Understanding the IB November Resits

The IB November Resits are an opportunity for students to improve their grades. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational program known for its rigorous academic standards and holistic approach to education. You can read our guide on how the IB is structured for parents here.

However, not every student achieves their desired results on the first attempt. For those who need a second chance, the IB offers resit exams, typically held in November. This blog aims to explain how the November resit exams work, who can take them, and what students need to know to prepare effectively.

Who Can Take the IB November Resits?

The IB November resits are primarily designed for students who did not meet the requirements to pass or who want to improve their grades from the May examination session. Here are some key points about eligibility:

1. Recent Graduates: Students who have recently completed their IB diploma or certificate but did not achieve the required scores.
2. Improving Grades: Students who passed but wish to improve their scores to enhance their university applications or meet specific entry requirements.
3. Special Circumstances: Those who had extenuating circumstances affecting their performance in the May exams.

Registration Process

Registration for the November resit exams usually takes place through the IB coordinator at the student’s school. Here’s a brief outline of the process:

1. Consultation with IB Coordinator: Discuss your intent to resit exams with your IB coordinator. They will provide guidance on the subjects you can retake and the necessary steps.
2. Completing the Registration Form: Fill out the required registration forms, indicating the subjects you wish to resit.
3. Payment of Fees: There is typically a fee associated with resitting exams. The amount varies based on the number of subjects and the school’s policies.
4. Submission: The IB coordinator submits the registration to the IB organization on behalf of the student.

Exam Format and Subjects

The format of the resit exams in November is identical to the May session. Students resit the same exams they took in May, covering the same content and adhering to the same assessment criteria. Key points to note:

1. Subject Availability: Not all subjects are available for resits in November. Students need to confirm with their IB coordinator which subjects are offered.
2. Core Requirements: For the IB Diploma, students must also ensure they have completed the core requirements (Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)) if they are resitting the diploma rather than individual subjects.

Handling Internal Assessments (IAs) for IB November Resits

When resitting exams in November, students have two options regarding their Internal Assessments:

1. Reuse Previous IA Scores: Students can opt to reuse their IA scores from the May session. This option is often chosen when the student is satisfied with their IA performance or when there isn’t enough time to improve the IA before the resit exams.
   • Advantages: No additional workload; time can be focused entirely on preparing for written exams.
   • Considerations: If the IA score was a significant factor in the overall grade being lower than desired, this might not be the best choice.
2. Submit New or Revised IAs: Students have the opportunity to change their IA submissions if they believe this will positively impact their overall grade.
   • Advantages: Potential to significantly boost the overall score if the previous IA was weak.
   • Considerations: Requires substantial effort and time management to balance IA improvements with exam preparation.

Steps for Resubmitting Internal Assessments

If you decide to submit new or revised IAs for your November resit exams, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Consultation with IB Coordinator: Discuss your intent to revise your IAs with your IB coordinator. They will guide you through the requirements and deadlines.
2. Review Feedback: Analyze the feedback you received on your original IAs. Identify the areas needing improvement and plan how to address them.
3. Plan and Research: Allocate sufficient time to research, draft, and refine your IA. Ensure you understand the assessment criteria and aim to meet the highest standards.
4. Drafting and Revising: Write new drafts or make substantial revisions to your original IAs. Seek feedback from your teachers to ensure your work meets the required standards.
5. Final Submission: Submit your revised IAs by the deadline set by your school. Ensure all documentation is complete and correctly formatted.

Deadlines and Coordination

The timeline for IA resubmission can be tight. Here are some key considerations:

• Early Planning: Start planning for IA revisions as soon as you decide to resit exams. The earlier you begin, the more time you’ll have for thorough preparation.
• Coordination with Teachers: Maintain regular communication with your teachers. Their feedback and support are invaluable in improving your IA scores.
• Meeting Deadlines: Schools typically have internal deadlines for IA submission to ensure everything is ready for external moderation. Adhering to these deadlines is crucial.

Impact on Final Grades

The revised IA scores, combined with the written exam results from the November session, will determine your final grades. Improving your IAs can significantly enhance your overall performance, especially if your May session scores were heavily impacted by weaker IA results.

Preparation Tips

Preparing for the IB November resits requires a focused and strategic approach:

1. Review Feedback: Carefully review feedback from your May exams to understand where improvements are needed.
2. Study Plan: Create a structured study plan that allows sufficient time to cover all topics, focusing on weaker areas.
3. Past Papers: Practice with past exam papers to get familiar with the format and types of questions that may appear.
4. Seek Support: Utilize resources available at your school, such as teachers and tutors, to clarify doubts and gain a deeper understanding of challenging concepts.
5. Balance: Ensure a balance between study and rest to avoid burnout. Maintaining a healthy routine is crucial for optimal performance.

Results and Impact

The results for the IB November resits are typically released in January. Here’s how the outcomes can impact students:

1. Improved Grades: Better scores can significantly enhance university applications and scholarship opportunities.
2. Diploma Achievement: For those who did not pass in May, successful resits can mean achieving the IB diploma.
3. Future Planning: Knowing the results early in the year allows students to plan their next steps, whether it’s applying to universities, reapplying, or exploring other educational opportunities.

Read our blog about all the detailed requirements on how to pass the IB here.