The IBDP is designed as a two-year academic pathway for learners typically between 16 and 19 years old. Its structure is broader than simply taking six subjects. Students study across six subject groups while completing the three components of the IB core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Understanding this structure early makes subject selection, workload planning and university preparation much easier.

What Is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is designed to give students both breadth and depth of academic study.

Students complete six subjects alongside the DP core. The programme combines subject learning with independent research, reflection and practical experiences through TOK, EE and CAS.

For parents, the important point is that the IB Diploma is not only about exam preparation. Students need to manage different types of academic work across the two years.

How Is the IB Diploma Structured?

The IB Diploma has two main parts:

1. Six academic subjects

The programme requires students to build their subject combination across the six DP subject groups.

2. The DP Core

Students also complete:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
• Extended Essay (EE)
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The 6 IB Subject Groups

The six subject groups give students a broad academic foundation.

The IB currently lists a range of subjects within these groups, and some interdisciplinary subjects can satisfy requirements across two groups.

Students generally select one course from each group, although the exact combination can vary according to IB rules and the subjects offered by their school.

HL vs SL: What Is the Difference?

IB subjects can be studied at Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).

The difference is not simply that HL is “hard” and SL is “easy”.

HL courses cover a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills, while SL courses cover a narrower scope. Both HL and SL subjects contribute equally to the final points system.

The IB normally recommends:

• 3–4 HL subjects
• The remaining subjects at SL
• Around 240 teaching hours for HL
• Around 150 teaching hours for SL

So, how should a student choose HL or SL?

Start with three questions:

1. What does the student perform well in?
2. What subjects does the university course require or recommend?
3. Can the student manage the additional depth and workload of HL?

University requirements should come before simply choosing the subjects a student enjoys most. The IB itself recommends considering university and career goals when making subject choices.

Understanding the IB Diploma Core

The three core components run alongside the six academic subjects.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK asks students to examine how we know what we claim to know.

It develops reflection and critical thinking rather than testing another traditional subject syllabus. TOK is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600-word essay.

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is an independent research project that ends with a 4,000-word paper.

Students investigate a focused question connected to a DP subject or, where appropriate, an interdisciplinary World Studies topic.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS gives students opportunities to engage in experiences across creativity, activity and service.

Unlike the academic subjects, CAS does not contribute points to the final IB score, but completing the requirement is necessary for the Diploma.

How Is the IB Diploma Scored?

Each IB subject is graded from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest grade.

Six subjects can therefore contribute up to:

6 × 7 = 42 points

Together, TOK and the Extended Essay can add a maximum of three points to the overall Diploma score.

The IB Diploma therefore has a maximum score of:

45 points

The minimum score for the Diploma is 24 points, subject to the IB's other passing conditions.

The DP core therefore plays an important role in the overall Diploma outcome. TOK and the Extended Essay influence the final score, while completing CAS remains a requirement for earning the Diploma.

How Does IB Assessment Work?

IB assessment combines different forms of assessment.

For many subjects, written examinations at the end of the programme form a major part of assessment. Students may also complete coursework or other assessment components during the programme. Depending on the subject and component, work may be internally marked and moderated or externally assessed by the IB.

This means IB preparation is not only about revising before final exams.

Students need to manage:

• Subject content
• Internal assessment tasks
• Coursework
• Extended Essay
• TOK
• Final examinations

Good planning matters because these demands overlap across the two-year programme.

How Should Students Choose Their IB Subjects?

A strong subject combination should balance academic ability, university requirements and workload.

Before finalising subjects, consider:

Academic strengths

Choose subjects where the student can realistically build strong performance.

University requirements

Some university courses specify particular subjects or HL combinations. These requirements should be checked before making final choices.

Career direction

A student considering engineering, medicine, business or another specialised pathway may need to prioritise particular subjects.

Workload

Six subjects plus TOK, EE and CAS require consistent organisation. A combination that looks good on paper still needs to be manageable for the student.

What Makes the IB Diploma Challenging?

The challenge is not simply the number of subjects.

Students are managing breadth across six subject areas while developing greater depth in HL subjects, alongside research, writing, reflection and practical requirements from the core.

The result is a programme where students need to understand what to study, how to study it and how each assessment is marked.

That is why effective IB support should be specific to the student's curriculum and subject level rather than simply providing more study hours.

When Should a Student Get IB Support?

Support is most useful when it addresses a specific gap.

• A student understands the content but loses marks in written responses.
• HL work is becoming difficult to manage.
• Internal assessment deadlines are approaching.
• The Extended Essay needs stronger structure.
• TOK work requires clearer argument development.
• The student needs a more consistent study plan across several subjects.

Mentor Match IB Support

A curriculum-trained tutor can work from the student's current level, identify the gap and build sessions around the requirements of the specific IB subject.

At Mentor Match, 1:1 tutoring is built around the student's curriculum, subject level and learning gaps. The aim is not simply to add more lessons. It is to make each session relevant to what the student needs to improve.

Book Your Free Demo Class.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many subjects are in the IB Diploma?

Students complete six subjects alongside TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS.

How many HL and SL subjects do IB students take?

Students typically take 3–4 subjects at HL, with the remaining subjects at SL, although the exact combination depends on the student's programme and school.

What are the three parts of the IB core?

The three core components are Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

What is the maximum IB score?

The maximum IB Diploma score is 45 points: up to 42 points from six subjects and up to 3 additional points from TOK and the Extended Essay.

Is HL harder than SL?

HL covers a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills than SL. However, both HL and SL subjects contribute equally to the final points system.

How should I choose my IB subjects?

Consider academic strengths, university requirements, career goals and workload. University and career requirements should be checked before finalising the combination.

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