External Evaluation of the European Baccalaureate (Annexes)

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candidates choose one question from each section.
P addresses section 7.1 of the syllabus covering cell membranes
and energetics. G addresses section 7.2 covering genetics. E
addresses section 7.3 covering evolution.
Each question is subdivided into part questions. Some of these
are simple recall questions; some involve drawing labelled
drawings or constructing genetic diagrams. Some questions
involve data analysis and interpretation.
Candidates are not required to write discursive essays.
The mark scheme gives solutions to the questions and suitable
answers. The mark scheme is not a point mark scheme with
marking points clearly indicated and separated from each other. In
some cases two answers are required, but three marks are
allocated. It is not clear how the three marks are applied.
There is no mention of marks for quality of written communication
in the mark schemes.
The ‘A’ mark is aggregated with the marks for the ‘Pre-Bac’ and
the ‘Bac’ to give a mark that contributes towards a final total out of
100 for the European Baccalaureate.
The information provided does not mention opportunities for resitting
before certification.
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By contrast, the Bac exam has a very large component of
interpretation data and is much more demanding in terms of higher
level thinking.
All answers are marked and the best combination which fulfils the
rubric is awarded.
In Section A excess wrong answers cancel correct answers.
A unit mark of 3 per point is the norm but exceptions are fairly
common.
The marking scheme is rigid and there is little scope for individual
interpretation, except possibly in diagrams and even then there are
tight guidelines.
Diagrams are usually given 6 marks if correct, 3 if one major part is
missing and 0 if more than one major part is missing.
Labels are marked without taking this diagram mark into
consideration. For example, in T.S. of artery, three-layers/small
lumen gets [6] marks, one layer missing gets [3] and two missing
gets [0].
`Initially, a sample of 20 papers is taken at random from the markers
bundle of scripts and marked according to the marking scheme and
then sent to the advising examiner for checking. After this
clarifications and modifications are given and all papers have to be
re-marked. This is done so as to achieve uniformity of marking.
About 5-10% of each examiner’s scripts are checked by an advising
examiner.
Appeals are allowed. Following the publication of the results, each
pupil may examine his/her paper and decide whether or not to
appeal.
Appeals (usually about 20% per marker) are remarked by a different
examiner and then forwarded to the advising examiner. If there is
any change the paper is marked afresh by the advising examiner.
A further appeal may be made to the State Examination
Commission.