Grades and Assessment

Each academic subject is assessed on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) with 4 considered the "passing grade". In all IB subjects this grade is arrived at through internally as well as externally assessed or moderated work, throughout the two-year program with the final examination. Following are the approximate grade scales used by the IB:

To achieve the IB Diploma, therefore, a student should achieve a minimum of 24 IB points (IB grade 4 in 6 subjects) with the maximum possible diploma score being 45 points (IB grade 7 in 6 subjects plus 3 bonus points). However, there are specific IB requirements which mean that a student scoring a 1 in any subject is not awarded the Diploma, even if the total score is 24 or greater. Similarly, a student scoring a 3 in one subject at HL still needs to reach a total of 12 points at HL, or an overall Diploma total of 28 points.

For this reason, for school purposes, we recommend that students aim for a total of 28 points with no failing conditions in order to be considered strong IB Diploma candidates.

For a more specific guide to the likely minimum requirements for university courses in the USA, Britain, Canada and Australia, the school’s experienced university advisors are available for consultation. You are welcome to make an appointment to see them to discuss future plans. In addition, the university advisors hold a “College Fair” each year to which all students and their parents are encouraged to attend.