International Baccalaureate Announces May 2010
Diploma Programme Exam Session

Over 9,000 students in 9 provinces across Canada sit for rigorous worldwide exams

NEW YORK, 7 May 2010 -- Beginning this week, 9,075 Canadian students will sit for three-weeks of examinations which mark the culmination of the IB Diploma Programme's two-year course of study. For the past 20 years, IB diploma candidates in Canada have scored an average diploma pass rate of 91%.

Candidates who sit for the diploma receive a score from 1 to 7 for each subject area, with a highest possible score of 45. A score of 24 or higher results in the candidate being awarded an IB diploma. Exams are marked by a pool of 5,000 external examiners located worldwide, many of whom have experience as Diploma Programme teachers.

"Canadian students continue to perform strongly on the diploma exams", said Drew Deutsch, Director of the International Baccalaureate. "I commend the work of schools and educators across the country for their continued commitment to provide an international course of study to an increasingly diverse student population."

Diploma Programme assessment measures the extent to which students have mastered advanced academic skills in analyzing and presenting information, evaluating and constructing arguments and solving problems creatively.

To experience a Diploma Programme exam firsthand, take our practice exam and compare your answers to our markscheme.

About the International Baccalaureate
Founded in 1968, the IB works with more than 2,900 schools in 138 countries to offer and develop its three challenging programs to more than 802,000 students ranging in ages 3 to 19. The IB encourages students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. It also serves in an educational advisory capacity to other educational organizations. To learn more about the IB in Canada, please visit www.ibo.org/iba.

Media Contact:

To learn more or to arrange a visit to an IB World School, please contact:

Sandra Coyle
Direct: 646-315-9731
Cell: 646-379-5870
Email: sandra.coyle@ibo.org