Inside Language Acquisition Assessment: Examiner Insight to Classroom Impact (Year 11 and 12 IB diploma)

Language B and Ab Initio Teachers for year 11 and 12, Heads of Faculty and Instructional Leaders

High-quality assessment is central to student success in Language B and Language Ab Initio, yet many educators continue to seek clarity, consistency, and confidence in applying IB criteria. This three-part professional learning series draws on examiner insight, evaluation experience, and over 18 years of teaching practice to bridge the gap between assessment theory and classroom implementation. Participants will deepen their understanding of criterion-referenced assessment, explore authentic student samples, and develop strategies that improve reliability while raising student achievement.

Designed for language educators, coordinators, and instructional leaders, the series supports schools in strengthening assessment literacy, aligning practices with IB Programme Standards and Practices, and fostering internationally minded learners. Each session is practical, interactive, and grounded in real classroom contexts, ensuring that participants leave with immediately transferable strategies to enhance teaching, learning, and student outcomes in language acquisition programmes.

Session 1: What Examiners Really Look For

This session demystifies the marking process by providing participants with direct insight into how examiners interpret and apply assessment criteria. Through the analysis of authentic student responses, educators will explore the distinguishing features of mid- and high-band performances and identify common misconceptions that can impact grading accuracy.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to:

Session 2: Beyond the Rubric — Turning Criteria into Consistent Judgement

Moving from interpretation to application, this session focuses on strengthening reliability in teacher judgement. Participants will examine approaches to standardisation, moderation, and task design that promote fairness and consistency across classrooms while maintaining academic integrity.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to:

Session 3: From Assessment Literacy to Student Achievement

The final session connects strong assessment practice to measurable gains in student performance. Educators will explore targeted feedback strategies, methods for developing spontaneity in oral communication, and data-informed approaches that support grade progression.

Learning Outcomes: Participants will be able to:

Naima Keddar is an experienced IB educator, French examiner, and Evaluation Leader with over 18 years of expertise in teaching Language B and Language Ab Initio. She currently serves as Head of Teaching and Learning and Diploma Programme Coordinator at the Australian International Academy, where she leads strategic academic improvement across programmes.

As an IB French Examiner, Naima brings deep insight into global assessment standards, moderation practices, and performance trends in language acquisition. In her role as an Evaluation Leader, she su