Introduction to the IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year academic curriculum designed for students aged 16 to 19. It’s known for its rigorous yet balanced approach to education, combining depth of learning with a global perspective.
But what does a typical IB day or week look like? How are classes structured, and how do students juggle their subjects with core components like the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)?
Let’s explore the full structure of a standard IB schedule and what students can expect.
Components of a Standard IB Curriculum
Every full-diploma IB student takes six subjects—one from each of the following groups:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts (or an additional subject from groups 1–5)
Students choose:
- Three Higher Level (HL) subjects: ~240 teaching hours
- Three Standard Level (SL) subjects: ~150 teaching hours
In addition, they must complete three core components:
- TOK (Theory of Knowledge): Critical thinking and reflection on knowledge
- EE (Extended Essay): A 4,000-word independent research paper
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): A portfolio of personal development and community service
Structure of a Typical IB School Day
An IB school day usually includes:
- 6 to 8 class periods per day
- Each period lasting 45 to 60 minutes
- A mix of HL and SL subject lessons spread throughout the week
- TOK once or twice per week
- Designated CAS periods or after-school slots
- Library or research blocks for the EE
Example Weekly Subject Distribution:
- HL Subjects: 5 lessons/week each
- SL Subjects: 3–4 lessons/week each
- TOK: 1–2 lessons/week
- CAS/EE: Flexible, based on school format
Sample IB Timetable for a Full Diploma Student
Here’s a simplified version of what an IB student’s daily schedule might look like:
TimeActivity
8:00–8:50HL Biology
9:00–9:50SL Spanish B
10:00–10:50HL History
11:00–11:50TOK
12:00–1:00Lunch1
1:00–1:50SL Math AA
2:00–3:00CAS Activity or Study Hall
This schedule rotates through the week, with different subject focus each day.
Weekly and Monthly IB Scheduling Patterns
A well-structured IB schedule includes:
- Rotating subject blocks for deeper engagement
- CAS hours tracked weekly
- Internal Assessment (IA) checkpoints built into the calendar
- Dedicated revision sessions before mocks or finals
Schools often follow a term-based calendar, aligning EE, IA, and TOK deadlines with holidays and exam seasons.
Year-by-Year IB Timeline (DP1 vs DP2)
YearMilestonesDP1 (Grade 11)Subject selection, EE topic approval, CAS begins, initial IAsDP2 (Grade 12)EE submission, IA deadlines, TOK essay, Mock exams, Final IB exams (May or November)
Most academic milestones are front-loaded in DP2, requiring students to manage time proactively.
How Schools Customize IB Schedules
No two IB schedules are exactly alike. Variations depend on:
- School type (public, private, or international)
- Block schedule vs traditional period structure
- Cultural calendars (e.g., Asian schools with weekend classes)
However, all IB schools must meet teaching hour requirements and submit assessments by standardized IB deadlines.
Time Commitment Breakdown
A typical full-diploma IB student commits:
ComponentHours per Week (Approx.)
HL Subjects: 12–15 hours
SL Subjects: 8–10 hours
TOK: 1–2 hours
CAS Activities: 2–3 hours
EE Research: 1–3 hours
Homework/Study: 10–15 hours
Overall, expect 25–35 hours of class and study per week.
Study Periods and Free Time
Many IB schools offer study periods or free blocks, especially for EE and CAS. Students use this time to:
- Complete readings
- Meet with supervisors
- Review for assessments
- Relax and decompress
Effective use of free time is essential to avoid burnout and maintain balance.
Tools and Apps to Manage the IB Schedule
Recommended tools for managing the IB routine:
- ManageBac: The gold standard for IB scheduling and assessment tracking
- Google Calendar: Time-blocking for subjects and deadlines
- Trello/Notion: For organizing EE, IA, and TOK tasks
- Forest App / Focus Keeper: For productivity and focus
IB Student Experiences with Their Schedules
“My schedule looked intense at first, but once I blocked out time for EE and CAS, it became manageable.”
— Adrian, IB Diploma Graduate
“Using weekends for CAS helped me keep weekdays academic.”
— Leila, Class of 2023
Most students agree that with proper time management, the schedule supports academic growth and personal development.
Teacher and Parent Involvement in Scheduling
Teachers help students:
- Track EE, TOK, and IA progress
- Adjust study plans around assessment loads
Parents can assist by:
- Monitoring burnout
- Helping students balance academics and extracurriculars
- Coordinating with teachers during heavy weeks
Pros and Cons of the IB Schedule Format
✅ Pros:
- Highly structured and organized
- Teaches time management early
- Balances academics with real-life skills
❌ Cons:
- Can be overwhelming without support
- Requires strong self-discipline
- Less flexible than some national programs
Conclusion: How to Make the Most of an IB Schedule
A standard IB schedule is carefully crafted to blend academic depth, real-world application, and personal growth. While it’s intense, it is doable with planning, support, and consistency.
To succeed:
- Use your time wisely
- Start tasks early
- Rely on your mentors and planners
The schedule isn’t just about managing time — it’s about managing opportunities.
FAQs
How long is a typical IB school day?
Usually 6–8 hours, similar to traditional high school days but with more academic diversity and structure.
Can students customize their schedules?
Yes, within the framework of subject selection and HL/SL choices.
How much time is spent on homework?
Most IB students spend 2–4 hours per night on assignments, readings, and research.
Is there enough time for extracurriculars?
Yes. CAS encourages extracurricular involvement and counts it toward the diploma.
How do HL courses impact scheduling?
HL courses have more instructional hours and typically require more homework and deeper study.
Do all IB schools follow the same timetable?
No, but all must meet the same minimum hours and curricular requirements set by the IB Organization.
