The IB Diploma core and predicted grades are integral to the IB experience, fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and preparedness for future challenges. While the core cultivates critical skills and values, predicted grades serve as a steppingstone to university and beyond. Together, they embody the IB’s mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring individuals who contribute to a better world.

Therefore, it is essential for students to work towards maximizing their success in the DP core elements, i.e. the TOK course, the Extended Essay and the CAS program. These three elements, along with the Internal Assessment components of their six IB Diploma subjects, are aspects where the onus is largely on the student. Research skills and sound planning, along with consistent short term goals, and concerted effort will lead the way to their success in these areas. 

Success in CAS is largely dependent on the completion of the Creativity, Activity and Service components by achieving the Learning outcomes as designed in the CAS program. There are no specific scores for this element but it is a fundamental part of the Diploma program core. 

The TOK course assessments comprise of the TOK exhibition, a 950 word commentary which contributes to one-third of the overall TOK grade. This is the internal assessment element of the course which is internally assessed by class teachers and externally moderated. The second assessment component is the TOK essay which contributes to the remaining two-thirds of the TOK grade. The essay, however, is externally assessed after submission to the IB by the school.

The Extended Essay, the third component of the DP Core is an independent investigation and research undertaken by the student in one of their subjects or as an interdisciplinary approach across two subjects.  The analysis and evaluation of their investigation is then presented through a four-thousand-word essay guided by the five key criteria carrying marks between 4 to 12 and totaling 34 marks.

The two components of TOK and Extended Essay carry letter grades and students can achieve a total of 3 points, awarded on the basis of a matrix designed for these two assessments.  For example, a student is awarded full 3 core points if they achieve “A” on both components or “A” and a “B” in either. An award of “B” in both would total to 2 points only.  An award of “E” in either will result in the Diploma not being awarded.

Hence success in the core is not only essential to the success in their IB Diploma but also in maximizing their predicted grades.

Predicted grades represent the scores that teachers anticipate students will achieve in their final IB exams, based on their performance in coursework, assessments, and mock exams. These grades are critical in the university application process, particularly for university destinations in the UK, where conditional offers are dependent on the predicted grades submitted during the application process.

Many universities rely on these grades to make admissions decisions, often offering places contingent upon achieving specific final results. For students, predicted grades provide a benchmark and can help set realistic academic goals. They reflect a teacher’s professional judgment, offering valuable insight into a student’s potential.

Internal Assessments (coursework) which form 20-25% of their subject grade offering an opportunity for students to research on specific topics within their subjects also enables highlighting their affinity for the subject. This is yet another element that can be used in their university application process. 

However, predicted grades can also be a source of stress, as they might not always align with students’ aspirations or final outcomes. It is therefore essential for students to begin working on their research at a very early stage. It is particularly important for the extended essay – which they should begin during the summer break to allow themselves enough time for revision of content, additional research information, additional interviews to support their analysis as evidence.  

Having a solid draft by the end of the summer break often sets the students up for success in this component. This component can also form part of the evidence required for their research and analytical skills that the competitive universities may require as additional support in the selection process. It is not uncommon that the evidence of an innovative topic and interesting research data presented in an extended essay can set a student apart in the competitive application process.

The interplay between the IB Diploma core and predicted grades is fundamental in shaping a student’s academic profile. Success in core components, such as the TOK essay and the Extended Essay, contributes to the overall diploma score, which influences predicted grades. Moreover, the core components often provide valuable material for personal statements and university interviews, showcasing a student’s intellectual curiosity and commitment to holistic education.

It is therefore imperative that students draw up a clear timeline of these components as well as all their internal assessments and plot in all the school’s deadlines for internal assessments and also highlight the external deadlines for the core components.  “Back-mapping” their deadlines and setting short term goals and deadlines to help them streamline all their assessments will prove beneficial to their success in these components.  Achieving 2 or 3 out of the total 3 points for the core can either make or break their entry requirements to certain competitive university destinations which take the core points into consideration for their IB points entry requirement.

Understanding the connections between IAs, DP Core and predicted grades can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 

At Courseleap, we offer:

• Guidance for Internal Assessments for focused support for each subject
• Guidance for Extended Essay for a polished, impressive essay.
• Guidance for TOK Exhibition and Essay to unlock critical thinking skills.
• Pre-IB Introduction to the IB Core for students in Grade 10 who want a head start in DP Core

Take the next step on your path to IB excellence. Visit CourseLeap’s website and enroll today!

Want to read more about research in the IBDP?

How Your TOK Exhibition Sets the Stage for TOK Essay Success

Unravelling the Enigma of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) in the IB Diploma Programme: Life in the IB

5 Top Tips for a Smooth Transition into the IBDP