IB Unveils Changes to 2024 Baccalaureate Exam Format

The International Baccalaureate (IB) has announced significant changes to the format of the Paper 1 exam for the 2024 Baccalaureate exams. In a departure from previous years, the exam will no longer include a pre-release case study. Instead, the IB will provide a pre-release statement to offer context for an unseen case study that students will encounter on the exam.

Why this matters: These changes will impact the assessment experience for thousands of students worldwide, potentially affecting their academic and professional trajectories. Moreover, the IB's efforts to create a more standardized and fair assessment experience may set a precedent for other educational institutions to re-examine their own evaluation methods.

One of the most notable changes is that Paper 1 will now be a common paper for both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) students. This means all students, regardless of their level, will answer the same set of questions. The new format aims to provide a more equitable assessment experience for all IB candidates.

As students and educators prepare for the 2024 exams, various resources are available to support their learning journey. Revision Village, a leading online platform for IB Math resources, has released prediction exams and November 2023 past paper solutions. The website offers a comprehensive range of study materials, including topic quizzes, mock exams, revision ladders, concept refreshers, and full worked solutions to past paper questions taught by experienced IB instructors.

Revision Village has garnered recognition for its high-quality resources, with students who used the platform scoring 34% higher than the IB Global Average in their 2021 exams. The website has been independently developed and is not endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization.

For educators seeking additional support, InThinking subject sites offer free trials and subscriptions designed specifically for IB teachers and their classes. Students can also access dedicated self-study and revision resources at www.studyib.net. However, it is important to note that these subject sites are not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation.

As the first exams under the new format are set to take place in 2024, students and educators are actively preparing to navigate the changes. With the elimination of the pre-release case study and the introduction of a common Paper 1 for all students, the IB aims to create a more standardized and fair assessment experience. By leveraging the wealth of resources available, including prediction exams, past paper solutions, and online study platforms, candidates can feel confident and well-equipped as they approach the 2024 Baccalaureate exams.

Key Takeaways

• IB announces changes to Paper 1 exam format for 2024, eliminating pre-release case study.
• New format includes a pre-release statement for an unseen case study.
• Paper 1 will be common for both Standard Level and Higher Level students.
• Changes aim to provide a more equitable assessment experience for all IB candidates.
• Resources like Revision Village and InThinking offer support for students and educators.