International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme
 


MYP Humanities
Grade Descriptors for grade 6-7

 

Criterion A

Knowledge

Maximum 10

Criterion B

Concepts

Maximum 10

Criterion C

Skills

Maximum 10

Criterion D

Organization and Presentation

Maximum 8

 

 

Criterion A: knowledge

Knowledge is fundamental to studying humanities, and forms the base from which to explore concepts and develop skills. Knowledge and understanding can be assessed through a wide variety of tasks that involve factual recall or description, and explanation. Tasks may include tests, examinations, written assignments, oral interviews and presentations, extended writing, projects and exhibits.

Achievement level

level descriptor

0

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

1–2

The use of basic terminology is inconsistent or incorrect. Facts and/or examples are either absent, or those used do not show understanding. The student provides basic descriptions that are inaccurate or that have insufficient detail; basic explanations are absent.

3–4

The use of basic terminology is sometimes accurate. Facts and/or examples used are sometimes relevant, and show some understanding. The student provides basic descriptions but needs to include more detail; basic explanations are superficial.

5–6

Basic terminology is mostly accurately and usually appropriate. Facts and/or examples used are mostly relevant, and usually show understanding.  The student provides accurate basic descriptions; explanations are adequate but not well developed.

7–8

A range of basic terminology is used accurately and appropriately. Relevant facts and/or examples are used to show understanding. The student provides accurate basic descriptions; explanations are developed.

9–10

The student shows an excellent command of a range of terminology, and uses it appropriately. A number of relevant facts and/or examples are used to show understanding. Basic descriptions are accurate and detailed and explanations are given

 

Criterion B: concepts

Concepts are powerful ideas that have relevance within and across the MYP, and students must explore and re-explore these in order to develop understanding. Students develop their understanding of a concept to increasing levels of sophistication by applying acquired knowledge and skills.

.Achievement level

Level descriptor

0

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

1–2

Application of basic concepts is inappropriate. The student may demonstrate limited basic conceptual awareness by recognizing a few basic connections to the subject matter but little understanding is shown

3–4

Application of basic concepts is not always appropriate. The student demonstrates some basic conceptual awareness and understanding by describing some basic connections to the subject matter.

5–6

Application of basic concepts is appropriate but superficial. The student demonstrates basic conceptual awareness and understanding by describing connections to the subject matter.

7–8

Application of basic concepts is appropriate. The student demonstrates basic conceptual awareness and understanding by explaining connections to the subject matter. The student applies basic concepts to other situations

9–10

Application of basic concepts is appropriate and shows some depth.. The student demonstrates basic conceptual awareness and understanding by explaining  in detail connections to the subject matter. The student applies basic concepts effectively to other situations.

 

Criterion C: skills

The development of skills in humanities is critical in enabling the student to undertake research and demonstrate an understanding of knowledge and concepts. Developments in the student’s technical, analytical, decision-making and investigative skills will be invaluable in transferring these skills to other subject groups in the MYP, and for lifelong learning.

Achievement level

Level descriptor

0

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below.

1–2

The student uses from selected sources some relevant information. The student displays minimal analytical skills.  Basic arguments, decisions or judgments are not always relevant, or may be absent. The student attempts to carry out investigations, demonstrating few basic skills.

3–4

The student uses from selected sources mostly relevant information. The student’s work lacks the required depth of analysis. Basic arguments, decisions or judgments are relevant though these are unsupported. The student attempts to demonstrate basic investigative skills.

5–6

The student uses from selected sources relevant information. Work shows satisfactory evidence of analysis. Arguments, decisions and judgments are supported but superficial. The student demonstrates basic investigative skills.

7–8

The student uses from selected sources a range of relevant information. Work shows a good level of basic analysis. Basic arguments, decisions and judgments are supported and balanced. The student demonstrates good investigative skills.

9–10

The student uses from selected sources a wide range of relevant information. Work shows a high level of basic analysis. Basic arguments, decisions and judgments are well supported and balanced. The student demonstrates strong investigative skills.

 

Criterion D: organization and presentation

Students need to develop the ability to organize and present information and ideas in order to be able to demonstrate their grasp of humanities knowledge, concepts and skills.

Achievement level

Level descriptor

0

The student does not reach a standard described by any of the descriptors given below

1–2

The student communicates information that may not always be relevant. The student attempts to structure the work, but it may be unclear and/or inappropriate.

Presentation and expression are unclear. There may be some evidence of documentation.

3–4

The student communicates information that is mostly relevant. The student attempts to structure and sequence the work but is not always successful.

 Presentation and expression are occasionally unclear. Sources of information are documented, though there may be omissions or consistent errors in adhering to  appropriate conventions

5–6

The student communicates information that is relevant. The student organizes information in an appropriate manner. Presentation and expression are clear. Sources of information are documented with only occasional errors to appropriate conventions

7–8

The student communicates information that is always relevant. The student organizes information in a well-developed and logically-sequenced manner. Presentation and expression are clear and concise. Sources of information are documented according to appropriate conventions.

 

 

Curriculum Links:
MYP Course Index

MYP Information

MYP Grade Descriptors*

DP Information

DP Grade Descriptors*

IBO website

 

For more information, please contact the MYP Coordinator, DP Coordinator, or the MS/HS Principal.

 

*Due to copyright restrictions, IB descriptors are located in our password protected OIS Community site. The password is advertised via the Educator - please contact the MS/HS principal if you have lost it.