Finishing 10th grade means choosing your final curriculum for high school. You have the IBDP, A-Levels, AP, and even your country’s national curriculum; there are many options to choose from. If the IBDP is one of your main choices right now, it’s important to know as much as you can about the program.
From its level of rigor to its requirements, many pre-IB students and parents still have uncertainties about what the IBDP promises. Is the program too challenging? Does it prepare you well for university? What makes this program unique? Questions like these often arise. Inaccurate answers to these inquiries can make decision-making much harder than it already is.
If you still have some doubts, fret not! To ensure you’re all set to enter the IBDP, let's explore some common beliefs about the program and uncover the truth behind them!
#1: IB is purely exam-based, with no written assessments prior. Fact or myth?
Answer: Myth!
IB markings consist of both external and internal assessments. The external assessments are each subject’s final examinations. Like how it works in other curriculums, these exams are graded by certified IB examiners.
The internal assessments set the IB apart from other programs. Often known as IAs, these assessments are graded by your subject teacher before being moderated by the IB. For most non-language subjects, students are required to write a research paper on a sub-topic within the subject. In the languages, students are instead tested through an oral exam.
This is one of the crucial facts one should know before choosing the IB. A mixed curriculum system does not fit everyone. Some people are very good with exam-taking, but less confident in completing written tasks, making this program less suitable for them. Thus, students must consider their preferences and how well they align with the IB’s vision.
