🎨 Importance of Coursework in IB Group 6 Subjects: Exams vs Portfolios
1. Group 6 Coursework Is Often More Weighty Than Exams
In IB Arts subjects, a majority of assessment is based on coursework or portfolio work, while traditional exams play either a minor or no role.
- Visual Arts has no formal exam—assessment is 60% portfolio-based (Process Portfolio & Comparative Study) and 40% Exhibition. (revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
- Other subjects:
- Music includes written exams, but practical work and compositions (internal assessment) also carry significant weight.
- Dance, Theatre, and Film emphasize coursework components: performances, investigations, projects, and portfolios, often exceeding exam portions. (revisiondojo.com)
RevisionDojo outlines that Group 6 coursework is essential, reflecting real-world creative practice more than timed exams. ([What Is Coursework in Group 6?](revisiondojo.com))
2. Why Coursework Dominates Group 6 Assessment
Group 6 subjects judge:
- Your original creative ability
- Technical execution and development
- Depth of process and personal engagement
- Reflective skills through commentaries and analysis
Exams, when they exist (e.g. Music listening or film textual analysis), are only one part of the mark composition. Coursework such as portfolios, exhibitions, and compositions usually comprises the largest share of the final grade. RevisionDojo emphasizes that creative evidence and process are central to Group 6 assessment. ([What Is Coursework in Group 6?](revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, Wikipedia)
3. Visual Arts—A Full Coursework Pathway
- No written exam
- Evaluated via:
- Comparative Study (20%) – externally assessed
- Process Portfolio (40%)
- Exhibition (40%) – internally assessed and moderated
RevisionDojo’s article “How to Smartly Plan and Execute Your Visual Arts Exhibition” explains how the exhibition and supporting portfolio form the core of your assessment. ([How to Smartly Plan and Execute Your Visual Arts Exhibition](revisiondojo.com)
4. Arts Subjects Beyond Visual Arts
- Music: Aural exam is part of IB assessment, but creating and performing components have greater or comparable weight.
- Theatre, Dance, Film: Exams or written tasks exist but are overshadowed by internal practical submissions, creative work, and reflective portfolios.
RevisionDojo’s “What Is Coursework in Group 6?” details how most of these subjects rely heavily on internally-assessed creative outputs. ([What Is Coursework in Group 6?](revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
✅ Quick Comparison Table
Group 6 Subject Exam Component Contribution of Portfolio / Coursework Visual Arts None 100% coursework (Portfolio + Exhibition) Music Listening Paper Significant performing/composing weight Theatre / Dance / Film Limited written responses Roll over of performances, portfolios, investigations
✅ FAQs
Q: Do Group 6 subjects have regular exams like sciences?
No—many Arts subjects either have minimal exam components or none at all. The focus is on portfolio creation, practical work, and reflective writing. ([What Is Coursework in Group 6?](revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com)
Q: Does external moderation apply to coursework?
Yes—component such as Comparative Study (Visual Arts) or recordings and project documentation are externally moderated after being marked by your teacher. This ensures consistent standards. ([Will My IB Group 6 Coursework Be Sent to the IB?](revisiondojo.com)
Q: How can I maximize my portfolio scores?
Focus on originality, technical control, reflection, and coherence. Use RevisionDojo’s guides like “Mastering Your IB Art Exhibition Style” to fine-tune your submission. ([Mastering Your IB Art Exhibition Style](revisiondojo.com)
🧠 Conclusion
Yes—portfolio work is more important than exams in IB Group 6 subjects. Coursework components (portfolios, exhibitions, creative tasks) typically make up the majority of your mark. Exams, if present, are secondary. To succeed, focus on creative process, personal engagement, and reflective evaluation.
🎯 Call to Action
- Review RevisionDojo’s coursework articles for Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, Dance, and Film
- Use portfolio planning tools and exhibition guidance to structure high-quality submissions
- Align your creative process with IB criteria through structured, markband-aware planning
