IBDP Course Requirements
Students are required to choose courses from the six separate subject groups in order to complete the qualification. These include:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature.
- Group 2: Language Acquisition.
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies.
- Group 4: Sciences.
- Group 5: Mathematics.
- Group 6: The Arts.
In Group 6, students can choose either an arts subject or a second subject from Group 3 or Group 4.
Core studies
In addition, all DP students are required to undertake three core studies:
- Extended Essay: The extended essay enables students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of around 4000 words relating to one of their chosen subjects.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is a course in critical thinking that teaches students ˜how’ to learn, helping them to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the learning process that they can apply to various disciplines and across all their subjects.
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS): CAS involves students in a range of activities outside the classroom and will run over an 18-month period. A wide range of experiences will be completed including involvement in the arts, physical activity and community service.
Criteria
At least three subjects (and no more than four) must be Higher Level subjects. Higher level subjects involve 240 teaching hours.
The remaining subjects must be Standard Level subjects. Standard level subjects involve 150 teaching hours.
This way, students can explore some subjects in depth and some more broadly over the two-year period. While overall balance is maintained, flexibility in choosing higher level subjects allows the student to pursue areas of personal interest and to meet special requirements for university entrance.