HL and SL balance
DP subject selection involves choosing three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) courses from the six groups. HL courses cover greater depth and breadth than SL.
The IB curriculum syllabus spans the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), each organised around subject groups and core components that develop breadth, depth, and independent thinking. This guide explains how the programmes are structured, what students study, how assessment works, and the key milestones from MYP4–5 through DP1–2 so families can plan with confidence.
The International Baccalaureate offers two main programmes for secondary students: the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). Both programmes organise learning around subject groups and a set of core elements that connect disciplines and foster skills such as research, reflection, and service.
In the MYP, students study eight subject groups and complete the Personal Project in MYP5. In the DP, students choose six subjects from six groups (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level) and complete the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge across disciplines.
An independent research project on a topic of the student's choice.
Requires sustained engagement in creative pursuits, physical activity, and community service.
An independent inquiry in MYP5 where students set a learning goal, create a product or outcome, and document the process in a report assessed against criteria.
DP subject selection involves choosing three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) courses from the six groups. HL courses cover greater depth and breadth than SL.
Choices should reflect university entrance requirements, academic strengths, and workload balance.
MYP5 decisions feed directly into DP/CP pathways. Students who have largely decided on their next programme can begin learning what DP or CP will expect from them.
The goal is to understand the transition rather than starting future coursework early.
Families should review university prerequisites for intended courses and countries alongside IB subject requirements.
Targeting criterion gaps and reinforcing the skills each component assesses, working within the published criteria and subject guides.
Guiding Personal Project planning and report writing with feedback on drafts against the assessment criteria.
Preparing students for internal assessments and final examinations, including practice with eAssessment-style tasks where relevant.
Subject-specific guidance for HL/SL content to build depth and breadth aligned with the curriculum.
Support for TOK essay and exhibition, EE research questions, and CAS reflections as part of the DP core.
Families can begin by identifying which programme (MYP or DP) and year the student is in, then mapping the current priorities: criterion review, Personal Project progress, subject selection, or exam preparation. Understanding the specific requirements of each subject group and core component clarifies where support adds the most value.
The MYP has eight subject groups and the Personal Project. The DP has six subject groups with HL/SL choices and the core (TOK, EE, CAS).
Both programmes use criterion-referenced assessment. DP combines internal assessments and external exams; MYP uses four criteria per subject and may include eAssessment in MYP5.
The DP core consists of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Together they can contribute bonus points.
DP subject choices are typically confirmed during MYP5, often by December, so students can understand what each subject involves and how it fits their academic profile and future plans.
The Personal Project is an independent inquiry in MYP5 where students set a learning goal, create a product or outcome, and document the process in a report assessed against published criteria.
Tutoring targets criterion gaps, supports Personal Project planning and report writing, prepares for internal and external assessments, and provides subject-specific guidance for HL/SL content, TOK, EE, and CAS.
Share your programme, subjects, and current priorities through our consultation form. We'll match you with a tutor who works within the IB syllabus to address your immediate milestones.