Preliminary mark: A marks and B marks in s7
The preliminary mark is 40% of the final L1 mark. It has two equal components: A marks (20%) from formative assessment in s7 and B marks (20%) from the Pre-Baccalaureate examinations, which are summative. It rewards consistent work across the year, not just performance in the final written and oral papers.
Core rules
- A marks are awarded for ongoing classwork: participation, homework, short tests, projects, oral contributions and progress. They are not only formal tests.
- B marks come from the Pre-Baccalaureate examinations in s7, designed to mirror the final Baccalaureate papers and marked with the same criteria.
- The preliminary contribution is calculated as (A/10) × 20 + (B/10) × 20, giving a maximum of 40 points toward the final 100. The written and oral exams fill the remaining 60 (30 each if both are taken).
- Use feedback on A marks to identify weaknesses before the B exams.
- The B exams are not practice; they are the summative record used in the final mark.
Worked example
A marks average 8.5/10; B marks average 7.5/10. Preliminary contribution = (8.5/10) × 20 + (7.5/10) × 20 = 17 + 15 = 32/40. If the written exam scores 70/100 and the oral 80/100, the final L1 mark = 32 + (70/100) × 30 + (80/100) × 30 = 32 + 21 + 24 = 77/100. Reasoning: each component is converted to its weighted share before adding. A candidate who ignores the B exams loses 20% of the final mark before the written paper begins.
Traps
- Treating A marks as only tests; participation and homework count.
- Neglecting the Pre-Baccalaureate exams because they feel low-stakes.
- Not asking for feedback on A marks.
- Misunderstanding the weighting (e.g., thinking A and B each count 40%).
- Letting one weak B mark drag down the average; B marks are averaged.
- Cramming only for the final exams and ignoring continuous work.