IB Tutoring Academy
IB Diploma Programme

IB Board Subjects Class 11: Subject Groups, HL/SL Choices & Core Requirements

Starting the IB Diploma Programme in Class 11 means choosing six subjects across defined groups, deciding which three to take at Higher Level, and completing the core of TOK, EE and CAS. This page explains how the subject framework works, what the MYP5-to-DP transition involves in November and December, and how subject-specific tutoring can support each area.

Read the FAQs

The Six Subject Groups in Class 11

Group 1: Language and LiteratureGroup 2: Language AcquisitionGroup 3: Individuals and SocietiesGroup 4: SciencesGroup 5: MathematicsGroup 6: The Arts (optional)

Choosing Higher Level and Standard Level

Each chosen subject is taken at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). The typical diploma requires three HL and three SL subjects. HL courses cover more content, require more teaching hours, and are assessed in greater depth. University programmes often specify required HL subjects for entry.

Core Components: TOK, EE and CAS

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Explores how we know what we claim to know through critical thinking about knowledge.

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Extended Essay (EE)

An independent research project resulting in a structured essay.

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Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

A portfolio of experiences and a project completed over the diploma period.

Moving from MYP5 to the Diploma Programme

  1. November: Cumulative Revision and Personal Project ProgressStudents often face summatives, Personal Project work, future subject decisions and possible eAssessment preparation at once. Large tasks can feel overwhelming and may be avoided. November is a useful point to begin cumulative revision while keeping the Personal Project moving toward completion. Students should revisit earlier units and use achievement-level feedback to identify recurring weaknesses.
  2. December: Close Academic Gaps Before Final SemesterPersonal Project deadlines can make it difficult to switch off during the break. Others may postpone unfinished work and return in January with both project and mock pressure waiting. December should be used to close academic gaps before the final MYP5 semester. Students should review weak Criteria A–D, Personal Project progress and any upcoming eAssessment requirements.
  3. Understand DP Expectations Without Early CourseworkStudents who have largely decided on their next programme can begin learning what DP or CP will expect from them, simply to understand the transition rather than starting future coursework early.

When Subject Choices Are Confirmed

  1. During MYP5DP or CP subject choices may need to be confirmed during MYP5. Students should understand what each chosen subject involves and how it fits both their academic profile and future plans.
  2. Check School-Specific DeadlinesSchool deadlines vary, so families should check their school's timeline for finalising selections. Align choices with academic profile and plans.

Typical Subject Combinations for University Pathways

Sciences HL for Medicine Pathways

Students often align HL choices with intended university courses. For example, sciences at HL are common for medicine pathways.

Mathematics HL for Engineering

Mathematics HL is typical for engineering degrees, reflecting university requirements for quantitative depth.

Humanities HL for Law and Humanities

Humanities HL subjects support law, humanities and related university programmes.

Language HL for Language Degrees

Language HL choices align with language and literature degree requirements.

Match HLs to University Requirements

The combination should reflect both university requirements and the student's strengths across subject groups.

How Tutoring Supports Each Subject Group

1

Content Mastery for Each Subject Group

Subject-specific tutoring helps with content mastery across all six groups, aligned to syllabus requirements.

2

Internal Assessment Guidance

Tutors support internal assessments for Group 1 literature, Group 4 sciences with practical work, and Group 5 mathematics at HL or SL.

3

Exam Technique for HL and SL

Support is tailored to the assessment model of each subject, building exam technique for both Higher and Standard Level.

4

Syllabus-Aligned Support

Tutoring follows the syllabus requirements for each subject group, ensuring relevance to current assessment criteria.

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Tailored to Subject Assessment Models

Each subject's unique assessment structure is addressed, from written exams to practical work and oral components.

Managing the Class 11 Workload

Class 11 brings a workload jump with concurrent internal assessments, Extended Essay progress and CAS commitments alongside six subjects. Planning across the year helps students keep each component on track. Regular review of deadlines and criterion feedback supports steady progress rather than last-minute pressure.

Next Steps: Discuss Your Subject Choices

  1. Discuss Subject Groups and HL/SL ChoicesFamilies can use the consultation form to discuss subject choices and tutoring needs. The conversation covers the six subject groups and HL/SL decisions.
  2. Review Core Requirements (TOK, EE, CAS)Understand the three core elements every DP student completes alongside their six subjects.
  3. Plan for MYP5-to-DP TransitionMap the transition timeline from MYP5 to the Diploma Programme, including November cumulative revision and December gap-closing.
  4. Identify Tutoring Needs by SubjectPinpoint where subject-specific support would help with content mastery, internal assessments, or exam technique.

FAQ

How many subjects do I choose in Class 11?

You choose six subjects: one from each of Groups 1 to 5, and either an Arts subject from Group 6 or a second subject from Groups 1 to 4.

What is the difference between HL and SL?

Higher Level covers more content, requires more teaching hours and is assessed in greater depth than Standard Level. The typical diploma includes three HL and three SL subjects.

When do I need to confirm my DP subject choices?

Subject choices are often confirmed during MYP5. Check your school's specific deadline and use the time to understand what each subject involves.

What are the core requirements every DP student completes?

All DP students complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

How does tutoring help with the MYP5-to-DP transition?

Tutoring supports cumulative revision in November, closes academic gaps in December, and helps students understand DP subject demands before choices are finalised.

Can tutoring support internal assessments and the Extended Essay?

Yes. Subject-specific tutoring helps with internal assessment guidance, Extended Essay research and writing, and exam technique across all subject groups.

Discuss Your Class 11 Subject Choices

Use the consultation form to review subject groups, HL/SL decisions, core requirements and the MYP5-to-DP transition timeline with our team.