Live: Chronological summary of COVID-19 updates

Will the May 2020 DP and CP results certification look the same as usual?

Yes. The DP and CP results certification will look the same as usual.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment

Can we request an extension of the deferral deadline to beyond the issue of results date?

The deferral deadline has been extended to 15 July. It cannot be extended beyond the results issue date as this would mean it is a retake instead of a deferral.

Travel and events

What is the status of the IB Global Conference the Hague?

As a matter of safety and precaution during the on-going COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, it is with regret that the IB Global Conference due to be held in The Hague 29-31 October has been cancelled.

Since the pandemic’s onset, the IB has been closely monitoring the situation and taking actions aimed at keeping our community safe and healthy. We understand that the situation for many is very difficult at present and we wish to offer our empathy and full support during this time.

We know how much our community values these conferences. We would like to invite all our participants to stay connected on our IB social media network for future conferences and upcoming events, whether it is to connect in person or virtually.

We will look forward to reuniting with you for the IB Global Conference the Hague in 2021.

I registered for the conference in the Hague, will I receive a full refund of my registration fee?

Participants, exhibitors and sponsors currently registered for the Hague conference will receive full refunds to registration, exhibitor or sponsorship fees. For specific enquiries, we ask you to email conference.ibaem@ibo.org for additional information.

What will the new MYP predicted grades document look like?

The new document will be in the style of the usual MYP documents and will contain the following information:

• the IB logo and the MYP logo
• the session (May 2020)
• the candidate’s name
• the school’s name
• the on-screen subjects registered for
• the predicted grades for the on-screen subjects

Can schools change the predicted grades submitted, now that schools know these will be recorded on the new predicted grades document?

No, you cannot change the predicted grades once you have submitted them.

Will the predicted grades document be withdrawn if the student is unwilling or unable to sit the on-screen exams in a future session?

No, the predicted grade document will not be withdrawn if a student does not sit the on-screen exams in a future session.

Will students who do sit the November 2020 examinations be issued with a new certificate following these examinations, and if so what will happen to the May 2020 predicted grade document?

Students who sit the on-screen exams in November 2020 will receive the usual MYP results document and the MYP certificate, if eligible against the November 2020 passing conditions. Students can retain the May 2020 predicted grade document even if they receive MYP on-screen results in a future session.

Deferring eAssessments from May 2020: Can we choose to defer eAssessment to May 2021 instead of November 2020?

Yes. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any MYP candidate wishes to defer their May 2020 registration to a future examination session, the Programme Coordinator must submit the request in writing (via email) to support@ibo.org.

No additional fee will be charged to complete the deferral. Please note, the deadline for a deferral request from May 2020 has been extended to 15 July 2020.

Before submitting any request for deferral, Programme Coordinators must check subject availability for the requested/intended deferred session.

Examinations and fees

I want to retake a subject in a future session, can I carry forward my May 2020 coursework mark?

Yes. Marks for coursework submitted in May 2020 can be carried forward to a future session, as long as the subject allows coursework outcomes to be carried forward to the session you are retaking in.

Will the IB make any changes to the November 20 exams?

In response to unprecedented disruptions to school communities, the IB has convened COVID-19 Response Teams representing the perspectives of regional educators, university recognition, global accreditation bodies as well as teaching, learning and assessment experts. These response teams are working together to ensure that decisions about the November 2020 assessment session are informed by principles of fairness and compassion to avoid putting undue stress on students during this challenging time.

While these decisions are complex given the global complexity of the present context, their aim is clear: to protect the health and safety of students, parents and teachers.

The IB will continue to update schools with timely guidance ahead of the November 2020 session. Please check back regularly for updates.

Teaching and Learning

How can we continue teaching when our school is closed?

We have developed a guidance for schools that are facing closures and quarantines due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. It contains suggestions and guidelines for online and blended learning, with further suggestions for free apps and solutions for schools that may not have online or mobile solutions in place at the time of closing.

How should online teaching and learning be managed?

During this difficult time, schools can use available means to try and make alternative arrangements for study so that students are not disadvantaged by any closures including online or remote teaching. We have produced a resource to support schools using online and blended learning. Read more about online learning planning for schools.

Any student who has not received enough teaching has the option to defer to a subsequent session for some or all the assessments, free of charge. For advice on supporting teaching and learning, please contact your IB World School Manager directly or support@ibo.org.

We were due to host an event/award ceremony should this go ahead?

Schools should follow local guidelines and travel restrictions when making decisions about school events.

Predicted Grades

Should I share the predicted grade with candidates and their parents/guardians?

Please refer to section B3.2.3 of the DP Assessment Procedures/B3.3.3 of the CP Assessment Procedures.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Are schools still required to assess all strands of all criteria at least twice for all subjects?

Although this is a programme requirement, we understand that it may not be possible this year given the extenuating circumstances. Schools have the flexibility to determine with their MYP teachers how to make professional judgements regarding their students’ achievement and how students can best demonstrate their learning if the planned summative assessments are not possible to be completed.

Do schools still need to ensure that all MYP students complete an interdisciplinary unit this academic year?

Although this is a programme requirement, we understand that it may not be possible in this school year given the extenuating circumstances. Schools might consider ways to adjust existing interdisciplinary units so that they can be completed during school closure, however, schools are not required to meet this requirement if the current circumstances do not support doing so.

A resource to support schools to continue to implement interdisciplinary learning has been published, this may prove a suitable alternative to an interdisciplinary unit.

Authorization and evaluation

Remote visit webcasts

Further school and IBEN support (DP and CP)

Further school and IBEN support (PYP and MYP)

Can I request the legalization service for my May 20 DP/CP candidates?

Coordinators can complete and submit legalization requests for May 20 candidates in IBIS. The deadline to submit requests is 15 June. Please refer to section B7.5 of the DP Assessment Procedures/B7.7 of the CP Assessment Procedures. The legalization process will be carried out after the results are released in early July. The IB is reliant on third parties and embassies being open and engaged in the process and we will be monitoring the situation closely.

Can I request the legalization service if I sat DP/CP exams in November 19 or before?

The legalization service is available on a limited basis (with potential delays) for candidates who completed their IB qualification in November 19, or before. The IB is reliant on third parties and embassies being open and engaged in order to accept/process any request.

• Requests from candidates from May 19 or before can be completed through the rrs.ibo.org website
• Requests from schools for Nov 19 candidates must be submitted to legalization@ibo.org.

Can I request the legalization service for my May 20 candidates?

The legalization of IB MYP certificates and/or IB MYP course results is not a requirement. However, educational institutions in certain countries may require the legalization of the IB MYP certificate or IB MYP course results document by the appropriate authority in Geneva. Should the legalization of IB MYP certificates or IB MYP course results be required, coordinators should send an email to support@ibo.org. Please refer to section 8.6 of the MYP Assessment Procedures. The legalization process will be carried out after the results are released in early August. The IB is reliant on third parties and embassies being open and engaged in the process and we will be monitoring the situation closely.

How do I inform the IB that a candidate wants to defer to a later examination session?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any DP/CP, retake, course or anticipated candidate wishes to defer their May 2020 registration to a future examination session, the Programme Coordinator must submit the request in writing (via email) to support@ibo.org.

For deferral requests related to adverse or medical circumstances, Programme Coordinators should follow the usual process and submit a ‘Candidate(s) affected by adverse circumstances’ (D2) using the “Adverse circumstances” link under “Contact us” on IBIS or by email to adverse@ibo.org.

No additional fee will be charged to complete the deferral. Please note, the deadline for a deferral request is 29 May 2020.

Before submitting any request for deferral, Programme Coordinators must check subject availability for the requested/intended deferred session.

Can May 21 DP/CP candidates who were registered as anticipated in May 20 take exams in November 20?

Candidates registered as anticipated in May 20 can defer to the November 20 session, as long as their subject is available. If anticipated candidates choose to keep their May 20 registration and want to improve the outcome, they will be able to retake in November 20, if their subject is available.

Information for November 2020 examination session

IB statement on November 2020 DP and CP examinations

Our students, their well-being and their progression in future stages of life, have been at the forefront of our thinking as we respond to this extraordinary pandemic.

At this time, the November 2020 exams are moving forward as planned. However, as circumstances around the globe shift daily we continue to monitor the situation closely. In the event that the exam session cannot take place, the IB will use procedures to ensure students can be assessed and awarded either the Diploma, Career-related Programme certificate or course results which reflect their standard of work.

Based on our knowledge and expertise, what we have learned in our recent experiences and what our community is already doing to support students, we are developing guidance that will support teaching and learning in the current environment.

We know that schools and candidates registering for the November 2020 session will have many questions and we will continue to be available to answer questions.

These November specific FAQs will be updated regularly. If you are part of an IB World school faculty and require further support, please contact support@ibo.org.

Due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), schools are currently closed in many countries across the world. The IB is monitoring the situation closely. We have created an online form for school to provide status updates as their local situation changes.

I am unable to return to my school because of travel restrictions — what do I do?

Please contact your coordinator or head of school. There are options available for students to keep up with their education, including transferring to another IB World School or completing presentations and oral assessments virtually.

Will the IB be awarding Diplomas, Career-related Certificates and course results this year?

Yes

Will students be awarded a grade for each subject, the core and overall?

We will be awarding subject grades, Diplomas and Career-related Programme Certificates for the November 2020 session. At a subject level, students will be awarded a grade on the normal IB 1-7 scale. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and the Career-Related Programme Reflective Project will be awarded a grade on the normal IB A-E scale. The DP core will be awarded on the normal IB 0-3 scale. A total points score will be awarded for the Diploma, out of 45 as normal.

How can we use virtual presentations for CP reflective project (RP), DP theory of knowledge (TOK), extended essay (EE) and global politics HL internal assessments if our school is closed?

To enable DP/CP students impacted by school closure because of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to complete their assignment with their teacher, the IB supports the remote completion of the reflective project, theory of knowledge, viva voce completion of the extended essay and global politics HL extension presentations, to be completed as virtual presentations using video conferencing applications, such as Skype, Zoom or similar methods.

Ideally, the teacher should set up a virtual situation that resembles the face-to-face presentation as closely as possible. The IB recognizes that presenting via video conference is a different skill to presenting in person and that the candidates may find it to be a more difficult experience. However, because of the nature of the presentation, where the quality of the student’s thinking is being assessed and not their presentation skills, this is a viable alternative in these exceptional circumstances.

When marking the presentations, the teacher is reminded that it is the subject matter that is being assessed and not to make any adjustments for poor quality connections or problems with the sound. Schools are also able to request an extension to submission dates, should this be required. A reminder that for the RP and EE, while the viva voce/final reflection may take place virtually, the student’s written summary of the meeting must still be included on their uploaded EE/RPPF for assessment.

Can my November 2020 candidates complete their Group 1 LIT / LAL Individual Oral Assessments remotely following the guidance laid out for May 2020 candidates?

Yes – this is acceptable. The preferred medium is Skype or a similar online platform.
For November 2020 candidates – teachers should follow the guidelines as outlined for May 2020 candidates, including remotely supervised preparation time.

How do I inform the IB that a candidate wants to defer to a later examination session?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, if any DP/CP, retake or certificate candidate wishes to defer their May 2020 registration to a future examination session, the Programme Coordinator must submit the request in writing (via email) to support@ibo.org.

Please note, the IB is yet to make a decision on anticipated candidates registered in the May 2020 examination session being able to defer to the November 2020 examination session. The IB will provide an update on this scenario as soon as possible.

For deferral requests related to adverse or medical circumstances, Programme Coordinators should follow the usual process and submit a ‘Candidate(s) affected by adverse circumstances’ (D2) using the “Adverse circumstances” link under “Contact us” on IBIS or by email to adverse@ibo.org.

No additional fee will be charged to complete the deferral. Please note, the deadline for a deferral request is 29 May 2020.

Before submitting any request for deferral, Programme Coordinators must check subject availability for the requested/intended deferred session.

Will this count as a session under the three-session rule?

No, this session will not count as a session for the three-session rule for regular, anticipated or retake candidates.

Coursework and deadline extensions

Should I submit coursework which has only been partially completed due to circumstances relating to COVID-19?

If the candidate has other components within the subject that are complete then no, partially completed work should not be submitted. The missing mark procedure can be applied to this component.

If this is the only piece of work the student is submitting for this subject then yes, the partially completed work should be submitted.

In both cases you should contact IB Answers to inform them of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that cannot be fully completed.

If a candidate can’t complete a component due to COVID-19 circumstances, can they still get a grade for the subject or will they get an N?

If a candidate can’t complete a component due to COVID-19 circumstances despite making reasonable efforts to complete it, it will be possible to calculate a mark for the missing component as long as the candidate has submitted complete work in at least one other component. The DP/CP coordinator should contact support@ibo.org with details of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that cannot be completed. For information about the missing mark procedure please refer to pages 195-196 of Assessment Principles and Practices: Quality Assessments in a Digital Age  [0.1 MB]

How will a mark be awarded for a component which is missing due to COVID-19, if the candidate has submitted complete work in at least one other component?

If a candidate cannot complete a component due to COVID-19 circumstances despite making reasonable efforts to complete it, a mark will be calculated by comparing the candidate’s performance on the completed component(s) with the average performance of other candidates. For more details of the missing mark procedure please refer to pages 195-196 of Assessment Principles and Practices: Quality Assessments in a Digital Age  [0.1 MB]

If one of my candidates can’t complete a piece of work by the deadline due to COVID-19 circumstances, should I request an extension?

If extra time would allow a candidate to complete work for a component, please request an extension. The coordinator should contact IB Answers (support@ibo.org) with details of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that cannot be completed. Please note that results cannot be guaranteed on the 5 July 2020 where extensions are given, which may result in a pending (P) grade on results release day.

I’ve written to IB Answers with details of the candidate(s) who cannot complete work. When will I receive confirmation that the missing mark procedure will be used?

The first choice to deal with missing work is to offer an extension. The missing mark process is considerably less accurate than using candidates’ actual work to determine performance so we should always use candidate work whenever possible. Therefore, the IB will not confirm its decision to missing mark a piece of work until after 30 May. You will be contacted directly. We believe this is a appropriate balance between not approving use of the missing mark procedure when there is still time to do complete the work, while also minimising uncertainty for candidates.

What conditions need to be met for a candidate to be awarded a calculated mark for a missing component?

• The work is missing/incomplete due to circumstances relating to COVID-19.
• The candidate must have submitted completed work for at least one other component in the subject. If a candidate cannot submit any completed coursework for a subject, there would be no evidence on which to calculate a mark.
• The candidate must have made a reasonable attempt to complete the work.
• The candidate would not be able to complete the work even with an extension. For example if the work requires specialist equipment within the school and it is unknown when the school might re-open.

If work that is locked in the school becomes available at a later date, can I submit it?

The school can request that the candidate’s outcome remains pending until the work can be submitted. If the work is submitted before the close of session on 15th September the candidate will be awarded a grade. The coordinator should contact IB Answers (support@ibo.org) with details of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that will remain pending.

If a calculated mark has been awarded using the missing mark procedure, no further work will be accepted after the issue of results. If a candidate wishes to submit work it will need to be submitted in a future session, if the subject is available.

If one of my candidates is able to complete a piece of work but not at the level they have been working at all year due to COVID-19 circumstances, what should I do?

Where a candidate has completed the assessment task but believes the quality of their work is lower than it would have been had the pandemic not occurred, the IB cannot adjust their mark. This is because there is no robust approach to determine the unique impact of their situation on their mark.

• As all students will have been affected by the pandemic we will adjust for this for the whole cohort in our usual grading processes.
• Examiners will be instructed to ignore any issues relating to candidates completing work under COVID-19 circumstances if they are unrelated to what is being assessed, for example poor quality videoing of a performance or background noise on a recording. This is in line with our usual processes.
• In this situation the candidate may wish to resit the subject in a future session, if the subject is available.

Completing assessment components

How can we use virtual presentations for DP theory of knowledge (TOK), extended essay (EE) and global politics HL internal assessments if our school is closed?

To enable DP/CP students impacted by school closure because of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to complete their assignment with their teacher, the IB supports the remote completion of the reflective project, theory of knowledge, viva voce completion of the extended essay and global politics HL extension presentations, to be completed as virtual presentations using video conferencing applications, such as Skype, Zoom or similar methods.

Ideally, the teacher should set up a virtual situation that resembles the face-to-face presentation as closely as possible. The IB recognizes that presenting via video conference is a different skill to presenting in person and that the candidates may find it to be a more difficult experience. However, because of the nature of the presentation, where the quality of the student’s thinking is being assessed and not their presentation skills, this is a viable alternative in these exceptional circumstances.

When marking the presentations, the teacher is reminded that it is the subject matter that is being assessed and not to make any adjustments for poor quality connections or problems with the sound. Schools are also able to request an extension to submission dates, should this be required. A reminder that for the RP and EE, while the viva voce/final reflection may take place virtually, the student’s written summary of the meeting must still be included on their uploaded RPPF for assessment.

Please note that the remote completion of the reflective project, theory of knowledge, viva voce completion of the extended essay and global politics HL extension presentations is permitted for candidates for the M20, N20 and M21 assessment sessions.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment

How do we predict a grade for Interdisciplinary (ID) when we don’t know what subjects would have been used in the exam?

The predicted grade is the teacher’s prediction of the grade the candidate is expected to achieve in the subject, based on all the evidence of the candidate’s work and the teacher’s knowledge of IB standards. Evidence of the candidate’s work should include previous Interdisciplinary unit assessments based on any two subjects from Language and Literature, Individuals and Society, Science and Mathematics, that you have conducted within your school and any other data you may have regarding the performance of individual students. It is important that each prediction is made as accurately as possible, without under-predicting or over-predicting the grade.

Authorization and evaluation

What happens if I have an upcoming verification visit?

Following the recommendations and decisions by the various governing bodies, the IB has been assessing the need to use remote visit protocols in order to ensure that schools are not disadvantaged by this situation. Due to the increasing travel restrictions and wanting to ensure the safety of our IB community, the IB has made the decision that all verification visits currently scheduled between 12 March and June 30, 2020 will be conducted using remote visit protocols. These protocols have been emailed to impacted schools. If you have not received them, please contact your Programme Relationship Manager.

Please know that we have worked with our IB educators to ensure they are prepared to conduct the visit remotely. As part of this process, if the school is authorized, the IB World School Department will organize a face-to-face follow up visit within the first 12 months of authorized teaching. This is part of the process for any school in which a remote verification visit takes place. In direct communications with impacted schools we are asking you to confirm your virtual visits within seven days of receiving the communication. If we do not hear from you within seven days, we will need to postpone your scheduled visit.

Although we are supporting virtual visits during this time, we know that you highly value face to face visits, as such if you would prefer to postpone your verification visit until such time that it can occur in person that IB will support this request. In the communication sent directly to impacted schools you will have the option of confirming the virtual visit or sharing three potential visit dates between July and November via an online form. The IB aims to confirm your verification visit dates as soon as possible, and no later than one month in advance of the visit.

What happens if I have an upcoming consultancy visit?

Following the recommendations and decisions by the various governing bodies, the IB has been assessing the need to use remote visit protocols in order to ensure that schools are not disadvantaged by this situation. Due to the increasing travel restrictions and wanting to ensure the safety of our IB community, the IB has made the decision that all consultancy visits currently scheduled between March 12 and June 30, 2020 will be conducted using remote visit protocols. These protocols have been emailed to impacted schools. If you have not received them, please contact your Programme Relationship Manager.

Please know that we have worked with our IB educators to ensure they are prepared to conduct the visit remotely. In direct communications with impacted schools we are asking you to confirm your virtual visits within seven days of receiving the communication. If we do not hear from you within seven days, we will need to postpone your scheduled visit.

Although we are supporting virtual visits during this time, we know that you highly value face to face visits, as such if you would prefer to postpone your consultancy visit until such time that it can occur in person we kindly request you communicate directly with your consultant and confirm a visit date between July and November. Once this date has been confirmed, please ask your consultant to communicate it to the IB directly.

Virtual Visits – Authorization Process

Will there be support for schools and educators by undertaking virtual visits due to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Due to the increasing travel restrictions and wanting to ensure the safety of our IB community, the IB has made the decision that all verification visits and consultancy visits currently scheduled between March 12 and June 30, 2020 will be conducted using remote visit protocols. In order to best support our schools, we need to be as flexible as possible in our approach. The guide itself is set up for the school being in session, however, as we know there are many variations; school staff are at the school but there are no students, the leadership team is at the school, but no teachers or students are on campus, all parties working and learning from home etc.

Predicted Grades

How should we predict grades this session?

Teachers should predict grades in the usual way, as though the exams were still taking place. A predicted grade should be based on all the evidence of the candidate’s work and the teacher’s knowledge of IB standards. For more information please refer to section B3.2.3 of the DP Assessment Procedures/B3.3.3 of the CP Assessment Procedures.

For the May 20 session we are using historical data at a school level as part of the calculation of final grades so it is important that each prediction is made as accurately as possible, without under-predicting or over-predicting the grade. Predicted grades will continue to play a role in grade awarding processes. We will monitor for changes in predicted grades this year during our quality control process by comparing the predictions in past examination sessions. Anomalies identified such as over-predicting will be thoroughly reviewed and could be treated as a potential case of school maladministration. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that IB rules and regulations are adhered to. For further reference on possible actions taken by the IB in such cases, please refer to the publication Academic integrity.

What scale should I use when predicting grades for this session?

Teachers predicting grades should continue to use the following scales, as in any other examination session.

• Grades are awarded to candidates in each subject on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest grade.
• For the CP reflective project (RP), TOK and the EE, the grades are on a scale of A to E, with A being the highest grade.

Should I issue a predicted grade for all subjects?

No, a predicted grade is not required for language A: literature SL school supported self-taught candidates because students are not taught by a teacher within your school for these subjects.

Should I share the predicted grade with candidates and their parents/guardians?

Whether predicted grades should be released to candidates is left to the school and their own policy on predicated grades. The IB would recommend that the predicted grade is a matter between the school and the IB. Schools and teachers must be free from undue pressure when signing off predicted grades.

How do I submit predicted grades?

Please submit in the usual way. Full instructions are given in the library section of IBIS in the ‘internal assessment and predicted grade user guide’.

How will the predicted grades be used this session?

Candidates who are registered in May 20 will receive a calculated subject grade. The calculated grade process will consider a range of evidence including the coursework marks, predicted grades and historical grade distributions for a school and for the overall subject on a global level. This will involve a standard setting exercise to ensure that global standards are maintained for each subject.

Predicted grades will continue to be used for grade award meetings when considering a subject’s grade distributions and the performance of individual candidates.

Guidance for completing coursework for each subject group

We can’t meet the deadlines to upload works, how can we apply for an extension?

Please contact IB Answers on support@ibo.org to request an extension. Please note that results cannot be guaranteed on the 5 July 2020 where extensions are given, which may result in a pending (P) grade on results release day.

Can my N20 / M21 candidates complete their Group 1 LIT / LAL Individual Oral Assessments remotely following the guidance laid out for M20 candidates?

Yes – this is acceptable. The preferred medium is Skype or a similar online platform.

For N20 candidates – teachers should follow the guidelines as outlined for M20 candidates, including remotely supervised preparation time.

For M21 candidates – candidates should submit their outline along with their chosen extract(s) / text(s) to the teacher one week prior to the recording of the assessment (as recommended in the Guide). The teacher should check that the candidate has no access to additional material other than their outline and their chosen extract(s) / text(s) prior to starting the assessment. This should include a request for candidates to show their rooms to check for visible / hidden material.

Should we submit Group 6 work which is incomplete?

Schools should only submit Group 6 work which is complete and can be assessed against all published assessment criteria. Some allowances have been made in certain components to help schools ensure that work can be completed; for example, a Visual Arts Exhibition at home, a Theatre Research Presentation conducted remotely, engaging with an online audience instead of a live audience, using a recorded accompaniment for Music Solo performance instead of a live accompaniment. These are detailed in the Group 6 document: DP CP Arts Guidance. Schools and teachers are best placed to advise candidates if the work they are able to complete fulfils the assessment criteria and demonstrates their performance accordingly and appropriately. Where a component cannot be completed in full due to circumstances relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, the DP/CP coordinator should contact IB Answers with details of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that cannot be completed. The candidate will be considered under our process for missing components. If an extension to the deadline would help a candidate to complete a component, please contact IB Answers to request an extension.

eCoursework upload technical questions

I’m seeing the ‘You have no candidates registered for this session’ on the IA mark entry screen for groups 2,3,4 & 5.

IA marks are not required to be entered in IBIS for group 2,3,4 and 5 (except for Global Politics HL extension oral), please continue to the eCoursework upload screen to upload the work.

When I click on eCoursework there is a message saying a new tab will open but nothing happens.

You may have pop-up windows disabled. Please allow pop-up windows in your browser which will correct the issue or contact support@ibo.org for further details.

I have entered the criteria marks/comments for my students, but I didn’t submit them. Now that the system has been updated [2nd April] I’m unable to see these comments/marks. Have they been saved? If so, do I still need to upload the teacher comments/criteria marks document?

IA criteria marks and comments have been removed from IBIS for all students in groups 2,3,4 & 5 (except for Global Politics HL extension oral).

If eCoursework was not submitted before the IBIS system update, schools will need to upload the teacher marks and comments document with all eCoursework.

For eCoursework that was submitted prior to the IBIS system update there is no need to upload anything extra.

Recognition and universities

How is the IB communicating to universities?

The IB is in regular communication with universities across the world. We have sent a communication bulletin to over 9,000 contacts globally encouraging admissions staff to review our ‘For Universities’ FAQs. We have issued a questionnaire to universities and ask them to update us on their approach with regards to May 2020 IB students. We aim to present a summary of those results here in April.

Travel and events

Professional Development Workshops & Events

I am registered to attend and IB event or workshop – what should I do?

We encourage you to follow the guidance of your local Health Ministry to determine what restrictions and/or quarantine period may be required due to travel. Also monitor the country specific or local government travel restrictions of where the workshop is located to determine if travel and entry into that country will be permitted.

The IB will notify all registered participants via email if an event or workshop is cancelled.

My event has been cancelled – what happens to my registration fee?

Registered participants will receive event specific information about their registration fees via email.

My event has not been cancelled but I am unable to attend – what happens to my registration fee?

If you cancel your registration more than 21 days prior to the start of an event, you are eligible for a full refund. If you cancel less than 21 days from the start of the event, you must contact the IB to discuss your individual situation.

Please contact support@ibo.org for assistance.

Should I book travel for an upcoming IB event?

The IB is unable to refund any travel costs. We encourage participants to carefully review the terms and conditions of any travel bookings directly with their provider.

Completing coursework for Group 6

What do I do if my candidate can complete some, but not all components for a Group 6 course?

All completed components should be uploaded to the IB. The DP/CP coordinator should contact support@ibo.org with details of the candidate session number, subject, level and the component that cannot be completed. The candidate will be considered under our regular process for missing components.

For Dance Performance and Dance Composition and Analysis, submissions of staged performance in costume under theatrical lighting and/or studio recordings with unmasked mirrors are not permissible according to the Dance Guide. What if this is the only footage we have available to submit?

For the May 20 session schools are able to submit such footage for assessment for both Dance Composition and Analysis and for Dance Performance. However, in Dance Performance the candidate must be clearly identifiable throughout the piece. If the candidate’s Dance Performance work is selected for the moderation sample, please write a comment about the need to submit such footage in the teacher comments section in IBIS.

For Dance Composition and Analysis, what should a student do if their composition is under the required time and they are not able to complete the full time due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic?

The student and teacher are best placed to consider whether the composition is sufficient to meet the task requirements for a full submission. If both student and teacher are confident that there is sufficient work to be assessed against the criteria, then the work should be submitted. It is advised that the student should discuss the decision in the analytical statement.

For Dance Performance, can candidates film their duet at home as if their partner was dancing with them?

The student and teacher are best placed as to consider whether this work can be completed with due regard for health and safety. If the teacher is satisfied that the work meets the task requirements for a full submission, then the piece can be assessed by the teacher. If the work is selected for the moderation sample, please write a comment explaining the decisions taken in the teacher comments section in IBIS. It is also recommended that the student makes a statement in their programme notes on their interpretation and explains any decisions of this nature they have taken.

How should we prepare our predicted grades and should we take into consideration the additional assessments or the fact that there won’t be an exam?

Teachers should predict grades in the usual way, as though the exams were still taking place. Please refer to section B3.3.2 of the DP Assessment Procedures/B3.3.3 of the CP Assessment Procedures.

What is the deadline for the self-taught oral uploads, is it still 7 May?

The original deadlines apply. The school supported self-taught orals must be uploaded no later than 7 May

My school is closed and the local authorities do not allow teachers to ask students for work during this time. Under these circumstances, I will not have access to any of my students’ work.

The IB will not be able to award grades for any candidates if the school does not submit the required samples for moderation. For concerns regarding any specific subject coursework completion and/or uploading please contact support@ibo.org. Alternatively, schools can either withdraw the candidates from the May 2020 session or defer the candidates to the November session.

Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment

What subjects will be available in the MYP November session?

The digital nature of MYP on-screen assessments makes it possible for the November 2020 examination session to be expanded to offer the same subject availability as May 2020.

If I want to improve my overall result in the MYP certificate, can I take onscreen examinations in November?

Yes. The digital nature of MYP on-screen assessments makes it possible for the November 2020 examination session to be expanded to offer the same subject availability as May 2020.

Will the ePortfolio subjects be moderated as usual?

Yes. The ePortfolios will be sampled and moderated as per the normal assessment process

Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment

When will MYP results be issued?

The IB plans to release results to schools as intended on 1 August 2020. The samples of ePortfolio, personal project and predicted grades for on-screen subjects will need to be uploaded by 20 May, if not sooner, in order to deliver results by 1 August.

Will we be able to submit an Enquiry Upon Results (EUR) for ePortfolio and personal project?

Yes, schools will be able to submit category 3 EURs for ePortfolio subjects and personal project.

In cases where schools will be open, and students would want to take MYP on-screen examinations, will the IB send on-screen examinations?

No. We have consulted widely and many schools and school systems around the world have been closed or are closing to contain the pandemic.

Can MYP coursework be resubmitted?

No, if coursework has already been submitted, then it is this work that the IB will moderate. In addition, we are advising schools to upload all samples of coursework as soon as they can.

What are the deadlines for MYP?

The coursework submission for ePortfolio and Personal Project has been extended to 20 May. Teacher Assessed Totals for ePortfolio subjects and personal project, plus predicted grades for on-screen subjects, need to be entered before 20 May, in time to allow IBIS to generate the student coursework samples to be submitted to the IB via the eCoursework portal. MYP coordinators should leave sufficient time for these administrative steps to take place prior to 20 May.

What if some students cannot complete ePortfolio and personal project due to school closures?

Guidance on how to complete the ePortfolio remotely has been issued. The personal project can be completed remotely.

Are the assessment criteria going to be changed for ePortfolios and personal project?

• Some changes have been brought to some of the partially completed unit planners to enable students to complete the work remotely.
• The updated Design partially completed unit planner can be found here.
• The updated Arts partially completed unit planner can be found here.
• The updated PHE partially completed unit planner can be found here.
• The criteria for the personal project and language acquisition remain unchanged.

What if my school has already completed and uploaded ePortfolio for the non-adapted Partially Completed Unit Planner for Arts, Design or PHE?

ePortfolios that have already been completed and uploaded do not need to be redone. The IB will make necessary adjustments for all candidates once all work has been uploaded.

Schools that have not submitted, please enter an ‘8’ for the criteria that have been removed in Arts and Design.

MYP ePortfolio guidance

How can teachers authenticate work that is completed remotely?

Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of an IB education and should be embedded throughout the learner journey and school ethos. Teachers should follow normal procedures to authenticate work to the best of their knowledge and reiterate the importance of academic integrity with their students. The IB expects teachers to use best endeavour, but also recognizes the difficulties faced as the result of remote working. The IB will undertake additional checks for plagiarism and collusion.

MYP candidates are unable to meet their supervisors to sign off their Academic Honesty forms for the personal project. Can this be completed digitally?

The purpose of the Academic Honesty form is to record a candidate’s progress and the nature of their discussions with their supervisor, with at least three supervision sessions taking place. These should be spread out across the beginning, middle and end of the project. We would anticipate two of the three supervisions to have already taken place according to the usual process before school closures impacted on the final session. Provided this process has been followed, we are able to accept a virtual meeting for the final supervision, to be signed off digitally (securely verified signature) or electronically (scanned/typed signature) by the candidate/their supervisor.

Can you confirm the ‘Service as Action’ component will be awarded based on the part of the year completed (i.e. up to March)?

The “Service as Action” requirement does not count hours, only the achievement of learning outcomes. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would understand that schools’ and students may not be in session for a time and thus, may not be able to continue with Service as Action. In this situation, the safety of our students comes first and hopefully they have many of their learning outcomes already completed. The final deadline for notifying the IB of individual candidates completing Service as Action for a May session is 1 June 2020. For candidates to be awarded the certificate, this information will need to be processed prior to the issue of results on 1 August. We can therefore extend the deadline up to 31 July 2020 for candidates that may require additional time. Candidates who are unable to complete the Service as Action requirements by 31 July 2020 are allowed one further year in which to complete it. This further year expires on 1 June 2021.

What about the MYP November session, is this impacted in any way?

At this time, we plan that the November 2020 exam session will proceed as scheduled.

My students cannot defer to the November session, what are my students’ options?

Students can be awarded an MYP certificate following the submissions of ePortfolio, personal project and predicted grades for on-screen subjects. All registered MYP candidates will be issued with MYP Course Results for the May 2020 session.

How can I inform the IB of our policy regarding admissions during the current COVID-19 impacted admissions cycle?

The IB has developed a short questionnaire which universities can update us with their policy decisions, so that we may keep our IB schools informed.

Information for candidates registered for retakes in the May 2020 examination session

I registered as a retake candidate–can I still retake in this May 2020 session?

Yes, however, as the IB is only assessing coursework now that the May examinations have been cancelled you will need to submit new coursework to the IB to receive a new grade – the IB cannot base grades on a coursework result from a previous year. The subject teacher will be required to confirm that the work you have completed is new and as part of a sampling process, the IB may request a copy of your old work to validate this.

I wanted to keep the IA I did last year and just improve my marks in the exam–why can I not do that?

Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic we are not setting examinations this year, so you will not have the chance to improve your exam results. As you already have a result in a previous session with the IA you did at the time, it would not be a retake if you were able to receive a new grade without submitting any new work to the IB.

What does “new coursework” mean?

When new coursework is submitted, it is not sufficient for you to make minor changes to the work previously submitted. In principle, entirely different work should be submitted for assessment. However, the IB recognizes that for very substantial coursework tasks (for example: the design project for design technology) this may not be feasible given the time constraints. In such cases, substantial modification of the original work is acceptable. If modified work is submitted it will be marked as new.

When is the coursework due for retake candidates?

For retake candidates the coursework is due no later than Monday 4 May. This takes into account the fact that students can no longer carry forward coursework from previous assessments and will be starting original work now.

What if I don’t have time to do a new IA?

We recognise that you may not have the opportunity, time or access to resources to do a new IA; in this case you will need to defer to a future session, if the subject is available. However, we are providing this opportunity for those who are able to complete a new IA so that they can achieve a new grade this session.

How will the IB know if I have submitted coursework from a previous session?

The IB will require information and verification from the school where you were registered in your last year of DP/CP

I want to retake in Literature (Lit) or Language and Literature (LAL) do I have to redo both the oral and the written task?

No. You need to submit at least one new component per subject, but for these subjects that can be either a new oral or a new written task.

I want to retake in Global Politics HL do I have to redo both the oral and the written task?

No. You need to submit at least one new component per subject, but that can be either one of the tasks

If retake candidates do not wish to defer will the IB allow them to redo their coursework for May 2020?

Yes.

What happens for a retake candidate who is resubmitting coursework for some subjects but carrying forward marks for others?

For retake this session a student must submit new coursework for all retake subjects, or defer to a future session, if the subjects are available.

What about retake candidates who already completed their retake EE or TOK essay assessments?

EE and TOK are being marked and grades issued as normal in the DP May 2020 session.

Must all retake candidates defer or only candidates who have brought forward coursework marks?

Candidates must submit new coursework in the May 2020 session if they wish to obtain a grade. If you are not able to submit new coursework then you can defer to a future session, if the subject is available.

Why do I need to defer if I am just re-doing TOK/EE?

You do not need to defer if you are only retaking TOK/EE. TOK and EE are being marked and grades issued as normal in the May 2020 session.

If last session I completed the coursework but didn’t submit it, can I use it for this session?

Yes, but please ensure that it was not submitted. The IB cannot accept a re-submission.

If I didn’t submit my TOK essay last time can I submit it this May session?

No. Your TOK essay title must be selected from the list for the May 2020 session.

Can I submit my resit coursework myself?

Retake students will need to verify their submissions via the school that they attended for their studies of the Diploma Programme/Career-Related Programme. Retake candidates should contact their school to notify them that they will be retaking, if they haven’t already, and ask for them to assist with the verification process.

I registered to retake my exams at a different school to the one I registered with for my DP/CP course studies, can they verify my coursework as being new?

No. This school would not have a record of your previous coursework and you will need to go back to the school you were registered with previously.

I have been working on preparing for my retakes over the past 6-12 months and I believe my predicted grades should have gone up. Can I change my predicted grades?

No. The IB will only consider adjusted predicted grades when verified by your school as evidenced by on-going work assessed by the school.

I have been enrolled for the last year/6-months at a school and I have been taking classes. The school has registered me for the May 2020 session and has set predicted grades for me based on my work this year. Can the new predicted grades be used for this session along with the new coursework submitted?

Yes. The school will need to verify any changes in predicted grades based on your performance in school-based work over the last 6-12 months.

I am a coordinator and I have been contacted by a candidate who has already left the school and they need me to help with their retake, what do I need to do?

You will need to verify that the candidate who was previously registered at your school has submitted new coursework.

Adverse Circumstances

What is included under adverse circumstances for this session?

The usual definition of adverse applies except that in relation to the pandemic, only individual circumstances which are over and beyond the experience of other students will be included. It is also now centred on submission of coursework not the written exams.

Why is the shutdown of a school or the uncertainty and stress that has affected all students not included under adverse circumstances?

The pandemic is an adverse circumstance that has affected all schools worldwide. We will take it into account through our grade award processes. Support will still be offered to schools in situations where they face challenges, in terms of extensions and deferrals but they will not go through the adverse circumstances route. In this case schools must contact support@ibo.org.

What actions will the IB take to address individual candidates affected by adverse circumstances?

Most candidates will be supported through extensions. Deferral of assessment to a future examination session may be the best course of action for some students, such as, where the candidate has completed very little or no coursework. There will be no charge for this deferral.

Special consideration will only be considered for very severe and challenging circumstances as a last resort if the candidate cannot be supported through extensions.

What is the deadline for submitting the ‘Candidate(s) affected by adverse circumstances’ form?

The form must be received by the IB within 10 calendar days post the published coursework deadline.

What supporting documentation should be submitted with the ‘Candidate(s) affected by adverse circumstances’ form?

Where available, medical or psychological evidence must be submitted along with the request. Where there are no reports from professionals available due to the situation of the pandemic, the IB will work with schools to consider other alternative forms of evidence.

Completing assessment components

How can teachers authenticate work that is being completed remotely?

Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of an IB education and should be embedded throughout the learner journey and school ethos. Teachers should follow normal procedures to authenticate work to the best of their knowledge and reiterate the importance of academic integrity with their students. The IB expects teachers to use best endeavour, but also recognizes the difficulties faced as the result of remote working. The IB will undertake additional checks for plagiarism and collusion.

It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that IB rules and regulations are adhered to. For more information on the IB rules and regulations.

Please review both:

1. The school maladministration penalty matrix (page 28, section 1.2)
2. The student academic misconduct penalty matrix (page 32, section 2.2)

Both matrices illustrate what the consequences are for instances where the rules and guidance are not followed and identified by the IB. The document also has a dedicated section for parents (page 17–18), which explains that undue assistance to their children is not acceptable.

The IB is aware of many tutoring companies across the world offering support to IB World Schools and IB candidates. Other individuals and parents can also offer face-to-face supporting services. Both cases are unacceptable as they provide students with undue assistance.

It is the school’s responsibility to follow IB rules and regulations. All IB documents are clear in what is and is not permitted in terms of support to IB candidates. IB World Schools are obliged to follow that guidance and authenticate only what is the true/genuine and unaided work of a candidate.

I am an anticipated candidate this session, will I still receive a grade?

Yes, anticipated candidates will be treated like all other candidates this year and will be awarded a grade based on the work submitted to the IB.

If I am an anticipated candidate this session will my grade count towards my final diploma?

Yes, the grade you receive this session will count towards your final Diploma in the usual way. As usual you will also be able to retake your anticipated subject in future sessions, if the subjects are available.

Will this count as a session under the three-session rule?

No, this session will not count as a session for the three-session rule.

Can I request the legalization service? Can I still submit a request to have my results certification legalized?

In some countries, the IB certification needs to be legalized by the relevant chancellery, embassy and/or consulate to be valid for entrance to universities. As most of these offices and institutions are closed as a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the IB Legalization service has temporarily been suspended. The situation will be monitored closely, and normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Examinations and fees

Will students registered for a retake in this session still be able to do so?

Yes. We have been further investigating options for retake candidates and we are establishing procedures to enable retake candidates to be assessed as part of this session, if they wish to. Further details will be available shortly.

My student does not want to defer to the November exam session due to university admissions deadlines. What are my student’s options?

Students should discuss their options with their DP/CP coordinator and university admissions officers. The IB is communicating with universities globally about the current situation and will continue to do so.

Coursework and deadline extensions

Can work be resubmitted closer to the extended deadline?

No, if work has already been submitted, then it is this work that the IB will mark. In addition, we are advising schools to upload all completed coursework as soon as they can.

Why does assessment require the criterion marks and teacher annotations? What will this be used for?

The IA tasks are designed for teacher assessment. Teachers know the level of support and guidance given to each candidate and other factors that are relevant when marking the work. The teacher marks and comments will be displayed to the examiner when they mark the work.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

What is the appropriate screen time for early learners and for primary years learners?

Refer to the IB Online learning, teaching and education continuity planning for schools for guidance on managing screen time and recommended screen time for different ages.

Do students have to complete the exhibition project if the schools are closed?

We understand that many schools are using this opportunity to explore supporting students with their exhibition digitally. Schools might consider ways to celebrate the process with students, such as virtual celebrations or accolades on end of the year report. However, for students completing their final year in the PYP in May, June or July 2020, there is no requirement for schools and students to complete the exhibition process if they are under adverse circumstances.

Do schools have to complete all six units of the programme of inquiry?

For many schools, teachers can modify their planned units to accommodate the completion of their programme of inquiry. However, for the current school year, there is no requirement for schools unable to complete all six units of inquiry to do so if they are under adverse circumstances.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Can MYP Year 4 students start the personal project now?

Yes, if schools feel that this is the right opportunity for students to begin their personal projects and can provide support to students remotely.

Are schools still required to assess all strands of all criteria at least twice?

Although this is a programme requirement, we understand that it may not be possible this year given the extenuating circumstances. Schools have the flexibility to determine with their MYP teachers how to make professional judgements regarding their students’ achievement and how students can best demonstrate their learning if the planned summative assessments are not possible to be completed.

How should schools report student achievement if some criteria have not been assessed twice?

Schools can report the levels achieved in each criterion. While schools are required to communicate student achievement in each subject group to parents, there is no MYP requirement to report 1-7 grades.

Are schools still required to complete the community project?

Schools are encouraged to modify the expectations of the community project so that its completion can occur where possible. Schools might consider ways they might celebrate the process with students, such as virtual celebrations or accolades on end of the year reports. However, schools are not expected to implement the project if the current circumstances do not support doing so.

Are schools allowed to modify the expectations of the community project so that their students can complete it remotely (and/or individually)?

Yes. For the current academic year, schools can modify the community project to enable students to complete it.

If you are a university or college, you can now sign up for regular updates.

Will students be awarded a Diploma, numerical grade for each subject, the core and overall?

We will be awarding Diplomas and Certificates for the May 2020 session:

• At a subject level, students will be awarded a grade on the normal IB 1-7 scale
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and the Career-Related Programme Reflective Project will be awarded a grade on the normal IB A-E scale
• The DP core will be awarded on the normal IB 0-3 scale
• A total points score will be awarded for the Diploma, out of 45 as normal

How will a student be awarded an IB Diploma or Certificate?

We will award each student a grade for each of their registered subjects using a calculation that takes into account their coursework marks and their predicted grade, as submitted to the IB by their school. For most components we will externally mark work that is usually marked by teachers, instead of taking samples and applying moderation.

Will students be awarded a Diploma, numerical grade for each subject, the core and overall?
We will be awarding Diplomas and Certificates for the May 2020 session. At a subject level, students will be awarded a grade on the normal IB 1-7 scale. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and the Career-Related Programme Reflective Project will be awarded a grade on the normal IB A-E scale. The DP core will be awarded on the normal IB 0-3 scale. A total points score will be awarded for the Diploma, out of 45 as normal.

When will the eCoursework system be ready for students and schools to upload the additional file?

Wednesday 1 April 2020/ Thursday 2 April 2020 GMT.

Can candidates upload Internal Assessment work that will now be externally assessed by the IB?

By default *, candidates will be given the option to upload their Internal Assessment work (that will now be externally assessed) to the school for submission to the IB. Once uploaded by the candidate, the submission will appear in the ‘Candidate submitted, pending school upload’ status, which is visible on the eCoursework dashboard. At this stage, the school must upload the ‘Criteria marks and teacher marking comments’ document, complete the authentication process and submit to the IB for assessment. For further information regarding uploading work to the eCoursework system, please refer to the eCoursework user guide and eCoursework user guide for candidates available on the programme resource centre.

* There is functionality within the system for a school to restrict access to candidates and upload the work themselves (this is explained in the eCoursework user guide).

Do I need to upload a clean copy of works without teacher marking comments and criteria marks and then upload a separate document containing these?

If uploaded works contain teacher marking comments and criteria marks this is fine there is no need to upload a clean copy. The system will require the upload of a separate document but if this detail (teacher marking comments and criteria marks) is included in the original works then you will just need to upload a file stating that these are included in the original work.

Information for universities

Will students be awarded a Diploma, numerical grade for each subject, the core and overall?

We will be awarding Diplomas and Certificates for the May 2020 session. At a subject level, students will be awarded a grade on the normal IB 1-7 scale. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay and the Career-Related Programme Reflective Project will be awarded a grade on the normal IB A-E scale. The DP core will be awarded on the normal IB 0-3 scale. A total points score will be awarded for the Diploma, out of 45 as normal.

On what basis will students be awarded their Diploma or Certificates?

We will award each student a grade for each of their registered subjects using a calculation that takes into account their coursework marks and their predicted grade, as submitted to the IB by their school. For most components we will externally mark work that is usually marked by teachers, instead of taking samples and applying moderation.

How will you ensure that the student’s work is of appropriate quality to receive the grade?

Coursework, for subjects where students would have been required to sit an exam, will now be externally marked by examiners. We will use our robust quality assurance methods to ensure coursework marks are reliable.

Will the proportion of students receiving each grade and overall score be similar to previous years?

We will aim to maintain the standard from previous years so that there is comparability with previous and future years.

Will the transcript that universities and colleges receive look the same as previous years?

Yes. We will send transcripts to universities in the same way as previous years.

When will the results be released to universities?

We intend to release results on 5 July 2020, as previously advertised. If this changes, we will inform universities and colleges.

Will students be able to appeal their results?

Schools will be able to access the Enquiry Upon Results and Appeals services.

• May 2020 MYP on-screen examinations are cancelled.
• e-Portfolio and Personal Projects grades will be issued.
• MYP certificate will be awarded, reflecting achievements from a combination of Personal Project, ePortfolio subjects, and predicted grades for other subjects.

Confirmed submission deadlines for DPCP arts subjects

• Internally assessed components – 20 April 2020
• Externally assessed components – 30 April 2020

Guidance for the completion of coursework per subject and component

• Theatre and theatre (pilot)
• Film
• Music
• Visual arts
• Dance
• Literature and performance

Can schools bulk upload from Turnitin?

No. The eCoursework system will be used and normal processes followed.

Do group 6 need to upload all external and by when?

Group 6 assessment will continue as normal, apart from the Music exam being cancelled. Group 6 components which are usually internally assessed (IA) will only require a sample of candidates. The original deadlines apply. For internally assessed (IA) work the deadline is 20 April. For externally assessed coursework the deadline is 30 April.

Do we need to enter, verify marks and enter criteria marks and comments for IA?

For components which are not being externally marked you will still need to enter, verify marks and enter criteria marks and comments in IBIS. This applies to the IA for the core, Language A, the Arts subjects and Global Politics HL Extension Oral.

Do we need to upload all IAs for TOK?

No. Only a sample will be required for the TOK Presentation.

Are we required to upload all language orals, or still following the moderation process?

The Language A (group 1) subjects will only require samples of the IA orals and will follow the moderation process. The Language B and Language ab initio subjects (group 2) will require all candidates’ orals to be uploaded for external marking.

Is the group 6 deadline the 20 April or 30 April?

The original deadlines apply. For internally assessed (IA) work the deadline is 20 April. For externally assessed coursework the deadline is 30 April.

“The IB will award each candidate a grade for each of their registered subjects using a calculation that takes
into account their coursework mark and their predicted grade, as submitted to the IB by their school.
For subjects with one coursework component where candidates would have been required to sit an
examination, the IB will externally mark work that is usually marked by teachers, instead of requiring only
samples to be uploaded and applying moderation.”

“For the components concerned, schools are required to upload the coursework of all candidates registered
for the subject along with a document including the criteria marks awarded by the teacher and teacher
marking comments.”

In order to award a Diploma or certificate, we will be requiring all schools to upload all internal assessments (IAs) for every candidate enrolled in the May 2020 session except for the DP and CP core subjects, Language A subjects, Arts subjects and the Global Politics HL Extension Oral. For the DP and CP core subjects, Language A subjects, Arts subjects and the Global Politics HL Extension Oral, samples of IA will need to be submitted for moderation as usual.

“The community is reacting with the ethos of the IB―speaking up about the values of fairness and equity, showing compassion and caring and looking critically at the facts in play”

Our students, their well-being and their progression in future stages of life have been at the forefront of our thinking as we respond to this extraordinary pandemic.

As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and, fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing. We are grateful for your patience and consideration. As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and ethical way forward.

The IB will be taking the following actions for the 2020 May Examination session:

• The May 2020 examinations as scheduled between 30 April and 22 May for Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme candidates will no longer be held.
• Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student’s coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes.

Full details and FAQs will be sent to schools by 27 March 2020 (CET). You can read initial FAQs on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update page.

We know that schools and May 2020 students will have many questions and we will continue to be available to answer questions. Our goal continues to be to find ways to support our global community during these uncertain times and provide the best possible outcomes for our students.

Information about the Middle Years Programme eAssessment examinations due to be held 11-22 May will be provided next week.

“The IB, like other examination bodies, is treating the challenges that this pandemic is presenting for our worldwide school community very seriously. We have deep empathy for the impact this is having on over 200,000 IB students across the globe and are currently reviewing all available options. We are gathering feedback from schools, students, universities and official bodies to determine the most judicious way forward. It is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our world of schools are done with compassion for our students and teachers and fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing. Ultimately, we want to ensure that our students have every chance of success as they pursue university entry or future career plans. Our students are at the forefront of our thinking as we navigate this extraordinary global pandemic.

“We are working through these options with the utmost urgency and will be providing a decision on the May 2020 examination session and the options available for schools and students no later than 27 March 2020.”