The Grade 12 IB Physics HL/SL rubric is designed to assess students’ understanding and application of physics concepts at both Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). The rubric evaluates students across multiple criteria; including knowledge and understanding; inquiry and design; analysis and evaluation; and communication. Each criterion is broken down into specific descriptors that guide teachers in providing consistent and fair assessments. For knowledge and understanding; students must demonstrate a thorough grasp of physics principles; terminology; and methodologies. This criterion ensures students can recall and explain key concepts; which is essential for building a strong foundation in physics. The inquiry and design criterion focuses on students’ ability to formulate research questions; design experiments; and apply scientific methods. This fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills; preparing students for real-world scientific challenges. The analysis and evaluation criterion assesses students’ proficiency in processing data; identifying patterns; and drawing valid conclusions. This strengthens their analytical skills and ability to interpret experimental results. Finally; the communication criterion evaluates clarity and organization in presenting scientific ideas; whether in written reports or oral presentations. Effective communication is vital for sharing scientific findings and collaborating in academic or professional settings. The IB Physics rubric encourages a holistic approach to learning; integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills. It promotes inquiry-based learning; helping students develop a deeper appreciation for physics and its applications. By aligning assessments with clear criteria; the rubric ensures transparency and fairness; while also providing students with actionable feedback to improve their performance. This structured approach prepares students for higher education and careers in science; technology; engineering; and mathematics (STEM) fields.
