Date: 23rd March 2020
Dear students and parents,
It is with great regret I have been informed from the International Baccalureate (IB) that the May
2020 Examinations will no longer be held.
I have pasted below the IB’s message which can also be found on their website www.ibo.org.
Our students, their well-being and their progression in future stages of life have been at the forefront of
our thinking as we respond to this extraordinary pandemic.
As an organization, it is critical for us to ensure that the options we provide our global community of IB
World schools are based on compassion for our students and teachers and, fairness for the difficult
circumstances our students and educators are experiencing. We are grateful for your patience and
consideration. As a result, the IB with considerable advisement from stakeholders across the globe
including schools, students, universities and official bodies has determined the most responsible and
ethical way forward.
The IB will be taking the following actions for the 2020 May Examination session:
- The May 2020 examinations as scheduled between 30 April and 22 May for Diploma Programme
and Career-related Programme candidates will no longer be held. - Depending on what they registered for, the student will be awarded a Diploma or a Course
Certificate which reflects their standard of work. This is based on student’s coursework and the
established assessment expertise, rigor and quality control already built into the programmes.
Full detail and FAQs will be sent to schools by 27 March 2020 (CET).
We know that schools and May 2020 students will have many questions and we will continue to be
available to answer questions. Our goal continues to be to find ways to support our global community
during these uncertain times and provide the best possible outcomes for our students.
I will provide further clarification after the 27th of March.
Kind regards,
Charles Hearsum
IB coordinator
The Sultan’s School
