INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

The ongoing response to COVID-19 for our IBDP students

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact so many across the world, and the International Baccalaureate Organisation has responded with the wellbeing of students and schools at the forefront of decisions around assessment and certification. Whilst the day-to-day impact on our community has been thankfully relatively minimal, we remain very aware of the significant difficulties faced by so many communities around the world. 

Keeping up-to-date and adapting to changes has certainly kept us busy. Here are the considerations currently in place for our IBDP students.

• IBDP Examinations will proceed as scheduled. Our students will adhere to additional COVID-safe procedures as outlined by the NSW Department of Education, such as temperature checks and remaining home if symptomatic. Specific details will be forwarded to families closer to the examination date.
  • Year 12 IB Trial Examinations (Term 3, Week 6 and 7)
  • Year 11 IB Yearly Examinations (Term 3, Week 8 and 9)
  • IBDP Examinations (Term 4, Week 4, 5 and 6)
• Oral tasks and presentations will proceed as scheduled.
• CAS projects planned by Year 11 students for this term have been postponed.
• Assessment adjustments have been made by the IB to accommodate the loss of face-to-face teaching experienced over the two-year course. Adjustments include modifications to existing requirements, the removal of a component, consideration of grade boundary allocations or a combination of these adjustments. These adjustments vary depending on the nature of the assessment in each course and are designed to maintain sufficient cover of the key assessment outcomes. A summary of the key assessment adjustments can be found in the attachment below.

• Ongoing collaboration between the IBO and UAC (and other university admission centres across Australia and the world) to maintain recognition of IB qualifications and ensure smooth application processes for IB graduates.

We are also working particularly closely with our Year 12 IBDP students to maintain their motivation and wellbeing. Our goal for Term 3 goal is to stay safe and stay focused! The attached photo, taken at the end of last term, shows the relief experienced when completing an internal assessment tasks combined with the awareness of the upcoming oral presentations and trials that will take place over the coming weeks. 

The Stay Healthy Hub established by NESA provides excellent resources for Year 12 students and parents with advice on studying, self-care and university application processes. Well worth a look.  

Patricia Humble

| Head of International Baccalaureate