploma Programme, enhancing their independent thinking, research, and analysis skills.
- The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme offers online education opportunities for self-development, with each subject requiring an Internal Assessment (IA), including studies in Group 6: The Arts, where the IA varies by subject, often being a research project or an extended essay for subjects like the Extended Essay and TOK Essay & Exhibition.
- Managing the various Internal Assessments (IAs) in the IB Diploma Programme is crucial for success, as each student completes around nine major submissions across their journey, requiring careful planning, strategizing, following rubrics, avoiding procrastination, and treating each IA as a long-term project, like the Extended Essay or the Mathematics' mathematical exploration, to enhance their education-and-self-development skills through independent thinking, research, and analysis.
