Ofqual accepts IB Middle Years Programme eAssessment

Posted on 4th May 2016 in International Schools

The International Baccalauate (IB) has announced that Ofqual has accepted all subjects in its Middle Years Programme (MYP) eAssessment.

In order to be recognised by Ofqual, the IB was required to demonstrate that the MYP eAssessment meets the regulator’s standards of quality and delivery.

Paula Wilcock, IB Chief Assessment Officer, said: “We are delighted that the MYP has been recognised as a high quality programme by Ofqual. This recognition adds important credentials and validates public confidence and trust in the programme. Furthermore, it highlights that we are publicly demonstrating that the IB is meeting globally-recognised standards with the development and delivery of curriculums and assessments.”

The MYP is available for students aged 11–16 years and comprises eight subject groups, which span several disciplines to deliver both breadth and depth of learning. The new eAssessment is undertaken by 16 year olds upon completion of the MYP programme and designed to assess students beyond the rote memorisation of content. Just 25 percent of the assessment is based explicitly on knowledge and understanding; the rest focuses on inquiry, communication and critical thinking skills.

Adrian Kearney, Regional Director Africa, Europe and Middle East at IB, concluded: “Ofqual’s recognition of the MYP eAssessment represents a significant achievement for the programme and for the IB community, demonstrating that it meets the stringent requirements set by Ofqual through its regulations; achieving this goal was a key objective for the MYP. This international benchmark assures schools, students, parents, universities and government bodies across the world that the MYP and its eAssessment subjects are innovative, fair, reliable, accessible, and fit for purpose.”