The difference between school-based and IB-set MYP Physics assessment is who creates and marks the work, and what result it produces. School assessments are designed and marked by teachers using MYP sciences criteria. The IB-set Physics eAssessment is a formal two-hour on-screen examination created by the IB and marked by IB-appointed examiners.
Schools administer the external examination locally, but they do not write its questions or award its marks. Arrival times, devices, room arrangements, and permitted materials can vary, so candidates must follow their coordinator's current instructions.
School-based vs IB-set assessment
| Feature | School-based assessment | IB-set Physics eAssessment |
|---|---|---|
| Created by | Teacher or school | International Baccalaureate |
| Marked by | School teachers | IB-appointed examiners |
| Timing | Throughout the course | May or November examination session |
| Format | Tests, investigations, reports, and projects | Two-hour on-screen examination |
| Main purpose | Feedback, progress, and school reporting | Official IB MYP Physics course result |
| Compulsory? | Schools assess their taught curriculum | External Physics eAssessment is optional |
How school-based MYP Physics assessment works
Teachers assess students against four prescribed sciences criteria:
- Criterion A: Knowing and understanding
- Criterion B: Inquiring and designing
- Criterion C: Processing and evaluating
- Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
Each criterion has a maximum achievement level of 8. Teachers collect sufficient evidence and make a best-fit judgment using the relevant descriptors. The total out of 32 can then be converted into an MYP grade from 1 to 7 for school reporting.
Individual tasks do not need to assess every criterion. A forces test may emphasize Criterion A, while an investigation into resistance could assess Criteria B and C. Schools can choose their contexts, experiments, teaching sequence, and assessment calendar, but they must apply the MYP objectives and criteria appropriately.
How the IB-set MYP Physics assessment works
The IB on-screen examination overview identifies Physics as an externally assessed MYP subject. Registered MYP Year 5 candidates complete a two-hour digital examination during a designated session.
The examination samples the sciences objectives through tasks involving scientific knowledge, data interpretation, investigation design, calculations, graphs, conclusions, and the consequences of scientific applications. Questions often place familiar principles in unfamiliar contexts, so success depends on reasoning rather than memorization alone.
Digital features may include simulations, multimedia, graphing functions, drawing tools, and an on-screen calculator. The IB provides familiarization materials so candidates can practise navigating the interface.
IB examiners mark responses using authorized markschemes and markbands. The result is reported as an official 1-7 MYP subject grade. Classroom marks are not simply added to the examination score.
Why both forms of assessment matter
External assessment does not make classroom work unimportant. Investigations and tests develop the knowledge, inquiry, data-processing, and evaluation skills sampled under timed examination conditions. They also allow teachers to identify misconceptions and provide feedback.
For example, a practical investigation teaches students to control variables and evaluate uncertainty. The on-screen examination may require those same skills through a described or simulated experiment rather than a physical one.
A school report grade and an IB course result can therefore differ. The school grade reflects classroom evidence, while the IB result comes from an externally marked examination completed under standardized conditions.
MYP Physics eAssessment logistics and exam day
The school registers candidates and prepares the examination environment. It arranges compatible computers, seating, invigilation, technical checks, security, and response submission while following the IB schedule and conduct requirements.
The IB's examination preparation guidance describes the required computer setup and supporting equipment. Examination files are installed locally, so candidates do not normally need an active internet connection while answering. Schools manage the secure upload or submission of response files.
On exam day, students report at the time and place specified by their school, follow the invigilator's instructions, open the secure examination package, complete the tasks, and confirm that their responses have been saved. Device rules, identification procedures, headphones, stationery, and arrangements for phones or bags must be confirmed with the coordinator.
Students needing inclusive access arrangements should speak to their coordinator early because requests and supporting documentation may have advance deadlines. Current session documentation takes priority over old online checklists or another school's procedures.
Common misconceptions
- Every MYP Physics student takes eAssessment. External Physics eAssessment is optional for schools.
- The Physics teacher marks the external examination. Teachers administer school assessment, but IB examiners mark external responses.
- School assessments no longer matter. They remain central to feedback, reporting, and skill development.
- It is simply a paper test on a screen. Interactive tools, simulations, graphing, and digital sources can affect how students work.
Practical preparation
First confirm whether you are registered for Physics or integrated sciences, since they are separate disciplines. Obtain the date, reporting time, device instructions, and permitted-materials list from your coordinator.
Use the official familiarization activity and complete timed digital practice. RevisionDojo's MYP Physics Questionbank, MYP Physics resource hub, and 30-day MYP eAssessment study plan can help connect content review with graphing, data analysis, and timed responses.
Conclusion
School-based MYP Physics assessment is created and marked by teachers for feedback and school reporting. IB-set assessment is a two-hour on-screen examination, administered by schools but created and externally marked by the IB. Both assess related scientific skills, but they produce separate results. RevisionDojo's Study Notes and Questionbank can support preparation alongside official familiarization materials.
Sources and referenced URLs
- IB overview of MYP assessment
- IB MYP on-screen examinations
- IB list of available on-screen subjects
- IB guidance on preparing for an on-screen examination
- IB MYP eAssessment registration information
- IB eAssessment service and support
- IB MYP sciences subject brief
- RevisionDojo MYP Physics resources
- RevisionDojo MYP Physics Questionbank
- RevisionDojo 30-day MYP eAssessment study plan
