May 2020 Exams Cancelled

Friday 27 March 2020

On March 20th, 2020, the International Baccalaureate Organization officially announced the cancellation of IBDP exams in May of 2020.  They will not be held.  Full stop.

Let’s first acknowledge what a tough decision this was for them.  I’m happy I wasn’t a part of it as I can’t imagine the debates that occurred for each side.  Whatever we individually think, this is our new reality.  Here’s what we currently know.

  1. Students won’t sit exams in May of 2020.
  2. Students will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate (depending on what they were registered for) based on their “submitted coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes.”

On March 27th, 2020, the IBO came out with more information about results and how students will be graded.  You can find the information here.  In short, talk to your IB Coordinator and read the FAQs linked above.   

While many students and parents (rightly) have high anxiety about this on top of health concerns, and without being cavalier about the serious questions and uncertainties students face (university placements, gap years, national service requirements and more), I’d like to think that it will work itself out.   

A few days ago, I was emailing back and forth with a friend and former colleague.  I said this, among other things: “They’ve read a bunch.  They’ve written a bunch.  They’ve talked a bunch.  They’ll be okay, or at least this is what I keep telling myself.”  I’m going to continue to tell myself that: they’ll be okay, in the long run.  I’d like to think that I’ve been preparing my students for something bigger than end of year exams – a lifelong love of reading; an ability write with precision and care; an understanding of how language is used and for what purpose; and a desire to engage in the world around them, among many, many other things.

Finally, as David has previously noted, we’d “like to wish you, from one teacher to another, the best of luck in testing times.”   Do reach out to us if you have any questions and stay safe!

Best,

Tim


Tags: Tim, May 2020 exams, IB exams, cancelled