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IB Diploma Programme: Guidance for Internal Assessments

Course Concept

A core aspect of the IBDP is emphasis on research skills and critical thinking. Showing academic excellence, particularly through independent construction and execution of a research project,  has become a necessary expectation today for high schoolers. Research in the discipline area of a student’s choice helps them demonstrate higher order critical thinking skills, independent learning and applying problem solving techniques. It also allows students to position themselves well in university applications.

CourseLeap identifies academic writing, organisational and research skills  as an important aspect of building students’ academic profiles. We provide clear guidelines and expectations for the Internal Assessments of each subject, encourage independent thinking and research, and offer personalised feedback and support to help students achieve their best work. Additionally, we help students develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills, which are essential for success in higher education and beyond.

Extended-Essay
  • Learn how to conduct effective research through appropriate methodology

  • Narrow down a research question specific to your interest

  • Learn how to critically and analytically evaluate arguments and results

  • Understand the assessment criteria and increase confidence and final IA grade

Internal Assessment Titles and Grade Weightage

IBDP Subjects IA  SL HL
Language A: Language and Literature Individual Oral  30% 20%
Language A: Language and Literature HL Essay  - 20%
Language A: Literature Individual Oral 30% 20%
Language A: Literature HL Essay  20%
Language AB Initio  Individual Oral 25%
Economics Portfolio of 3 commentaries  30%  25% 
Geography  Fieldwork (Written Report) 25% 20%
History  Historical Investigation 25% 20%
Psychology  Experimental Study 25% 20%
Biology  Laboratory Report  20% 20%
Chemistry  Laboratory Report  20% 20%
Computer Science  The Solution  30% 20%
Physics  Laboratory Report  20% 20%
Math Analysis and Approaches Maths Exploration  20% 20%
Math Application and Interpretation  Math Exploration  20% 20%

Who is it for?

Courses We Offer

Subject: Mathematics | Total hours : 5 -15 hours

These courses aim to improve students’ understanding of the Math Internal Assessment Criteria, work towards assimilating the manner in which mathematical concepts can be applied using examples, and exploring some key areas of mathematics. It will include idea generation, and the instructors will work with students to refine and improve their proposals. The clarity of expectations and criteria help students choose research topics based on their areas of interest right from financial maths, operational research and using skills of modelling and optimisation, to organic farming or the optimal racing line of a formula 1 car.

The main aim is to develop a sound mathematical temper in students. It does not only focus on the difficulty of mathematics used, but rather on the creative thinking behind the process, which is what we want our students to imbibe.

Course Objectives: 

  • Narrow down a specific research question based on personal interest
  • Complete an IA topic proposal and details of problem-solving
  • Master the research skills for Math Exploration 
  • Tackle certain aspects of the Math Internal Assessment like criteria unpacking
  • Participate in structured module based sessions using a research log
  • Discuss exemplars and exploration of how certain topics in maths can be applied to the real world
  • Acquire academic writing skills for Math Research

Note: Students will be exposed to the applied maths concepts to provide inspirational ideas for research for high school students. Exemplars will be provided to help.

Subject: Studies in Language and Literature | Total hours : 5 -15 hours

 These courses are designed to enhance students’ comprehension of the Language and Literature Written Task assessment requirements and criteria. It aims to provide students with the skills and techniques necessary to generate well-structured written responses that demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the texts and topics under consideration. HL students will also acquire the skills needed to construct a well written HL Essay. Overall the course aims on inculcating critical thinking abilities and research skills to construct fluent and coherent pieces of literature.

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the Written Task assessment requirements, including the task types and assessment criteria
  • Develop skills in textual analysis and interpretation of literary and non-literary texts
  • Learn effective writing techniques for producing coherent, concise, and well-structured written responses
  • Enhance research skills and selecting appropriate primary and secondary sources
  • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate various perspectives and arguments
  • Incorporate feedback from instructors to improve writing skills and produce high-quality written tasks

Subject: Language Acquisition | Total hours : 5 -15 hours

 These courses are designed to help students develop the skills and strategies necessary to successfully complete the Written Assignment and Individual Oral components of the IBDP Language Acquisition assessments for Hindi, Spanish and French. Students will learn how to develop the ability to analyse and interpret a range of texts and produce clear, concise, and well-structured written responses. Overall it aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the Written Assignment, including the ability to analyse texts critically, incorporate research effectively, and produce high-quality written responses.

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the requirements and assessment criteria of the  Language Acquisition Written Assignment
  • Develop the ability to analyse and interpret a range of texts, including literary and non-literary texts
  • Learn effective writing techniques for producing clear, concise, and well-structured written responses
  • Enhance research skills and learn how to incorporate primary and secondary sources into writing pieces
  • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate different perspectives and arguments related to the texts and topics being studied
  • Incorporate feedback from instructors to improve writing skills and produce high-quality work

Subject: Individuals and Societies | Total hours : 5 -15 hours

These courses are designed to assist students in completing the Internal Assessment component of the IBDP Individuals and Societies assessments, for Psychology, Geography, Economics, History and Business Management. Through guided instruction and practice, students will explore the interplay between human behaviour and economic systems, fostering a comprehensive understanding of individual and societal decision-making processes. They will learn how to analyse the complex interactions between individuals, societies, and economic systems, while examining geographical, historical, psychological, and managerial perspectives to develop a holistic understanding of human behaviour, decision-making, and their impact on local, regional, and global contexts.

These courses aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this particular group of internal assessments, including the ability to analyse and interpret sources critically, evaluate different perspectives and arguments, and produce well-structured and well-supported investigations.

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the requirements and assessment criteria of the IA
  • Develop the ability to analyse and interpret texts, images, and other materials relevant to the research question
  • Learn effective research techniques and how to evaluate the reliability and validity of sources
  • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate different perspectives and arguments related to the research question
  • Produce a well-structured investigation that employs appropriate use of citations and referencing

Subject: Sciences | Total hours : 5 -15 hours

These courses are designed to assist students in completing the Lab Report component of the IBDP Sciences assessments, for Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Computer Science. They aim to foster an interdisciplinary understanding of the natural world by exploring the fundamental principles and applications of matter, life, energy, and computation. Students will develop the ability to design and carry out scientific experiments, collect and analyse data, and communicate their findings effectively in well-structured and appropriately formatted Lab Reports. They will also acquire the knowledge and skills needed to create a good IA, including the ability to design and carry out scientific experiments, collect and analyse data, and communicate their findings effectively in a well-structured and appropriately formatted lab report.

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the requirements and assessment criteria of the Lab Report component of the IBDP Sciences assessments
  • Develop the ability to design and carry out scientific experiments
  • Acquire skills like  formulating hypotheses, identifying variables, and controlling variables
  • Understand the use of effective data collection and analysis techniques
  • Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate data and draw meaningful conclusions based on evidence
  • Produce a well-structured, coherent and appropriately formatted lab report

Subject: Arts | Total hours : 5-15 hours

These courses are designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for various forms of artistic expression and intellectual inquiry. These subjects, which include Visual Arts, Theatre, Music, Film, and Literature, encourage students to explore and engage with diverse cultural perspectives, develop their creative and technical skills, and express themselves through different mediums. The Group 6 subjects aim to cultivate students’ aesthetic sensibilities, cultural understanding, and their ability to communicate and interpret ideas through artistic and linguistic means. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the Process Portfolio component of the IBDP Art assessment, including the ability to document the creative process, reflect on artistic choices, and produce well-structured process portfolios.

Course Objectives: 

  • Understand the requirements and assessment criteria of the Process Portfolio 
  • Develop the ability to document the creative process, including ideation, experimentation, and development of ideas and techniques
  • Learn effective reflection techniques to critically evaluate artistic choices and progress throughout the creative process
  • Develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate artistic choices and their impact on the final artwork
  • Produce a well-structured process portfolio that meets the appropriate use of documentation, reflection, and commentary

Subjects we offer for guidance for Internal Assessment

IBDP Group 5: Mathematics 

  • Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)
  • Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation  (AI)

IBDP Group 1 : Studies in Language and Literature 

  • English A Literature 
  • English A Language and Literature 

IBDP Group 2: Language Acquisition

  • Spanish 
  • Hindi 
  • French 

IBDP Group 3: Individuals and Societies 

  • Economics 
  • Psychology 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Business Management 

IBDP Group 4: Sciences 

  • Physics 
  • Chemistry 
  • Biology 
  • Computer Science 

IBDP Group 6: Arts  

  • Visual arts HL & Visual arts SL

How can we help

Please refer to the Contact Us page if you need help deciding courses or have any other inquiries so we can understand your needs. The appropriate team member will get in touch with you shortly.

Testimonials

Writing a Math IA was an arduous journey, but it is one that was worth it. I truly believe finding a topic is the hardest part of any IA; to say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. I had struggled with finding a topic and some of my ideas had been rejected as well. I approached Courseleap to guide me through the IA process, starting from the very beginning. They helped me deduce which topics I was interested in and guided me into formulating an exciting and unique research question. Throughout the entire process, Courseleap teachers acted as guides, showing exemplars of different lAs for reference and helping me improve my academic and writing skills in order to achieve the maximum marks in each criteria. Their helpfulness and guidance allowed me to not only learn skills that prepared me for university but also new HL mathematical concepts such as partial differentiation, which / was able to incorporate in my lA. Along with Courseleap’s help, / was awarded a 7 in only my first draft, but even still they pushed me to make it the best it could possibly be. I am thankful to all the teachers who supported me throughout this journey.

Janine Curmally

Grade 12, Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, IB Diploma, 2020 - 2021

Writing the Math IA is an extremely tedious procedure as one needs to have a balance of math and writing. Initially I came to CourseLeap with an idea that I had formulated for my IA, and was extremely confused about how to carry forward that idea. However, one session with Ms. Dhingra cleared everything up. She helped me narrow down my research topic to one that implemented my combined interest in math and Art by exposing me to previous explorations, new research papers and her own ideas. After the first session, I had already formulated a structure for my exploration and was clear about how to go about writing it. I used this structure to write the first part of my exploration and then got extensive feedback for it from CourseLeap. I continued implementing all the feedback given to me and soon finished the entire exploration. Throughout the process, Ms. Dhingra guided me using the criteria and rubric provided by IB. This helped me write an exploration that was effective, coherent and interesting. As a design student I wanted to research the combination of Math and design and because my research was connected to this, I enjoyed the entire process.

Eesha Agrawal

IBDP, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, now studying at the University of Chicago

I feel that the sessions were very personalised, so I was able to strengthen every area I was lacking and feel more confident in them. My instructor used class time instructively and helped clarify all my doubts.

Sharanya Trivedi

IBDP, International School of Lausanne, 2023

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