What are all the IB courses available to take? Here, we will give you the complete list of all SL (Standard Level) and HL (Higher Level) IB classes.
Every IB school is different, so your own school might not offer all the courses. Although, these are all the classes the IB has created a curriculum and tested for. According to the IB curriculum, there are 56 classes that are divided into six subject groups which include high-level and standard-level formats. The different categories are:
- Group 1: Language and Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Group 4: Science
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: Arts
In order to receive the IB Diploma Certificate, one must give the exam from all six categories. Note that you may opt for an additional science, individuals and societies, or languages course instead of an art course. We will dive into more detail on each below:-
Group 1: Language and Literature
The 1st group of IB Diploma courses is the language and literature ones. According to the IB, these classes aim to “develop a student’s interest in language and literature, and a love for the richness of human expression.” This course consists of three subjects:-
Language A: Literature
The course is available for both high and standard levels in 55 languages and introduces students to the world of literary text analysis. On a special request, it is also available in other languages with sufficiently developed written literature.
Language A: Language and Literature
This course is available in 17 languages for study and deals with the interpretation and critical analysis of literary, and non-literary genres in both written & spoken formats.
Literature and Performance
This course is available only in SL with English, Spanish and French languages and aims to examine the relationship between literature and theatre. It includes skills such as intense reading, critical writing, discussion, and practical, exquisite, and figurative performance components.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
The main aim of this group of classes is to help students gain competency in a foreign language while learning and appreciating other cultures. This course consists of three subjects:-
Classical Languages
This course is available in both HL and SL. It allows students to study and understand the language, literature, and culture of ancient Rome/ Greece.
Language B
This course has both oral and written exams and is meant for students with previous experience in learning a foreign language.
A topic is provided and the student is required to give a presentation and answer the questions asked by the teacher regarding your presentation.
Language Ab Initio
This course is available only in SL for beginners of the foreign language students having no prior experience can select this language.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
The 3rd group of IB Diploma courses spans various social science subjects, like social studies, psychology, and politics. This group’s goal is to develop “a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior” and understand more about cultural institutions as well as the different types of environments people inhabit.
Business Management
This course helps students understand how decision-making processes affect the internal & external environment in business management.
Economics
This course entirely focuses on microeconomics and macroeconomics variables that affect individuals and countries simultaneously.
These economic theories are taught by applying them to real-world problems. The problem includes fluctuations in economic activity, international trade, economic development, environmental sustainability, etc.
Geography
This subject takes benefit of its position to observe necessary ideas and concepts from a variety of disciplines.
Global Politics
This course explores concepts of fundamental politics such as equality, power, and liberty. The course help students develop an understanding and allow them to explore political issues affecting their lives.
History
This course helps students to have a better understanding of the present in connection with the past.
Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)
The course allows students to use an integrated approach to make informed judgments and decisions in the area of information and communication technologies in contemporary society.
Philosophy
This subject is a journey into the world of difficult, tricky, and challenging questions in an analytical and systematic way.
Psychology
This subject deals with a structured study of behavior and mental processes.
Social and Cultural Anthropology
The subject provides a brief insight into diversity among culture and societies so as to understand humankind.
World Religions
This course provides students with a logical and sympathetic approach toward the main religions of the world.
Group 4: Science
In this group of classes, you’ll have to opt for physical science or technological science to study. The aim is to have students deepen their understanding of the scientific method.
Biology
This course deals with the interactions that created the functioning of the ecosystem.
Chemistry
This course is an experimental science that includes practical and investigational skills along with academic study.
Computer Science
This course deals with computational thinking including practical activities in combination with programming.
Design Technology
This course is great for students planning to enter in the world of design and technology which supports facilitating a guardianship of the planet and making a better world.
Environmental systems and societies
This course enlightens students with a logical view of the interrelationships between environmental systems and societies.
Physics
This course is fundamental to science and explains the formation of the universe from its very minute particles to the vast distances between galaxies.
Sports, Exercise, and Health Science (SEHS)
The course is a combination of different disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and nutrition.
Group 5: Mathematics
This section is divided into four Math class options.
Mathematical Analysis and Approaches SL & HL
Related to the old Math HL and SL.
Mathematics Application and Interpretation SL & HL
More practical and application based.
Group 6: Arts
Dance
This course deals with expressive dance movements along with composition, performance, and analysis.
Film
This section deals with practical knowledge of film art and craft.
Music
This course helps students to make a career as musicians.
Theatre
With the help of this course, students can make their careers as creators, designers, directors, and performers.
Visual Arts
This course enables students to gain confidence as professional art-makers.
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