What Do You Learn in IB High School (IB Diploma)?

RevisionDojo
5 min read

📘 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.
    (Wikipedia)

Sciences (Group 4)

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

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