HIS IBDP Options Website

What the IBDP offers students

Through the DP, we are able to develop students who:

• have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge

• flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

• study at least two languages

• excel in traditional academic subjects

• explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique theory of knowledge course.

Choosing subjects in the DP

The IB provides course selection guidance to help you when choosing subjects. If you would like some examples of subject combinations, please take a look at these examples of diploma subject choices.

Students choose subjects from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

Students may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages subject, instead of a subject in the arts.

Students will take three subjects at higher level (HL) and some at standard level (SL). HL and SL subjects differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.

Each student takes a minimum of three or a maximum of four subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level.

Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.