Overview of the IB Diploma Programme (DP)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year curriculum for students aged 16–19. It balances academic challenge, research, and real-world engagement, preparing students for university and beyond.
Core Structure and Subject Groups
Every IB student takes six subjects from these categories:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts (or a second subject from groups 1–4)
SL vs HL Courses
- Standard Level (SL): ~150 teaching hours
- Higher Level (HL): ~240 teaching hours
Students take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects, though some opt for 4 HL.
IB Core Components
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – a philosophical course exploring the nature of knowledge.
- Extended Essay (EE) – a 4,000-word research paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – experiential learning through non-academic activities.
Components of a Standard IB Student Schedule
Six Subject Choices
Students must distribute their six subjects evenly over the week. Each subject typically has 3–5 lessons per week, depending on level.
Class Periods and Weekly Time Commitment
- HL classes: ~4–5 hours/week
- SL classes: ~3 hours/week
- TOK: ~1–2 hours/week
- CAS: Ongoing weekly activities
- EE: Research time typically built into study periods or weekends
Balanced Schedule Example
SubjectLevelTime/WeekEnglish LiteratureHL5 hrsBiologyHL5 hrsHistoryHL5 hrsMath AISL3 hrsSpanish BSL3 hrsVisual ArtsSL3 hrsTOK + CAS/EECore3–5 hrs
Example of a Typical IB Weekly Schedule
Here’s what a standard Monday–Friday schedule might look like:
Monday
- Morning: English HL
- Midday: Spanish SL
- Afternoon: History HL
- Tuesday
- Morning: Biology HL
- Midday: TOK
- Afternoon: Math SL
- Wednesday
- Morning: History HL
- Midday: Free Block (CAS)
- Afternoon: Visual Arts SL
- Thursday
- Morning: English HL
- Midday: Math SL
- Afternoon: Biology HL
- Friday
- Morning: Spanish SL
- Midday: Visual Arts SL
- Afternoon: Study / EE Research
Weekends often include homework, IA progress, and CAS projects.
How Much Time Does IB Take Per Week?
- Class hours: 25–30 hours/week
- Homework and study: 10–20 hours/week
- TOK, EE, and CAS: Additional 5–8 hours/week
- Total weekly load: 40–55 hours
Time investment varies based on school support, personal discipline, and subject difficulty.
Standard IB Schedule by Year
IB Year 1 (DP1 – 11th Grade)
- Subject introductions
- Core coursework begins
- EE topic selection
- Light CAS activities
IB Year 2 (DP2 – 12th Grade)
- Final IAs and EE submission
- TOK essay and presentation
- Mock exams and revision
- More intense academic focus
Managing Your IB Schedule Effectively
- Use digital planners (like Notion, Google Calendar)
- Break down tasks weekly to avoid last-minute stress
- Integrate EE and CAS into your weekly routine
- Schedule breaks to prevent burnout
Common Variations in IB Schedules Across Schools
- Block scheduling: 90-minute classes twice a week
- Traditional: 45–60 minutes daily
- Flex periods: For EE research, TOK seminars, or CAS meetings
- Subject rotations: HL options alternate by year in some schools
FAQs About IB Scheduling
Can I drop an HL to SL mid-year?
Yes, with coordinator approval and before the internal deadlines.
Is there time for sports or clubs?
Yes. CAS even encourages extracurriculars.
Can I double up on one subject group?
Yes. For example, take a second science instead of Group 6.
What if my school doesn’t offer all options?
You can substitute or sometimes study an online IB subject.
Are free periods part of IB?
Yes, many schedules include study blocks or flex time.
Can my schedule change in Year 2?
Slightly—some schools reallocate blocks for EE writing or review.
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