External assessment criteria – Higher level The method of assessment used by the IB is criterion-related, not norm-referenced: the method of assessment judges the students’ work by their performance in relation to identified assessment criteria and not in relation to the work of other students. For external assessment, the independent study and presentation are assessed using markband descriptors. These markband descriptors are used in a similar way for both pieces of work.

Independent study

Markband Descriptor

0 Level 1 is not achieved.

1–5 There is little or no knowledge of the film history/film theory topic. Engagement with the target audience, scope and depth of argument, the use of sources and structure of the script are all limited. Visual and audio elements are incompletely described and poorly linked. Films referred to may have limited relevance to the topic and there are very few or no relevant points of comparison made between the chosen films.

6–10 There is some understanding of the film history/film theory topic. Engagement with the target audience, scope and depth of argument, the use of sources and structure of the script, are relevant in parts, but still limited. Visual and audio elements are fairly well described, although links may be inconsistent. At least two of the films referred to relate to the topic and some relevant points of comparison have been made between the chosen films.

11–15 There is an adequate understanding of the film history/film theory topic. Engagement with the target audience, scope and depth of argument, the use of sources and structure of the script are adequate. Visual and audio elements are well described and satisfactorily linked. At least three of the films referred to relate to the topic and most of the points of comparison made are relevant although they may be superficially or incompletely developed.

16–20 There is a good understanding of the film history/film theory topic. Engagement with the target audience, scope and depth of argument, the use of sources and structure of the script are good. Visual and audio elements are clearly and coherently described and are, in the main, aptly linked. All films referred to clearly relate to the topic and points of comparison are explored with care and coherence.

21–25 There is an excellent understanding of, and engagement with, the film history/film theory topic. Engagement with the target audience, scope and depth of argument, the use of sources and structure of the script are excellent. Visual and audio elements are detailed, clearly and coherently described, and are aptly and proficiently linked. All films referred to clearly relate to the topic and insightful comparisons are made coherently and with precision. .