Important Updates for Schools: Support Measures and Withdrawal Deadlines in 2024

As of July 14, 2023, the global education system has witnessed a significant decrease in prolonged closures of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Unlike the previous years of 2020 and 2021, schools have become less dependent on the support measures that were implemented during the peak of the pandemic.

In order to adapt to the evolving requirements of schools worldwide, we have implemented a gradual adjustment of our support measures for each exam series in 2023. This approach aims to cater to the changing needs of the majority of schools while ensuring continued assistance to those who require it the most. Consequently, we are pleased to provide an additional update regarding the upcoming changes for the year 2024.

From 2024 onwards, exemptions for components will be implemented:

Considerable time has been dedicated to formulating our approach to component exemptions. In the earlier part of this year, we collaborated closely with our educational institutions to comprehend the ongoing impact of the pandemic. In the majority of cases, it is evident that component exemptions are not as necessary as they were in previous years. This is primarily due to the fact that most of our schools are no longer affected by widespread closures. Throughout 2023, we have continued to provide component exemptions, allowing schools to apply for them for our November examination series if they meet the specified eligibility criteria.

Nevertheless, there has been a notably low utilization of component exemptions by schools overall. Consequently, we can confirm that starting from 2024 onwards, component exemptions will no longer be accessible in any examination series (March, June, or November).

By maintaining the availability of component exemptions until the November 2023 examination series, schools are granted ample time to strategize their teaching methods for 2024, ensuring that candidates complete the entire syllabus in the customary manner.

Adjustments and guidance pertaining to components:

As stated in our worldwide update on November 23, 2022, there will be no provision for component adjustments and guidance for any syllabuses starting from our November 2023 series. It is imperative that candidates complete all components in their entirety in order to be eligible for a grade. They are not permitted to request a component adjustment and submit a reduced amount of work.

By maintaining the availability of adjustments and guidance until June 2023, we have allowed our schools ample time to strategize their teaching plans for November 2023 and beyond, ensuring that they cover the entire syllabus in the customary manner.

Special consideration:

It is essential to note that for candidates participating in the November 2023 series, they must have thoroughly studied the entire course and accomplished at least 15 percent of the total assessment based on component weighting during the examination series in order to be eligible for special consideration.

Typically, the minimum criteria for determining an assessed mark are as follows:

1. The candidate must have covered the entire course.
2. The candidate must have completed 50 percent of the total assessment based on component weighting in the relevant examination series. It is important to note that carry-forward marks are not taken into account.

For further information regarding special consideration, including situations where an assessed mark cannot be calculated and details on how to apply, please refer to the provided resources.

Standards and grading:

We understand that there may be inquiries regarding standards and grading in 2023. We possess comprehensive information regarding our methodology for the June and November series of this year.