IB Group 6 subjects (Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, Dance) require a different kind of commitment than purely exam-based subjects. While they are creative, they demand consistent practice, portfolio development, and reflective writing, all of which require structured weekly time.
This guide explains how much time IB students should realistically dedicate to Group 6 and how to manage that workload sustainably.
General IB Guidelines for Weekly Study Time
Across the IB Diploma Programme, a common benchmark for independent study is:
- Higher Level (HL) subjects: approximately 6–8 hours per week
- Standard Level (SL) subjects: approximately 4–6 hours per week
Group 6 subjects are assessed just as rigorously as other IB subjects, so these expectations apply equally. The difference lies in how the time is used.
Why Group 6 Requires Dedicated Weekly Time
Group 6 subjects combine:
- Practical or creative production
- Ongoing portfolio or performance development
- Written reflection and investigation
Much of this work cannot be rushed close to deadlines. Creative processes require iteration, feedback, and refinement, often outside scheduled class time. Students who only work intensively near submission dates tend to struggle with quality and stress.
Consistent weekly investment is therefore essential.
Recommended Weekly Time Allocation for Group 6
A realistic and sustainable breakdown looks like this:
Standard Level (SL)
- Revision and theory: 4–6 hours per week
- Practical or portfolio work: 1–2 focused sessions (about 2 hours)
- Total weekly time: approximately 6–8 hours
Higher Level (HL)
- Revision and theory: 6–8 hours per week
- Practical or portfolio work: 2–3 sessions (about 3–4 hours)
- Total weekly time: approximately 9–12 hours
HL students typically produce a larger body of work and complete more in-depth written investigations, which explains the higher time requirement.
What Group 6 Work Looks Like on a Weekly Basis
Standard Level
Students should aim to:
- Update portfolios regularly
- Complete creative coursework or rehearsal
- Reflect briefly on process, technique, and artistic intent
Higher Level
In addition to SL expectations, HL students often need to:
- Develop extended written investigations
- Research artists, contexts, or performance theory
- Produce and refine a larger volume of creative work
Both levels benefit from short, frequent creative sessions rather than long, infrequent ones.
Why a Consistent Schedule Matters
Students who spread Group 6 work across the week:
- Avoid last-minute portfolio overload
- Receive more useful feedback from teachers
- Reduce stress during assessment-heavy periods
- Maintain higher creative quality
A good rule of thumb is one dedicated theory session and one or two creative sessions each week, even during quieter periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study less if I am naturally strong in the arts?
Possibly, but only to a point. Skilled students may work more efficiently, but should still aim for the lower end of the recommended range to meet IB assessment criteria consistently.
Do class hours count toward this time?
Class time contributes to your total workload, but it is not sufficient on its own. Independent creative work and reflection are essential for success in Group 6.
Should I revise Group 6 during exam periods like other subjects?
Yes. Revision may involve reviewing artistic theory, analysing your own work, refining reflective statements, or rehearsing performance elements. HL students may also need exam or oral preparation.
Is Group 6 as demanding as HL sciences or humanities?
In total time, yes. The difference is that Group 6 workload is weighted more toward practice and creation rather than reading or problem-solving.
Is this workload sustainable alongside EE, TOK, and CAS?
Yes, if planned carefully. Most successful IB students maintain a total weekly workload of around 30–40 hours, distributed evenly across subjects and core components.
Conclusion
To manage IB Group 6 subjects effectively:
- SL students should plan for approximately 6–8 hours per week
- HL students should aim for approximately 9–12 hours per week
This includes both revision and creative production. Consistent weekly engagement leads to stronger portfolios, better written investigations, and far less stress near deadlines.
Plan Your IB Week with RevisionDojo
RevisionDojo helps IB students manage creative subjects with:
- Weekly study planners and time trackers
- Portfolio and investigation checklists
- Structured reflection prompts
- Balanced scheduling across all IB subjects
With the right structure, Group 6 becomes manageable, rewarding, and a genuine strength in your IB Diploma.
