Understanding the IB Curriculum in High School
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme requires students to study six subjects across diverse disciplines, plus complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).
Students choose subjects from six groups:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Each subject can be taken at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). Typically, students choose 3 HL and 3 SL classes. Generally, SL subjects are easier due to reduced content and fewer assessment hours.
What Makes an IB Class “Easy” or “Manageable”?
Not all students agree on what’s easy. But several factors often define “easier” IB classes:
- Lighter workload with fewer assessments or shorter projects.
- Straightforward grading criteria, such as multiple-choice or essay-based over lab-intensive tasks.
- Higher average scores globally or within schools.
- Content overlap with subjects students are already good at or enjoy.
Most importantly, a class becomes easier if it aligns with your strengths and interests.
Top 5 Easiest IB Classes According to Students
Based on student surveys, exam statistics, and school feedback, here are the most commonly cited easy IB classes:
1. IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)
A Group 3 and 4 interdisciplinary course. Light on math, big on case studies and global themes.
2. IB Film
Creative, project-based course with less emphasis on written exams. Students analyze films and create short video projects.
3. IB Language B (Ab Initio or SL)
For beginners, ab initio courses in languages like French, Spanish, or Mandarin focus on survival phrases and basic grammar.
4. IB Business Management
Straightforward theories, real-world applications, and accessible textbooks make this a popular choice for non-math students.
5. IB Math Applications and Interpretation (SL)
Easier than IB Math AA, with practical math applications, statistics, and less abstract theory.
Detailed Overview of Each “Easy” IB Class
ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies)
- Why it’s considered easy: Fewer calculations, more conceptual understanding
- Type of assessments: Case studies, fieldwork
Film
- Why it’s considered easy: Focuses on creative projects rather than heavy theory
- Type of assessments: Film portfolio, written commentary
Language B Ab Initio
- Why it’s considered easy: Designed for beginners with basic vocabulary and grammar
- Type of assessments: Listening, reading, and speaking tasks
Business Management
- Why it’s considered easy: Relies on common-sense concepts and real-world scenarios
- Type of assessments: Case analysis, Internal Assessment (IA)
Math Applications and Interpretation (SL)
- Why it’s considered easy: Focuses on real-world applications over abstract theory
- Type of assessments: IA project, work with data sets
Easiest IB Classes by Subject Group
Group 1 – Language and Literature
- English Language and Literature SL: Familiar content, analysis-based, no creative writing pressure.
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
- Spanish/French Ab Initio: Tailored for absolute beginners.
Group 3 – Individuals and Societies
- Business Management or ESS: Practical, less essay-intensive than History.
Group 4 – Sciences
- ESS (again), or Biology SL: Less data analysis compared to Chemistry or Physics.
Group 5 – Mathematics
- Math AI SL: Stats and modeling over calculus-heavy theory.
Group 6 – The Arts
- Film or Visual Arts SL: More subjective grading, project-based.
Tips to Succeed in Any IB Class
- Stay organized with planners and checklists.
- Use past papers and markschemes to learn what examiners want.
- Balance your CAS hours so you don’t get overwhelmed later.
- Don’t shy away from “hard” classes if you love the topic—interest often makes learning easier.
Common Misconceptions About Easy IB Classes
- Myth: Easy means no work.
Fact: All IB subjects include Internal Assessments and require real effort. - Myth: Universities penalize students for taking easier IB subjects.
Fact: They look at your full academic profile and course rigor in context.
How to Choose the Right IB Classes for You
- Play to your strengths—if you're a visual learner, try Film; if you're verbal, go for Language and Literature.
- Think long-term—some courses are prerequisites for university degrees (e.g., Math AA for Engineering).
- Balance—don’t load up on “easy” classes and neglect HL subjects that match your goals.
FAQs About Choosing Easy IB Classes
Do universities look down on “easy” IB subjects?
Not if the subject choices align with your intended major and you do well overall.
Can I take all SL classes?
No. The IB requires at least 3 HL subjects to award the full diploma.
Are HL classes harder by default?
Yes, HL includes additional content and more assessments.
Is IB easier than AP if I pick these subjects?
Not necessarily. IB requires breadth, while AP allows specialization. It depends on your study habits.
Can I switch classes after the start?
Usually within the first few weeks, depending on your school’s policies.
Are predicted grades easier in some subjects?
Teachers may be more lenient in subjective subjects like Film or Arts—but that’s not guaranteed.
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