Schools thrilled as UAE students notch top IB results

Dubai - In the UAE pupils were evaluated on their coursework, mocks and other evidence.

International Baccalaureate (IB) students in the UAE have achieved record-breaking results this year.

Ten students across the GEMS network and four students from Taaleem schools have achieved the highest point score possible of 45. Four students from Innoventures Education have also received the perfect score of 45.

Joining others, UAE students were able to access their individual results online on Tuesday, along with over 170,000 students worldwide who had registered for the May 2021 IB session.

The average score for the May 2021 session was 33.02 points, up from 31.34 in May 2020. The diploma pass rate has also risen to 88.96 per cent, up from 85.18 per cent in 2020.

This year the IB held a dual route for grading, with students in some countries taking the exam, while others were awarded grades through teacher assessment.

In the UAE, following a non-exam route, like last year, pupils were evaluated on their coursework, mocks and other evidence.

The IB DP is one of the highest-regarded school qualifications accepted by leading universities worldwide — over 50 schools in the UAE now offer the programme.

GEMS’ students achieved an average pass rate of 99.5 per cent and average point score of 36. A total of nearly 600 GEMS Grade 12/Year 13 students sat for the IB Diploma.

The ten GEMS students who achieving the perfect score of 45 are among in top performing 1 per cent in the world. Three of them are from GEMS Wellington International School, two each from GEMS World Academy – Dubai, GEMS International School – Al Khail and GEMS Dubai American Academy, and one from GEMS Modern Academy.

Beth Swinscoe, IBCP Coordinator, GEMS Wellington International School, said, “We couldn’t be prouder on such an incredible day as our Year 13 graduates receive their results. It’s been one of the most challenging experiences for them these past few years, with a number of months working remotely and through blended learning. The students have worked so hard, they’ve put in 100 per cent effort, and it’s really shown in the grades they’ve received. Being able to stand here today and celebrate with them is one of the proudest moments for staff, and also one of the most emotional.”

Al Bateen Academy achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in this year’s IB exams. Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, said: “I am extremely proud of this year’s cohort of graduates for all that they have achieved. Marking Al Bateen Academy’s highest ever score, today is a monumental moment for students, teachers’, and staff, and one that they should all be proud of. Students should be incredibly proud of themselves for not only their academic achievements, but for the resilience and positivity they have shown.”