IB Board Subjects

IB Board Subjects: MYP, DP & CP Subject Guide

IB Tutoring Academy provides online tutoring across the full range of IB board subjects. This guide explains how subjects are organised within the Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), what each subject group covers, and how subject choices connect to university pathways.

Read the FAQs

IB Programmes and Subject Frameworks

  1. MYP: eight subject groupsThe International Baccalaureate offers three main programmes: the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP). MYP uses eight subject groups to build interdisciplinary foundations.
  2. DP: six subject groups plus coreDP requires six subjects chosen from six groups plus a mandatory core. Each programme organises subjects into groups that reflect broad areas of knowledge.
  3. CP: career study plus DP coursesCP combines a career-related study with at least two DP courses and a distinct CP core. Understanding these frameworks helps families see how early subject experiences in MYP feed into later DP or CP choices.
  4. Subjects build progressively across programmesCore components develop research and reflection skills that universities value. The academic calendar indicates that DP or CP subject choices may need to be confirmed during MYP5.

MYP Subject Groups and What They Cover

Language and Literature: analysis and expressionLanguage Acquisition: additional language developmentIndividuals and Societies: humanities and social sciencesSciences: biology, chemistry, physics integrationMathematics: number, algebra, geometry, statisticsArts: visual arts, music, drama, dancePhysical and Health EducationDesign

DP Subject Groups: Choosing Your Six Subjects

DP students choose one subject from each of six groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts (or a second subject from groups 1–4). Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). HL courses cover more content and require greater depth; SL courses provide breadth. Subject combinations can affect university entry requirements, so families should check specific course prerequisites for intended pathways.

CP Subject Structure: Career-Related Study and DP Courses

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Career-related study

Vocational or professional qualification such as BTEC, apprenticeship or professional certification

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DP courses

At least two DP courses chosen from the six subject groups alongside the career study

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CP core

Four interconnected components: Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development, Reflective Project

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Transition focus

Understanding what DP or CP expects rather than starting future coursework early

Core Components: TOK, EE, CAS and the CP Core

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Explores how we know what we claim to know, developing critical thinking about knowledge across subjects.

Extended Essay (EE)

Independent research paper that builds academic writing and investigation skills valued by universities.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Sustained engagement in creative, physical and service experiences beyond the classroom.

CP Core Components

Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development and the Reflective Project on an ethical issue.

University relevance

Core components connect subject learning to broader skills in research, critical thinking and reflection that universities and employers value.

When to Choose and Confirm Subjects

  1. MYP5Subject choice discussions begin. Students explore how MYP subject experiences feed into DP or CP pathways.
  2. NovemberDP or CP subject choices may need to be confirmed. Students should understand what each chosen subject involves and how it fits their academic profile.
  3. DecemberLearn what the next programme expects before the final MYP5 semester. Close academic gaps and review Personal Project progress.
  4. School-specific deadlinesFamilies should work with school coordinators to meet internal deadlines and ensure subject combinations keep university options open.

Common Challenges Students Face in IB Subjects

Challenges

  • Criterion-based assessment (A–D) unfamiliarity compared to percentage grading
  • Internal Assessments require independent research and time management
  • Extended Essay demands academic writing skills
  • Workload balance across six subjects plus core components
  • Personal Project and summatives overlap in MYP5
  • eAssessment preparation adds pressure

How support helps

  • Revisit earlier units and use achievement-level feedback to identify recurring weaknesses
  • Guidance on research design, academic writing and criterion alignment for IAs and EE
  • Holiday periods used to close academic gaps before final semesters
  • Structured revision planning aligned with school assessment calendar
  • Subject-specific skill development for criterion-based assessment
  • Examination and eAssessment readiness preparation

How Tutoring Supports Each Subject Area

1

Subject-specific content and skill support

IB Tutoring Academy offers online tutoring from experienced subject tutors across MYP, DP and CP subjects covering all subject groups and core components.

2

Criterion-based assessment preparation

Tutors help students understand and demonstrate skills across the four criteria (A–D) used in each subject group.

3

Internal Assessment and Extended Essay guidance

Support with research design, academic writing, criterion alignment and time management for IAs and the Extended Essay.

4

Examination and eAssessment readiness

Structured preparation for on-screen examinations, ePortfolio requirements and final DP examinations.

5

Achievement-level feedback review

Use feedback to identify recurring weaknesses and target revision effectively, as suggested by the academic focus for November.

6

Holiday gap-closing and revision planning

December and other breaks used to close academic gaps before final semesters with realistic holiday plans.

Getting Started with Subject-Specific Support

Families can begin by completing the consultation form on the IB Tutoring Academy website. This helps the team understand the student's programme, subject combination, current challenges and goals. After consultation, students are matched with a subject tutor who designs a support plan aligned with their school timeline, assessment calendar and university aspirations.

FAQ

What IB programmes do you cover for subject tutoring?

We provide tutoring across MYP, DP and CP subjects, including all subject groups and core components such as TOK, EE, CAS and the CP core.

How do I know which DP subjects to choose for university?

Subject combinations can affect university entry requirements. We recommend checking specific course prerequisites for your intended pathways and discussing choices during a consultation.

When should MYP5 students confirm their DP or CP subjects?

Schools often ask for confirmation during MYP5, with many deadlines around November. The academic calendar suggests November is when choices may need to be confirmed.

What support do you offer for Internal Assessments and the Extended Essay?

Tutors provide guidance on research design, academic writing, criterion alignment and time management for IAs and the Extended Essay across all subject groups.

How does tutoring work for the CP career-related study?

We support the DP courses within the CP framework and the CP core components (Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development, Reflective Project).

What is the first step to get subject-specific tutoring?

Complete the consultation form on our website so we can understand your programme, subjects and goals, then match you with a suitable tutor.

Start Subject-Specific Support Today

Complete a short consultation to tell us about your IB programme, subject combination and goals. We'll match you with an experienced subject tutor and build a plan aligned with your school timeline.