Purpose of the internal assessment

Internal assessment is an integral part of the course and is compulsory for both SL and HL students. It enables students to demonstrate the application of their skills and knowledge, and to pursue their personal interests, without the time limitations and other constraints that are associated with written examinations. The internal assessment should, as far as possible, be woven into normal classroom teaching over a period of time and not be a short intensive activity in the course or after the course has been taught.

The internal assessment requirements at SL and at HL are the same. However, it contributes to a different percentage of the overall mark. Students are required to produce a project that consists of a cover page, the product (IT solution) and documentation. The focus of the ITGS project is on providing an original IT solution for a client.

The internal assessment component, as well as being interesting, practical and productive, forms an important part of the assessment of the ITGS course. It is imperative, therefore, that the teacher provides appropriate guidance to students.

Internal assessment and extended essays

The project submitted for internal assessment is different from the extended essay. The project is the development of an original product with supporting documentation, whereas the extended essay is about presenting a logical and coherent argument that is supported by secondary and primary research and the analysis of valid data. Students must be aware that it is not permissible for the same work to be submitted for more than one examination component.

Overview of internal assessment

Summary of the internal assessment task
30 hours of class time
Individual collaboration with specified client
Individual documentation
2,000 words (maximum)
Marked by the teacher
Externally moderated
30% of total marks for SL; 20% of total marks for HL

Full details are provided in the “Internal assessment” section of the Information technology in a global society guide.