So after you’ve made the big decision to choose the IB, now it's time to select the subjects you'll study for the next two years. While this can seem daunting at first, the picture is much clearer once you understand the curriculum better and your possible career directions and interests. In a nutshell, the IB curriculum is divided into six groups, with each group designed to fulfil your education through various contexts and disciplines and highlighting interdisciplinary relationships to enhance your learning.
This blog will discuss how to make the best subject choices and the factors you should consider to maximise your final IB mark.
Note that the subjects offered can vary a lot between schools, as not all institutions provide the same subject options or all of the subject options as listed below. Please check carefully for the subjects available for your respective institutions.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
In Group 1, you'll explore the depths of your native language through various texts and literary works. Under group 1, these language courses can be further divided into Language A: Literature, Language A: Language and Literature, and Literature and Performance and the availability of these courses depends on your school. For example, in my school, it offers both English A: Literature and Chinese A: Literature. Languages offered in this group focus on widely spoken global languages and students usually choose their mother tongue or the language they find the most comfortable in as Group 1 languages. These courses are designed to help you make a stronger connection with the language and its texts, showing your appreciation of literature, culture, and oral communication.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
In Group 2, you'll be required to study a language other than your native one. Language acquisition can be divided into two levels: Ab Initio, for students with little or no prior experience in the language, and Language B, for those who already have some experience, schools usually offer both Ab Initio and Language B to cater for all students and students will base on their ability to make the respective choice. To make an effective choice here, students usually consider their interest in that language or the need to achieve certain native speaker certification through IB Group 2. For example, if you reach a final grade of 5 or above in English B Higher Level, you are equivalent to an English first language from some University's intake requirement.
Group 3: Individuals & Societies
All students must be required to take a subject from this group, with the option to take an additional subject by replacing one from Group 6. The subjects offered by this group are quite diverse, including Business and Management, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Digital Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology and World Religions. Group 3 is the group of humanities subjects and my advice for choosing group 3 would be thinking about your passions and career pathway. If you are considering reading business and economics at University, it would be a good idea to choose either Economics or Business Management to build a solid foundation of knowledge in commerce. Nonetheless, subjects in group 3 are extremely diverse and can open up to many career opportunities so the takeaway message here would be choosing something that follows your interest.
Group 4: Sciences
Group 4 covers the three main branches of science: Physics, Biology, and Chemistry. These 3 subjects examine how the world is shaped through theories, models and practices. IB science subjects also provide practical teaching in deriving experimental methods and applications of scientific methods in various contexts. Physics is a fascinating subject that explores the nature of matter and requires a strong foundation in Math. If you're interested in understanding life forms, Biology is an excellent choice while Chemistry focuses on the relationships between atoms, leading to chemical reactions and products. If some students already know what they want to study later, for example, if the student considers pursuing a career in medicine, it can be advantageous for the student to choose both Biology and Chemistry as most medicine courses require Chemistry and Biology as prerequisite subjects. While if a student aims to pursue a pathway in engineering, it can be advantageous for the student to choose Physics.
Some schools may provide additional options for Group 4 subjects such as Computer Science, Design Technology, and Sports, Exercise, and Health Science. For students who are interested in science but do not find Physics, Chemistry or Biology to suit them the most, these additional choices provide alternatives for students to explore their interests and different career pathways. These subjects are being taught really specific to the discipline.
Although subjects like computer science, design technology and sports, exercise, and health science are relatively new IB subjects (around a ten-year history), more Universities are recognising these subjects as prerequisites and these subjects can also help with specific career pathways. For example, computer science for computer-related University degrees, sports, exercise and health science for sports-related University degrees (Sports management, physiotherapy, sports analysis).
Group 5: Mathematics
Currently, in the IB, there are two distinct Mathematics courses designed to develop your mathematical and logical thinking skills, and students choose the respective course depending on their interests and abilities.
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) is perfect for students that mathematics is important but not the essential component of their career, such as engineering. As the name suggests, the subject is designed for those who want to apply mathematical skills to real-world situations, making maths practical for everyday use. Compared to Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA), the content being taught in Maths AI is more practical to daily life and less mathematical. Therefore, if you’re someone who does not have a huge passion or mathematics is not your strongest subject, Maths AI could be a valuable choice for you to lower some of the burden from Maths.
Meanwhile, Maths AA is geared towards students with a strong proficiency in maths who enjoy exploring more challenging mathematical concepts and theoretical approaches. This course is ideal for those planning to pursue careers that heavily rely on mathematical principles, such as Economics, Physics, or Computer Science. Also, an important note is that Maths AA could be a prerequisite subject for University courses that heavily rely on mathematical principles as described above so be sure to check out the requirements for your respective course.
In my opinion, picking the suitable maths course requires detailed thinking and is not an easy decision. Before choosing the course, I consulted with my maths teacher to ensure my chosen course aligns with my strengths and interests so I suggest you do the same if you are unsure which course to pick from.
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Group 6: Arts
Group 6 offers a range of arts subjects, though students have the option to replace an arts subject with an additional course from Science, Individuals and Societies, or Language. This flexibility does not diminish the importance of the arts. Subjects in this group foster a different mindset and approach compared to subjects from other groups, helping students adapt to various contexts and societies. The arts courses available include Dance, Music, Film, Theatre, and Visual Arts. Note the availability of these subjects can vary a lot by school, but each course offers a unique opportunity for students to connect with their audience and express their creative personas through different mediums.
SL or HL?
So now you’ve chosen your 6 subjects, the next question that may pop up in your mind is, should I do Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL)? Students don’t usually have to pick their SL and HL subjects until the end of Year 1 IB but it is a good thought to keep thinking out your potential SL or HL subjects during your first year of IBDP. Follow your passion, and do the subject that you enjoy but also don’t forget to consider the extra workload of the HL subjects that may be brought to you.
My final conclusion
When you spend more time exploring the wide selection of subjects available in the IBDP, the ultimate rule of thumb is to consider your goals and how you want to approach your future. Although the path may seem clearer for some than others, there is not something known as perfect decisions so don't stress too much about making the perfect decision. By getting to know your options, you'll begin to see that the subjects you choose reflect who you are. Instead, spend some time researching your options and consider the direction you want to take. Additionally, some subjects complement each other well and can build connections between them, enhancing your learning experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I plan for choosing subjects?
Using me as an example, from brainstorming until filling in the subject form, it takes me around more than half a month to figure out my decisions. During this time, I’ve also doubted and challenged myself whether my decision is right but everything works out in the end so just do not overthink too much.
I’m unsure about my career pathway, what should I do?
Instead of keeping your thoughts to yourself, I suggest you talk to your subject teachers, or career counsellor (If there’s one at your school). They’re excellent resources and I believe they are really willing to help you map out your career direction together. So don’t be shy, talk to somebody else about it, it’s a big call!
Are there any easy subjects in IB? If so, should I pick all the easier subjects to maximise my marks?
The difficulty of IB subjects definitely will vary as different disciplines will have different content covered. However, the most important thing is to consider which subjects will enhance your learning and aid your future career pathway.
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Written by KIS Academics Tutor for IB Maths AA SL, Chemistry HL and SL, Economics SL, Lai Yin Yip. Lai Yin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedicine in the University of Melbourne. You can view Lai Yin’s profile here and request him as a tutor.
