Your class can study a different combination of religions from another school without being disadvantaged in IB World Religions SL. The IB allows schools to choose religions within prescribed groups, and the examinations provide questions for every permitted option.
The course structure sets the same requirements for every school, but does not require every class to study the same religions. These selection rules apply specifically to IB World Religions SL.
| Course component | Required selection |
|---|---|
| Part 1: Introduction to world religions | Five religions from nine, including at least one from each of the three groups below. |
| Part 2: In-depth studies | Two religions from different groups: one from Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism; one from Judaism, Christianity and Islam. |
| Investigative study | An individual investigation that may focus on any religion, including one outside the nine listed in the syllabus. |
For Part 1, the three groups are:
- Group A: Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism.
- Group B: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
- Group C: Taoism, Jainism and the Bahá'í Faith.
For example, a class studying Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Taoism meets the Part 1 requirements. Another class studying Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Jainism also meets them. Both explore the same three fundamental questions: What is the human condition? Where are we going? How do we get there?
The misconception that students must revise all nine religions is incorrect. Prepare your school's five introductory religions and two in-depth religions. Taoism, Jainism and the Bahá'í Faith are Part 1 options only.
For exam technique, remember that Paper 1 requires five answers, with at least one from each section. Paper 2 requires two essays from different sections. When using another school's revision materials, check that they match your selected religions and distinguish introductory coverage from in-depth study.