Covid-19: International Baccalaureate cancels May exams in UAE

Covid-19, International Baccalaureate, IB, Covid-19

Dubai - IB exams across the world have been cancelled.

Dhanusha Gokulan

Published: Mon 23 Mar 2020, 10:37 AM

Last updated: Mon 23 Mar 2020, 12:48 PM

International Baccalaureate (IB) schools have announced that they will be cancelling the exams that were scheduled between April 30 and May 22 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

IB issued an official statement stating May 2020 examinations as scheduled between April 30 and May 22 for diploma programme and career-related programme candidates will no longer be held. There are approximately 48 IB schools in the UAE.
According to a statement on the IB website, officials said, "Students, their well-being and their progression in future stages of life have been at the forefront of our thinking as we respond to this extraordinary pandemic."
The statement added, "Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student's coursework and the established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes." IB officials said full detail and FAQs will be sent to schools by March 27.
"We know that schools and May 2020 students will have many questions and we will continue to be available to answer questions. Our goal continues to be to find ways to support our global community during these uncertain times and provide the best possible outcomes for our students," said the statement.

Information about the Middle Years Programme eAssessment examinations due to be held May 11- 22 will be provided next week.
"As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and, fairness for the difficult circumstances our students and educators are experiencing," it said.

The statement added, "We are grateful for your patience and consideration. As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and ethical way forward."
Gavin Walford-Wright, the Chief People, Marketing and Admissions Officer, Taaleem said, "This was not unexpected news for our schools and in anticipation of this we already had contingency plans in place to mitigate the challenges of this announcement."
He added, "The Taaleem family of schools are well prepared and ready to take the next steps to ensure that none of our students are unfairly disadvantaged by this announcement. Our IB students will continue to work with their teachers to ensure that their assessments truly reflect their performances in their IB study components. These assessments will be used and moderated by the IB to award final examination grades."
Wright said, "The IB will shortly announce how they will provide students with official documentation for use with university admissions now that examinations have been cancelled. We will work closely with our students, many of whom have received offers from colleges and universities, to ensure that they will be able to successfully follow the next planned pathway in their educational journey."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com