IB exam results: UAE pupils outperform global counterparts again

Almost 2,500 candidates in the Emirates this year were awarded the International Baccalaureate diploma

Naja Lena celebrating with her family after getting the IB results at the GEMS Wellington Academy in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

Karen Youakim celebrating with her parents after getting the IB in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Globally, a total of 179,917 pupils received their Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme results after the May 2023 examination session

Devansh Singhi one of the boys topper celebrating with his sister and mother after getting the IB results at the GEMS Wellington Academy in Silicon Oasis in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Ishan Koirala with his family. The global average Diploma Programme score for the May 2023 session was 30.24 points, a slight dip from 31.98 last year

Naja Lena celebrating with her family after getting the IB results at the GEMS Wellington Academy

One pupil, from Gems Wellington International School in Dubai, achieved the highest possible score of 45

Chloe Dsouza of Gems Modern Academy in Dubai celebrates her International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme results. Photo: Gems

Saatvik Sharma of Gems Modern Academy after receiving his International Baccalaureate results. Photo: Gems

IB celebrations at Gems Modern Academy. Photo: Gems

IB celebrations at Gems Modern Academy. Photo: Gems

International Baccalaureate diploma pupils in the UAE again outdid their global counterparts this year with an average score of 31.97 out of 45 points.

The global average diploma programme (DP) score for the May 2023 session was 30.24 points, a drop from 31.98 last year and 32.99 in 2021.

Last year, pupils from the UAE scored an average of 34.03 against the global average of 31.98.

To receive the IB diploma, a pupil needs to score a minimum of 24 points.

“I am so incredibly relieved and excited the results are out," Naja Baumann told The National. "Obviously, it is a difficult pathway and I am happy I can look forward to the next chapter in my life,” said the pupil at Gems Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis.

Naja scored 42 out of 45, and will now attend the Xund University in Switzerland, her home country, to pursue nursing.

“I have always been passionate about nursing, and I feel this is a more practical step for me than pursuing medicine,” she said.

There were 2,492 pupils from the UAE sat for the IB programme this year, 177 of whom scored more than 40.

The average grade per subject in the country is 5.08 out of seven.

Reinstating pre-pandemic assessments

Globally, 179,917 pupils received their DP and Career-related Programme (CP) results after the May 2023 examination session.

This is a 3.47 per cent increase in the number of pupils receiving DP and CP results. The pre-pandemic assessment process also returned this year, with all components of the exams completed in full.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support and guidance of my teachers. I am also indebted to my fellow students, who pushed me to reach new heights and inspired me with their own achievements,” said Siddhant Tandon, from Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills, who achieved the top score of 45 points.

Siddhant managed a feat achieved by only 0.1 per cent of students globally. He is off to the University of Oxford to read economics.

Innoventures Education, which runs Dubai International Academy Emirates Hills as well as Dubai International Academy Al Barsha and Raffles World Academy, said their pupils secured a 98.5 per cent pass rate across the group.

Their Emirati students achieved a 100per cent pass rate.

Pupils celebrate top scores

Saatvik Sharma of Gems Modern Academy celebrates his IB results. Photo: Gems

Saatvik Sharma, a pupil at Gems Modern Academy who scored 42, said he is going to the University of California, Los Angeles, to study finance.

“I feel ecstatic and relieved now that this chapter of my life has come to a close,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see my hard work and dedication pay off. I look forward to university life and will carry the skills learnt during IB with me for ever.”

Chloe Dsouza, also a Gems Modern Academy pupil, scored 41 and is on her way to the University of Notre Dame in the US to major in applied maths.

“It’s been such a journey; I know all of us have come such a long way since we started the Diploma Programme. I am very relieved and overjoyed with my results.

“This would not have been possible without the support of my friends, family, and teachers,” she said.

Gems Education pupils received their results in the early hours of Thursday.

The biggest private education group in the UAE said 605 Grade 12/Year 13 pupils from seven schools sat exams for the DP, up from 533 in the previous academic year.

“With an average point score of 32.8 and a pass rate of 92 per cent, Gems students once again outperformed world averages from last year,” the school operator said.

One Gems pupil, from Gems Wellington International School in Dubai, achieved the highest possible score of 45.

Ethan Hildreth, superintendent and chief executive of Gems Dubai American Academy, said he was proud of the pupils’ remarkable achievements.

“Their outstanding IB results are a testament to their hard work, determination and commitment to excellence.

“Their exceptional scores have opened doors to prestigious universities throughout the world, which empowers our students to pursue their passions and embark on exciting opportunities.”

Top 1 per cent

Taaleem, another private school provider in the UAE, said its pupils had surpassed the global average.

“Taaleem is thrilled to announce another year of exceptional results achieved by our Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme students across our IB schools,” said Glen Radojkovich, deputy director of education, the IB and UK curriculum at Taaleem.

“We are delighted with the pass rates and averages, which once again surpass the world averages.”

He said many pupils had achieved scores that positioned them among the top 1 per cent of IB graduates worldwide.

Richard Drew, chairman of the IB Heads Association for the UAE, who is also the principal of Jumeira Baccalaureate School, a Taaleem school, said pupils had achieved outstanding results despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the recent past.

“The past couple of years have posed significant disruptions to traditional learning and examination patterns,” he said.

“The global health crisis forced schools to adapt swiftly to remote and hybrid-learning environments, creating an entirely new set of challenges for students and teachers alike.

“Despite these hurdles, our resilient IB students have demonstrated incredible perseverance, adaptability, and determination to succeed."