Assessment and reporting

IB MYP Assessment Grades 9 and 10

Assessment in the MYP is criterion-related, reflecting contemporary educational theory regarding assessment. Students are assessed using a variety of techniques including oral and visual presentations, timed essays, research pieces, portfolio compilations and end-of-course formal examinations. Each subject in the MYP has its own assessment criteria that are age, level and task specific, based on core learning aims and objectives for that subject. Criterion-related assessment compares student achievement with pre-determined criteria that provide guidelines for each individual student to understand and assess his or her strengths and achievements in a specific area. This method of student assessment helps learners plan their next steps for learning and set goals for improvement.

MYP Achievement is Reported Using a 7-1 Scale

To arrive at an achievement level for each student, teachers add together the student’s final achievement levels in all criteria of the subject group.

Schools using the MYP 7-1 scale should use the grade boundary guidelines table that follows to determine final grades in each year of the MYP. The table provides a means of converting the achievement level into a grade based on a scale of 1–7.

Reporting Procedures and Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (PSTCS)

Reporting on student progress takes place continually. Teachers record grades for specific assignments and projects in PowerSchool’s “Gradebook.” All parents have access to their own son or daughter’s Gradebook entries accessed electronically via an individual parent password. Teachers also contact parents by email or telephone to report on student achievement or to inform parents of changes in student progress. In addition, a schedule of regular reports and meetings ensures that parents remain informed about their child’s progress.

January and June reports include an overall level of achievement in each subject area based on the 1-7 scale. Teachers note the student’s progress as well as areas for improvement. Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (PSTCs) are scheduled in November and March each year.

Grade 12 students will receive December and June reports, as well as a Mock Exam report following their IB DP Mock Exams in February

Standardized Tests

The purpose of standardized tests such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), 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. Some colleges also require two or three SAT Subject tests. Colleges in other countries sometimes request the SAT for students not completing the full IB Diploma Programme. The SAT tests are typically second semester of Grade 11 and again during the first semester of Grade 12. It is advisable not to take the SAT more than twice. WAB is a closed test center and offers tests throughout the year. Students can register through the Guidance Office. It is the responsibility of students to complete the required registration documents on time. 

In order to assist students in preparation for these important tests, all WAB students will be given the opportunity to take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) in Grades 10 and 11. Opportunities for SAT/ACT preparatory courses are also arranged to assist students in preparing for these important tests.


Achievement
Level 7
Boundary
Guidelines: 28-32

Produces high-quality, frequently innovative work. Communicates comprehensive, nuanced understanding of concepts and contexts. Consistently demonstrates sophisticated critical and creative thinking. Frequently transfers knowledge and skills with independence and expertise in a variety of complex classroom and real-world situations.


Achievement
Level 6
Boundary
Guidelines: 24-27

Produces high-quality, occasionally innovative work. Communicates extensive understanding of concepts and contexts. Demonstrates critical and creative thinking, frequently with sophistication. Uses knowledge and skills in familiar and unfamiliar classroom and real-world situations, often with independence.


Achievement
Level 5
Boundary
Guidelines: 19-23

Produces generally high-quality work. Communicates secure understanding of concepts and contexts. Demonstrates critical and creative thinking, sometimes with sophistication. Uses knowledge and skills in familiar classroom and real-world situations and, with support, some unfamiliar real-world situations.


Achievement
Level 4
Boundary
Guidelines: 15-18

Produces good-quality work. Communicates basic understanding of most concepts and contexts with few misunderstandings and minor gaps. Often demonstrates basic critical and creative thinking. Uses knowledge and skills with some flexibility in familiar classroom situations but requires support in unfamiliar situations.


Achievement
Level 3
Boundary
Guidelines: 10-14

Produces work of an acceptable quality. Communicates basic understanding of many concepts and contexts, with occasionally significant misunderstandings or gaps. Begins to demonstrate some basic critical and creative thinking. Is often inflexible in the use of knowledge and skills, requiring support even in familiar classroom situations.


Achievement
Level 2
Boundary
Guidelines: 6-9

Produces generally high-quality work. Communicates secure understanding of concepts and contexts. Demonstrates critical and creative thinking, sometimes with sophistication. Uses knowledge and skills in familiar classroom and real-world situations and, with support, some unfamiliar real-world situations.

 


Achievement
Level 1
Boundary
Guidelines: 1-5

Produces work of very limited quality. Conveys many significant misunderstandings or lacks understanding of most concepts and contexts. Very rarely demonstrates critical or creative thinking. Very inflexible, rarely using knowledge or skills.

 

Source: MYP: From Principles Into Practice Published May 2014

TOEFL/IELTS

Some colleges around the world require the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers. This test is usually taken towards the end of semester two in 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 their potential colleges require.

Students may need to register early to secure a test date. WAB does not administer these tests. Students need to talk to their Counselor about where and how to register.

MAP Assessment

Grade 9 and 10 students at WAB participate in the MAP Assessment. This is a standardized assessment for Mathematical Literacy, Reading and Writing. This assessment tool has been developed to allow teachers and students to predict expected growth, as well as measure a child’s progress against norm grade level achievement. Parents receive a detailed score report and analysis of their child’s ISA results.

School-Based Examinations

Academic Examinations

Students in Grades 9-12 complete examinations in May and June for most subjects.

Examinations are only one part in a series of strategies that aim to assist WAB students in demonstrating their learning. These examinations are created by WAB teachers (with the exception of IB DP final examinations) and focus on work completed over the second half or all of the school year. For Grade 11 IB DP courses, the examinations will cover work from the whole year.

Mock Examinations – Grade 12

In order to provide students with maximum preparation for the May IB examinations, Mock examinations will be held in January or February of Grade 12. At this time, all IB students will write examinations in a testing situation that replicates the official May examinations. Students (and parents) will be individually informed of student achievement and provided with suggestions for future strategies for success through a student achievement report. Mock examination results will count towards the Semester 2 WAB transcript grade.

IB Diploma Examinations – Grade 12

Students in Grade 12 who are taking IB Diploma Courses will write external examinations in May of their Grade 12 year. Results on IB examinations will be available online when the International Baccalaureate publishes them in July.

Promotion Policy

Most High School students are successful in all courses and move smoothly to the next grade level. In some cases, however, a student may experience success in some courses while not meeting the course objectives in others. To require students to repeat courses in which they have demonstrated success is unreasonable. To permit advancement without an understanding of the foundation concepts is counterproductive. In Grades 9 through 12, success in mastering the content of one year is frequently dependent upon successful completion of the previous year’s work.

Where a specific learning difficulty has been verified and documented, a student may be placed on an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and will receive support from the Learning Support teacher as appropriate. In this case, the decision to permit registration in specific courses will be made in consultation between the student, parent, course teacher, learning support teacher, counselor, High School Curriculum Coordinator and High School Principal. When necessary, a note will be made on the transcript indicating that course expectations and assessment policies have been modified to support student learning.

Credibility of the WAB High School Diploma, success in the IB Diploma and acceptance by universities worldwide is dependent upon our maintenance of high standards. The following promotion procedures have been developed to ensure these standards are consistent.

In Grades 9 to 12, promotion is awarded on a course-by-course basis, according to the following guidelines:

  • Course credit will be granted to students who score an achievement level of 3 or above. Credit is not awarded for a final achievement level of 2 or below.
  • Students who score an achievement level of 2 or below in any subject may write a supplementary examination and/or complete supplementary assignments after the completion of the semester or in August prior to the start of the next school year, (on satisfactory completion, the student will be awarded probationary registration in the next level of that subject)
  • The availability of an alternative course may permit students to move into the subsequent year without attaining course credit in the previous year’s course. The final decision to permit advancement will be made by the High School Principal in consultation with the parent, counselor, High School Curriculum Coordinator and subject teacher.

Withdrawals

Families are requested to notify the school Admissions Office immediately upon confirming that their children will be withdrawing from WAB. A minimum of two weeks notice is requested to ensure that all documentation can be arranged to assist students in their transfer to another school.

All student requests for documentation, including letters of reference, completion of transfer forms and transcripts should be made to the High School Counselor who will work with teachers to complete the requested documents. IB DP students in Grade 11 who transfer to another IB school for Grade 12 need to contact the High School Curriculum Coordinator at least two weeks prior to departure so that official IB assessment documents can be prepared and forwarded to the new school.

Students must complete a “School Leaving Form” (available from the HS Reception) that verifies that all materials on loan to the school have been returned. This process must be completed prior to the final day of attendance at WAB. Once this process is complete, the student file will be forwarded to Admissions for settling of all accounts and final withdrawal procedures.

WAB HS Holistic and Academic Awards

All awards in High School at WAB are chosen in the same way. Nominations are solicited each April. An Awards Committee, comprised of the HS Principal, Vice Principal, Curriculum Coordinator, Head of Student Wellbeing, Activities Director, CAS Coordinator, Grade Level Leaders and counselors, collect the nominations and meet to come to consensus on the final award recipients.

Confucius Scholar

The Confucius Scholar award is given to one Grade 12 student. The student named as Confucius Scholar at the Western Academy of Beijing fulfills the WAB mission statement as evidenced through the following criteria:

  • The student connects, inspires, challenges and makes a difference.
  • The student has excelled in his/her study at WAB High School and is one of the top five academic students upon completion of Grade 12. All courses are equally weighted.
  • The student embodies the attributes of life-long learning, as articulated in the IB Learner Profile.

John McBryde Award for WAB Spirit

This award is presented to up to two members of the graduating class (one male, one female), who best exhibit John’s passion for living, enthusiasm for excellence and courage to dream. These students embody WAB’s Gong He spirit. This student recipient should:

  • Have a vision and be willing to put this vision into action;
  • Demonstrate a willingness to take risks;
  • Problem-solve creatively and for the common good;
  • Contribute to the WAB community in a variety of ways;
  • Work respectfully with students of other nations and languages;
  • Use China as a platform for learning;
  • Work in a way that shows engagement with the philosophy of life-long learning;
  • Be involved in dynamic collaboration rather than solely as a leader;
  • Care about themselves, others and the environment

Karen O’Connell Award for Sustained Contribution to WAB

The Karen O’Connell Award is given to one graduating student. This award recognizes the student who is a force to generate, support and see initiatives through to both completion and sustainability. This student has attended WAB since elementary school.

High School Principal’s Award

This award is given to students in Grades 9 through 12 who have made a difference in our WAB community. Were these students to leave WAB, there would be a void in the life of the school. She/he has enriched our community; she/he has indeed connected, inspired, challenged and made a difference.

Athlete of the Year

The WABX Athlete of the Year is chosen by the WABX team. This award is given to the student, regardless of grade level or gender, who:

  • Achieved a high performance level;
  • Conducted themselves as an excellent role model for other students and who never brings the game or school into disrepute;
  • Was a regular and reliable team member;
  • Was supportive and helpful to other team members.

Artist of the Year

The WABX Artist of the Year is chosen by the WABX team. This award is given to the student, regardless of grade level or gender, for commitment and achievement in the visual and/or performing arts at WAB. The recipient has been:

  • Involved extensively in the performing arts and/or visual arts extracurricular program;
  • Conducted themselves as an excellent role model for other students in the arts;
  • Demonstrated a high degree of independence, initiative and leadership in the arts;
  • Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the arts;
  • Demonstrated a high level of proficiency in their chosen artistic discipline(s) 

HS Arts Award

As a school that champions its Arts we recognize each year a HS student who has excelled in the Arts. The HS Arts Award is presented to a High School student who has shown exemplary qualities in the Arts. The award focuses on the work in the curriculum. The student has excelled in the subject, achieving above and beyond what might normally be expected for a HS student. This student has also given much to the Arts outside of the curriculum. They have shown commitment, leadership, determination, dedication and passion. They have shown the ability to work with staff and students alike, have be a leader and a role model.

Hilary Munro Service Award for China Engaged Service

The Hilary Munro Service Award is given to one student in each grade level. In honor of Hilary’s role as a founder of
WAB, this award recognizes individuals who exhibit initiative and take action to help those in the Chinese community who are in need, or to further a local environmental cause. These students have recognized a need, designed a program and carried it out.

Gong He Award for WAB Spirit

The Gong He award is given to one recipient in each of grades 9 through 11. This award recognizes those students who, through their contributions to the school community, reflects WAB Spirit. These recipients should

  • Embody the “work hard/work together” spirit;
  • Have a vision and be willing to put this vision into action;
  • Demonstrate a willingness to take risks;
  • Problem-solve creatively and for the common good;
  • Contribute to the WAB community in a variety ofways;
  • Work respectfully with students of other nations and
    languages;
  • Use China as a platform for learning;
  • Work in a way that shows engagement with the philosophy of life-long learning;
  • Be involved in dynamic collaboration rather than solely as a leader;
  • Care about themselves, others and the environment.

Brandeis Book Award

The Brandeis Book Award is given to an outstanding Grade 11 student in the top 10% of the class who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice or volunteer work.

Clarkson Engineering Award

This award is given to one Grade 11 student who has demonstrated leadership and outstanding academic achievement, as well as excellence in physics and mathematics. The Clarkson Engineering Award further nominates this student for a scholarship to attend Clarkson University.

EARCOS Global Citizenship Award

This award is presented to a student in Grade 11 who embraces the qualities of a global citizen. This student is a proud representative of his/her nation while respectful of the diversity of other nations, has an open mind, is well-informed, aware and empathetic, concerned and caring for others, encouraging a sense of community, and strongly committed to engagement and action to make the world a better place. Finally, this student is able to interact and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life while having a sense of collective responsibility for all who inhabit the globe.

CIS International Student Award

CIS recognizes the outstanding work being done by students attending CIS Member Schools through the CIS International Student Award. Award-winning students promote global citizenship and the development of international awareness in their communities. This award is given to one Grade 11 student each year. Directors/Heads of CIS Member Schools may submit a maximum of one nomination per school section (primary, middle or senior/high school) each year according to the following criteria:

  • The student(s) must have demonstrated a clear commitment to sustained interaction with students of the other nationalities, languages or ethnic backgrounds in a spirit of international understanding and cooperation.

  • The student may be a part of a group (one certificate will be awarded to the group – with individual members of the group also receiving a certificate).

  • Projects should encompass efforts directed beyond
    participation in regular school activities.

Possible award projects (by an individual or group of students) include projects that:

  • Creatively solve known or emerging problems;

  • Acquire and effectively deploy knowledge or resources beyond those immediately available in the school;

  • Directly involve peoples of other cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, political/economic systems. The student(s) must have made a genuine commitment to initiate, sustain and complete the project or activity. Schools are encouraged to nominate students who have demonstrated a commitment to using languages other than their own mother tongue during the completion of the project.

Academic Achievement and Effort Awards by Subject

Each subject chooses to honor a student who fulfills the department criteria for an academic achievement award. Each subject or department may also honor students for their effort.

Personal Project Award

The Personal Project Award is nominated by the Personal Project Coordinator and chosen by the Awards Committee. The Personal Project Award is given to a Grade 10 student who embodies the essence of the project by exhibiting the following attributes:

  • The ability to conduct a sophisticated and rigorous inquiry using a global context;
  • The ability to develop a goal that is achievable, challenging and clearly articulated;
  • Highly effective organization and time-management skills;
  • The ability to consistently work independently under the guidance of a mentor;
  • Highly effective collaborative and communication skills, as evidenced in their work with their supervisor, peers and other adults;
  • A willingness to take risks throughout the process in order to grow as a learner;
  • The ability to reflect on their own learning at each stage of the process and make adjustments along the way based on their reflections and research;
  • A desire to ensure all of their action as are principled and ethical throughout the process.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards (chosen by WAB Wild)

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading youth achievement award, bringing together practical experiences and life skills to equip young people for life. Since it was founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh (husband to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom), over eight million young people have participated in the Award in over 140 countries and territories. WAB is proud to offer the Award to our High School students. The Award is voluntary, non-competitive, enjoyable and balanced, and requires effort over time. There are three levels to the Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Bronze Award is open to Grade 9 students. The Silver Award is open to Grade 10 and 11 students. Students may begin the award program with the Silver Award if they are in Grade 10 or above. The Gold Award is open to any student who has attained the Silver Award. For students at WAB they need to begin working toward the Gold Award at the start of Grade 11 if they were to have sufficient time to complete the Award and be presented with it before they finish high school. The Award is open to anyone under 25 years old, and there may be opportunities to complete an unfinished Gold Award at another Award Centre, perhaps at university.

WAB CAS Award

The CAS award is given to a number of recipients from Grade 11 and 12. This award recognizes students who have gone above and beyond to extend themselves in the areas of creativity, action and service both in school and the community in the spirit of one of our founders, Michael Crook. These recipients should be:

  • Embody the “work hard/work together” spirit;
  • Have a vision and be willing to put this vision into action;
  • Demonstrate a willingness to take risks;
  • Problem-solve creatively and for the common good;
  • Contribute to the WAB community in a variety ofways;
  • Work respectfully with students of other nations and
    languages;
  • Use China as a platform for learning;
  • Work in a way that shows engagement with the philosophy of life-long learning;
  • Be involved in dynamic collaboration rather than solely as a leader;
  • Care about themselves, others and the environment.