Thousands of children received their International Baccalaureate results on Tuesday, with pupils in the Emirates beating the global average scores.
IB diploma programme pupils in the UAE scored an average of 35.89 points, out of a maximum of 45, while the average grade in the country was 5.5.
For the diploma programme globally, total points averaged at 32.99 this year and the average grade was 5.19. Last year, IB pupils in the Emirates scored an average of 32.80 points out of the maximum of 45 while the global average was 29.90.
This year, IB pupils in the UAE were unable to sit exams because of the pandemic. They were given grades based on internal assessments, an extended essay and predicted scores.
Everyone at Gems Education is genuinely elated with this year’s IBDP results, which are the best in our 62-year history
Dino Varkey,
Gems Education
In the UAE, 2,382 pupils received their results on Tuesday while around the world more than 170,000 pupils were handed their IB grades.
Gems Education, one of the main IB school operators in the UAE, said its pupils outperformed international averages. Its pupils had an average pass rate of 99.5 per cent and an average point score of 36.
Ten Gems pupils achieved 45, the highest point score possible.
Dino Varkey, chief executive of Gems Education, said: “Everyone at Gems Education is genuinely elated with this year’s IBDP results, which are the best in our 62-year history."
Nargish Khambatta, principal of Gems Modern Academy said she was elated with the results but believed pupils would have performed better had they been able to sit examinations.
She said the process of granting grades without exams had been challenging and complex, but that the end result was strong outcome for many pupils who are now heading to good universities.
"There was confusion all around; we put our heads down and made sure our pupils could get the best results," Ms Khambatta said.
Pupils at Gems Modern Academy scored an average of 36.85, up from the average grade of 36.2 last year.
While one pupil scored a maximum 45 points, four others got 44.
"We want to celebrate all 75 pupils who got their diplomas. Their aspirations were built on these results," Ms Khambatta said.
Pupils at the school secured admission at top universities such as the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, Carnegie Mellon University and Cornell University.
This year, the IB was not able to hold exams in all countries. It offered a dual route for the May 2021 diploma programme and career-related programme examination.
Schools were surveyed to determine which of two pathways was best for their context: written examinations, where they could be administered safely, or the non-exam route using a combination of internal assessment coursework and teacher-predicted grades, where they could not.
"The last 18 months have been incredibly challenging for students, teachers and schools throughout the world as Covid-19 has undermined much of what we had come to take for granted," said Olli-Pekka Heinonen, director general of the International Baccalaureate.
"I salute their spirit and dedication to our shared mission: education for a better world,"
Pupils who are disappointed by one or more of their results might want to challenge them. They will be able to use the post-results services, called enquiry upon results. After results have been announced, schools can place enquiry-upon-results requests on the pupil's behalf for either route.
Some universities consider the IB to be the gold standard of curriculums.
For the IB diploma, pupils take six subjects including two languages, mathematics, sciences, humanities and, if they wish, an arts subject.
Pupils also take three core units, writing a 4,500-word extended essay, studying the theory of knowledge and involving themselves in activities involving creativity, activity and service.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
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Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
- 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
- 2nd Test Thursday-Monday at Colombo
- 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Penguin
Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz
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Rating: 4/5
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
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Launch year: 2017
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Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
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