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The International Baccalaureate Diploma is flawed

Using the statistical breakdown published by the IBO on their website, we can compare the different examinations, May 2014 and November 2014 results. As we can see, there are 137,330 candidates taking the May paper while 11,325 candidates take November paper. Meanwhile there are only 208 maximum scorers in the May paper(top 0.3%) vs 107 maximum scorers in the November paper(top 1.3%). This results in schools such as Anglo-Chinese School(Independent) in Singapore being able to produce nearly half the number of maximum scorers and have an average score of 42 even with its massive cohort size(they take the November paper). For a diploma that prides itself on international recognition, there should not be any discrepancy between nations taking the paper but it seems that those who take the paper in November have an advantage. What are your thoughts?

Reply 1

chazwomaq

I'm not convinced. Why do some schools take the November paper - is it differences in when the school year ends?

People in some schools are cleverer than people in other schools. Perhaps more selective schools take the November paper, or those from richer areas etc.