External Evaluation of the European Baccalaureate (Annexes)

out of the class room. If the class teacher marks are altered by the external moderator, there is no
feedback to schools as to the reasons why. If there is a difference in opinion on the marks allocated
against the criteria, from a sample selection of scripts ( usually one top, one middle, one bottom in terms
of marks awarded by the teacher) the marks for the class will be scaled up or down by the moderator.
To summarise, the written exams take similar formats with short-response questions and extended-
response questions in both exams. Choice is given in the EB exam, no choice in the IB exams. The IB has
an additional formal exam on the optional section studied, the EB has summative assessment in year 7
based on class work. The EB can include an oral exam, which accounts for 24 of the final mark; the IB has
extended pieces of work which account for 20 % of the final mark given. The class teacher has input in all
aspects of assessment, for the EB. The teacher teaching the IB diploma, only has input with the extended
pieces of work which are internally assessed. The EB teacher therefore, has a greater understanding of
the assessment procedures and the criteria used to award marks, whereas the IB teacher does not see
the marking of the written exams.
On this basis it is reasonable to suggest that the IB course is more rigorous, including two projects, which
require extensive time working independently. The syllabus is longer/ more extensive for IB and with the
additional independent projects, a challenge to work into the prescribed time allocation.
EB AND GCE COMPARISON
The EB diploma is a two year course, with formal assessment at the end of the two year course and class
assessment at the end of each semester. The OCR GCE is divided into two sections, AS and A2. AS to
be studied in the first year of the Programme of Study and the A2 to be studied in the second year. The
GCE allows for a qualification to be gained at the end of the first year, unlike the EB which awards a
qualification at the end of the second year only.
The EB has no optional elements, whereas the GCE allows for choice at AS and A2. Students have to
study three modules at AS level, C1 and C2, the Core PoS, and then have the opportunity to study one of
four options- Mechanics 1, Probability and Statistics 1, Decision Maths 1 or Further Pure Maths 1.
Students have flexibility as to when they sit the exams for each module, external exams are timetabled for
January and June, unlike the EB which is end of course exam only. Students may re-sit module exams to
improve grades and there is no limit as to how many times students may re-sit. The best mark will be
carried forward to the final grade.
To achieve the A level overall grade following the A2 course, students must sit 6 modules in total - 3 in
year 12 and 3 in year 13, although they may continue to re-sit the modules studied in year 12 , in year 13
to improve grades. The OCR GCE course is different when compared to the EB and the IB in that the
course, also addresses Key skills, skills recognised as useful in the World of Work. They are
communication, application of number, information technology, working with others, improving own
learning and performance and problem solving skills.
The GCE is an exam only course, there is an expectation that graphical or scientific calculators may be
used in modules, with the exception of Core 1 where the use of calculators is prohibited, unlike the EB
which makes no reference to calculators and also unlike the IB which strongly advocates the use of
graphical calculators to problem solve. A formula booklet is made available to students, but there is an
expectation that some formulae will need to be learned, prior to examination. There is no indication that
the EB limits the formulae listed in the information booklet
COMPARISON OF THE PROGRAMMES OF STUDY
The course content for the GCE is set out against the EB PoS. C1, C2, C3 and C4 are compulsory
elements. The topics covered have been included in table form against the EB PoS and the module is
indicated. Optional elements M1, M2, S1, S2 , and D1 etc are indicated in blue.
TOPIC EB CONTENT GCE CONTENT
COMPLEX
NUMBERS
• Introduction to complex
numbers
• Real and imaginary parts
50
FP3 option work
• Introduction to complex numbers
• Real and imaginary parts of complex