📘 1. IB Diploma Structure: Core + 6 Subjects
Students in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) take six subjects—three at Higher Level (HL), three at Standard Level (SL)—chosen from six subject groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language & Literature (native language)
- Group 2: Language Acquisition (e.g. Language B or ab initio)
- Group 3: Individuals & Societies (e.g. History, Economics, Geography, Psychology)
(revisiondojo.com, Wikipedia, International Baccalaureate®) - Group 4: Experimental Sciences (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, ESS, SEHS)
(International Baccalaureate®, Wikipedia) - Group 5: Mathematics (Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation)
(Wikipedia) - Group 6: The Arts (Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, Film, Dance) or a second subject from groups 1–4
(Wikipedia)
🧭 2. The DP Core: TOK, EE & CAS
These three core components are compulsory and aim to develop well-rounded, reflective students:
(Wikipedia)
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Encourages deep reflection on how we know things. Involves essays and presentations.
(Wikipedia) - Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research dissertation on a chosen topic.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Encourages real-life involvement in arts, physical activity, and voluntary service.
🧠 3. What Students Study — Subject Focus Examples
Language A: English (Literature or Lang & Lit)
- Study a range of literary and non-literary texts.
- Improve analytical essay writing, oral presentation skills, and media critique.
(Wikipedia, revisiondojo.com)
Individuals & Societies (Group 3)
- Courses include Economics, History, Psychology, ITGS, and Global Politics.
- Focus on critical understanding of societies, systems, and human behaviour.
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Sciences (Group 4)
- Topics include Cell Biology; Genetics; Ecology; Nucleic Acids; Metabolism.
- Requires lab work and a collaborative project.
(Wikipedia, College Essay Guy | Get Inspired)
Mathematics Group 5
- Choose Analysis & Approaches (more abstract) or Applications & Interpretation (statistical & modelling focus).
- Applies to various academic and real-world contexts.
(Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
Arts or Electives (Group 6)
- Includes courses such as Visual Arts, Theatre, Film, Music, or literature and performance.
- Blends creativity with academic inquiry.
(Wikipedia, Courier Mail)
🌍 4. Key Skills You Build in the IB
- Critical thinking & academic writing across essays, TOK reflections, and the EE
(revisiondojo.com) - Interdisciplinary inquiry: Connecting themes and problem-solving across subject boundaries
(revisiondojo.com) - Research & independent learning skills: From IA experiments to EE projects
(Wikipedia) - Global citizenship and perspective-taking: Building awareness of cultural values and global issues
(nordangliaeducation.com)
🔧 5. How RevisionDojo Supports Your IB Learning Journey
RevisionDojo offers tailored tools aligned with IB curriculum demands:
- Jojo AI flashcards & quizzes built from IB subjects and markscheme-style phrasing
- Topic notes, past papers, and structured drills across Group 1–6 subjects
- Core component support: essay planning, TOK prompts, CAS reflections, and IA guidelines
(revisiondojo.com, revisiondojo.com, bsj.sch.id)
📊 Summary Table
Area What You Learn Language & Lit Text analysis, comparison, oral commentary Sciences Scientific method, experiments, real-world applications Humanities Critical analysis of human systems, reasoning skills Mathematics Problem-solving, modelling, calculus/statistics Arts/Electives Creative expression or extra specialization TOK, EE, CAS Thinking about knowledge, research skills, and service
🧭 Final Thoughts
In the IB Diploma Programme, you learn more than subjects—you develop global thinking, academic discipline, inquiry skills, and responsible citizenship, all within a rigorous two‑year framework designed to prepare you for university and beyond.
With resources like RevisionDojo, mastering material becomes more manageable and strategic at every step.
📣 Call to Action
- Want detailed tips for a specific subject like Physics, Economics, or English? Use our IB Subject Guide:
🔗 Ultimate IB Subject Guide - Start reviewing Jojo AI flashcards by subject to practice command terms and content recall:
🔗 Jojo AI IB Flashcard Tool