Assessment Outline (Grades 9 - 10 and 11 - 12)
Assessment
Grades 9 - 10
Assessment in the IBMYP is criterion-referenced, which reflects contemporary educational theory regarding assessment. Each subject in the IBMYP has its own assessment criteria that are age level and task specific, and based on core learning aims and objectives for that subject. The use of criterion-referenced assessment compares student achievement with pre-determined criteria that, over time, provide greater consistency in maintaining and raising standards. This method of student assessment helps learners plan their next steps for learning and to set goals for improvement. These goals for learning engage students in the assessment process so they can work with the criteria and experience a sense of progress. The use of criterion-referenced assessment also provides greater consistency in assessment, as there are clear indicators for measuring student achievement that all teachers must follow. The use of criteria enables teachers to also assess the process of learning that a student has undertaken as well as the products they produce. At WAB we do not compare students to each other, but instead assess each student’s performance in relation to clearly defined standards, as articulated in the assessment criteria, using a wide variety of assessment tools.
Parents are encouraged to attend parent workshops on assessment held throughout the academic year.
Grades 11 - 12
Whether students follow the IBDP program, a combination of IB Certificates Courses and WAB Courses, or a full load of WAB Diploma courses, assessment is through a variety of processes and mediums with an emphasis upon what students know, understand and apply.
The IBDP Courses follow a full and demanding syllabus that combines internal assessment with end of course examinations in May of a student’s graduating year.
High School courses follow the same principles that exist in the Elementary and Middle School sections, whereby students are able to showcase their learning through a variety of assessment techniques that include oral presentations, visual presentations, timed essays, research pieces, portfolio compilations and end of course formal examinations.
Examinations
Grades 9 -11
Students in Grades 9 – 11 complete examinations in May. The aim of these examinations is to provide students with the experience of writing under timed conditions and the opportunity to reflect on their learning after receiving feedback on their examinations. Examinations are one in a series of strategies that aim to assist WAB students in achieving their potential and developing the skills to experience success in the world beyond High School.
The Examinations in Grades 9 and 10 are assessed against IBMYP subject-specific criteria. Where appropriate, Grade 11 examinations include sample questions from previous IBDP examinations. Examination results, along with all other formative and summative assessment conducted over the semester, are taken into account when determining students levels of achievement for the June reports.
MOCK Examinations – Grade 12
In order to provide students with maximum preparation for the May IB examinations, MOCK examinations are held in January of Grade 12. At this time, IB students write examinations on a schedule similar to the official May examinations. Parents will be individually informed of student achievement and consulted on future strategies for success at a parent evening scheduled in February. A student report will also be provided on the MOCK examinations.
IB Diploma Examinations – Grade 12
Students in Grade 12 who are taking IB Diploma Courses will write external examinations in May. Grades on IB examinations will be available in July.
External Standardized Tests:
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and PSAT
The purpose of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, American College Test (ACT), Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) is to give an objective evaluation of a student in comparison to a wide range of other students.
Colleges in the United States typically require the SAT or ACT and usually have a minimum score or range to be eligible for admission. More competitive colleges also require two or three SAT Subject tests be taken. Colleges in other countries sometimes request the SAT for students not completing the full IB Diploma Program. The SAT tests are usually taken at the end of Grade 11 and again if necessary in Grade 12. It is advisable not to take the SAT more than twice.
In order to assist students in preparation for these important tests, all WAB students write the PSAT (practice SAT) Grade 10. SAT preparatory courses are also arranged to assist students in preparing for these important tests.
TOEFL
Colleges around the world usually require the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers. This test should be taken towards the end of Grade 11 or early in Grade 12. Students are strongly encouraged to become as familiar as possible with these tests, and to know which tests each of the colleges require.
International Schools Assessment
Grade 10 students at WAB participate in the International Schools Assessment (ISA). This assessment tool has been developed in order to allow comparison of student achievement in participating international schools against performance of students in OECD (Organization of Economic Development) countries. This is done by benchmarking student achievement against results in the PISA* (Program for International Student Assessment).
The ISA also compares performance against other participating international schools. The ISA provides standardized assessment in Mathematical Literacy, Reading, Narrative and Expository Writing at Grade 3, 5, 7 and 10.
Using an 800-point scale the ISA describes the band of achievement of students in other international schools, the average achievement in schools in OECD countries and the achievement of each individual student at WAB compared with these.
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