The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year programme for students aged 16 to 19. Students study six subjects while completing theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay (EE), and creativity, activity, service (CAS). Effective planning therefore needs to account for two years of subject work, school assessments and long-term submissions, rather than focusing only on final examination weeks.
Subject selection depends on what the student's school offers. When university goals are already taking shape, the required subjects and Higher Level expectations for each target country and degree should be checked before choices are finalized. The same total score does not represent the same admissions profile for every degree.
1. Starting Profile
- Current grades and conceptual gaps
- Academic language and writing requirements
- Study routines, time use and submission habits
2. HL / SL Balance
- A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 Higher Level subjects
- 240 recommended teaching hours for HL and 150 for SL
- Balancing academic strengths with degree prerequisites
3. Shared Calendar
- Map IA, TOK, EE, CAS and school tests together
- Plan for internal school deadlines that precede IB deadlines
- Distribute work before high-pressure weeks
4. University Direction
- Country, university and degree-specific prerequisites
- Total score and HL score expectations considered separately
- Admissions milestones aligned with the IB calendar
An IB study calendar should follow the student's registered examination session, school calendar and applicable subject guides. Final course choices should always be confirmed with the school's DP coordinator.
The Diploma Programme combines six subject groups with three compulsory core components. Students take at least three and no more than four subjects at Higher Level, with the remaining subjects at Standard Level. Where permitted, a second language, individuals and societies, or science subject may replace an arts subject.
The DP Core: Three Required Components
- Extended Essay (EE): Independent research completed under school supervision and presented in a paper of up to 4,000 words. The updated framework first assessed in May 2027 distinguishes subject-focused and interdisciplinary pathways. Students should confirm which guide applies to their examination session.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Examines how knowledge is produced and justified. Current assessment consists of an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Continues throughout the programme and includes at least one CAS project. CAS is not formally graded, but completion and evidence of the learning outcomes are required for the diploma.
The Six Subject Groups
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Language A: Literature
- Language A: Language and Literature
- Literature and Performance
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Language B
- Language ab initio
- Classical Languages
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Business Management, Economics, Geography
- Global Politics, History, Digital Society
- Philosophy, Psychology
- Social and Cultural Anthropology, World Religions
Group 4: Sciences
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Computer Science, Design Technology
- Environmental Systems and Societies
- Sports, Exercise and Health Science
Group 5: Mathematics
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA)
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI)
- Both available at SL and HL
Group 6: The Arts
- Dance, Film, Music
- Theatre, Visual Arts
- A permitted additional subject may replace the arts choice
Interdisciplinary subjects: Literature and Performance can meet Groups 1 and 6, while Environmental Systems and Societies can meet Groups 3 and 4. Availability and eligibility must be confirmed by the school's DP coordinator.
Review the current IB DP curriculum.
IB assessment is not based on one final examination. In most subjects, written examinations at the end of the programme form the main external component. School-based work may be marked by teachers and moderated by the IB, or submitted for external assessment, depending on the subject.
External Assessment
- Written examinations at the end of the programme
- Long-term work such as the EE and TOK essay
- Subject-specific external components
School-Based Work
- Internal assessments and practical work
- Teacher marking with IB moderation where applicable
- School checkpoints and internal submission dates
Grade Boundaries
- Component marks are combined using their weightings
- Boundaries are determined by subject and session
- A fixed percentage should not be assumed every year
Calendar Management
- The registered May or November examination session
- School deadlines that may be earlier than IB deadlines
- Separate milestones for practice, revision and coursework
How Is the Diploma Score Calculated?
- Each of the six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, producing a maximum subject total of 42.
- TOK and the EE are graded from A to E and can contribute up to 3 additional core points together.
- CAS does not add points, but successful completion is a diploma requirement.
- The highest possible diploma score is 45.
- 24 points are necessary but not sufficient. The core and the IB's other minimum performance conditions must also be met.
- Students taking individual DP courses rather than the full Diploma Programme receive DP Course Results for those courses, not the diploma.
An IB diploma or a particular total score does not guarantee university admission. Total points, required HL subjects, HL grades and supporting application requirements vary by country, institution and degree.
IB support at HND Academics begins by identifying where the student needs intervention before repeating the school curriculum. Subject results, teacher feedback, practice performance, submission dates and university goals are reviewed as parts of the same academic plan.
Subject and Skills Review
- Separate conceptual gaps from application errors
- Identify academic reading, writing and terminology needs
- Match workload to AA/AI and HL/SL expectations
Weekly Academic Plan
- Prioritize school subjects, IA, TOK, EE and CAS
- Break major submissions into research, drafting and review stages
- Revise the plan according to completed work
Examination Preparation
- Review aligned with subject guides and assessment objectives
- Question-type, timing and error-pattern analysis
- Redirect study based on evidence from practice
University Alignment
- Verify subject prerequisites for the target country and degree
- Translate total and HL score expectations into working targets
- Prevent conflicts between IB and admissions deadlines
Areas of Support
Subject to a needs review and tutor availability, support may be planned for Mathematics AA/AI, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Business Management, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy and Language A. Support for TOK, the EE and internal assessments is limited to clarifying a topic or research question, source strategy, scheduling, understanding criteria and feedback on the student's own draft.
Academic integrity: Assessed work must be the student's authentic production. HND does not write assessed components on a student's behalf. Material taken from external sources, including AI-generated content, must be disclosed and referenced under the school's and the IB's rules.
Review the IB academic integrity guidance.
