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IB vs HKDSE
The IB Diploma is an international school programme, and the HKDSE is Hong Kong's school leaving exam, run by the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority.
Summary
- The IBO, the body behind the International Baccalaureate, sets the IB Diploma, which students take aged 16 to 19, while the HKDSE is taken after six years of secondary school.
- IB students study six subject groups with a core. HKDSE candidates take four core subjects (Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship and Social Development) plus two or three electives.
- Theory of knowledge and the extended essay can add up to three points to an IB total.
- IB subjects are graded 1 to 7, and the highest total is 45 points.
- Most HKDSE subjects are reported on five levels, with 5 the highest, and the top performers in level 5 earn one or two stars.
Sources
- ibo.orgibo.org/…/diploma-programme
- Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authorityhkeaa.edu.hk/…/introduction
- ibo.orgibo.org/…/dp-passing-criteria
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