Preliminary mark from formative and summative assessment during s7 (A marks and Pre-Baccalaureate examinations)
What the preliminary mark is
The preliminary mark is the school-based component of the European Baccalaureate. It is built during s7 from two sources: A marks, which come from formative and summative assessment throughout the year, and the Pre-Baccalaureate examinations. It is not a single examination and it is not a formality; it rewards consistent performance and gives the examiners evidence that a one-off final paper cannot capture.
Core rules
- A marks cover class participation, presentations, essays, data-response exercises, tests, projects, and homework. In Economics, they reward accurate use of models, interpretation of data, evaluation, and clear economic vocabulary - not just attendance.
- Pre-Baccalaureate examinations are taken in s7 and normally mirror the format of the final written or oral examination. They are a benchmark and a diagnostic tool: the mark and the feedback both matter.
- The preliminary mark is combined with the written and oral examination marks to produce the final EB result. The precise weighting and any formula linking A marks to the Pre-Bac result are set by the European Schools and published locally; confirm the current rules with your school rather than relying on rumour.
- Keep your assessed work organised: returned tests, marked essays, and feedback sheets are evidence of progress and help you revise efficiently.
Worked example
Suppose a school's published formula gives A marks 60% and the Pre-Baccalaureate examination 40% of the preliminary mark. A student with an A-mark average of 7.5/10 and a Pre-Bac mark of 7.0/10 would have a preliminary mark of (0.6 x 7.5) + (0.4 x 7.0) = 4.5 + 2.8 = 7.3/10. The reasoning matters: the stronger A-mark average pulls the result above the Pre-Bac mark, so consistent classwork has protected the final grade. If the formula were 50/50, the result would be 7.25/10. Always use your school's actual weights.
Traps that cost marks
- Treating A marks as unimportant because they are 'only' coursework.
- Missing deadlines or submitting unplanned work that does not meet the criteria.
- Ignoring feedback on the Pre-Bac examination and repeating the same errors.
- Assuming the preliminary mark is just the mock exam result.
- Failing to ask for the published weighting and formula.