All IB Subject Resources
Browse IB notes, question banks, flashcards, videos, and more by subject.
The IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19. Students study six subjects, one from each of Groups 1 to 5 and a sixth from Group 6 (The Arts) or a second choice from Groups 1 to 4. At least three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL). Each subject is graded from 1 to 7, and Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay together add up to 3 more points, for a maximum of 45. Below, you’ll find notes, question banks, flashcards and videos for every subject, organised by group.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 1 courses are taught in the language you know best, called your Language A. You’ll read and analyse literary works, and in Language and Literature also non-literary texts such as speeches, ads and articles. The focus is on how writers create meaning, how texts reflect their contexts, and how to build a strong comparative argument. Choose Literature for a fully literary course, or Language and Literature for a mix of literary and non-literary texts.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 2 courses build your ability to communicate in an additional language. Language B is for students with some prior experience and is offered at SL and HL, with HL including literary works. Ab initio is for complete beginners and is offered at SL only. Both develop reading, listening, speaking and writing through real-world themes such as identity, experiences and sharing the planet, while building intercultural understanding.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 3 subjects study people, institutions and societies, and how they interact with the world around them. Courses range from Economics and Business Management to History, Geography, Global Politics, Psychology, Philosophy, World Religions and Digital Society. You’ll learn to evaluate evidence, compare perspectives and build balanced arguments. Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is interdisciplinary and can count toward Group 3 or Group 4.
Group 4: Sciences
Group 4 subjects develop scientific knowledge and the skills to investigate the natural and designed world. Options include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Design Technology and Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS). Alongside theory, every course includes practical work, a scientific investigation (the Internal Assessment) and a Collaborative Sciences Project that brings students from different sciences together to tackle a shared problem.
Group 5: Mathematics
Every IB Diploma student takes one maths course, at SL or HL. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) focuses on algebra, functions, calculus and proof, suiting students heading toward maths, engineering or the physical sciences. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on modelling, statistics and using technology to solve real-world problems, suiting students heading toward the social sciences, business, biology or design.
DP Core
The DP Core sits at the centre of the Diploma and is completed by every student. Theory of Knowledge (TOK) asks how we know what we claim to know, assessed through an exhibition and an essay. The Extended Essay is an independent 4,000-word research paper on a topic of your choice. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) involves experiences and projects beyond the classroom. TOK and the Extended Essay together contribute up to 3 points toward the Diploma score.
