The Diploma Programme is a two-year course. Students take six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, and complete the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.
A clear guide to how the IB Diploma Programme is built, how it is graded and where students usually need support.
The Diploma Programme is a two-year course. Students take six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, and complete the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service.
The mix lets students keep a broad education while going deeper in the subjects that matter most for what they want to study next.
Each subject is graded from 1 to 7. The Extended Essay and TOK together can add up to 3 bonus points, so the maximum total is 45. A total of 24 points is the usual minimum for the diploma, subject to the IB's other conditions.
Most subjects combine external exams with an internal assessment that the teacher marks and the IB moderates, so coursework counts alongside exams.
The long pieces of work, such as internal assessments and the Extended Essay, are where planning pays off. Exam technique is the other common area: knowing what each command term asks for and how marks are awarded.
A tutor who works with the IB curriculum can explain the criteria, practise past-paper style questions with you and review drafts.
Six: three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, alongside the core of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS.
The maximum total is 45 points: up to 7 for each of six subjects plus up to 3 bonus points from the Extended Essay and TOK.
Tutoring is available across IB subjects, internal assessments and the Extended Essay. Tell us your courses and goals and we will help you find a suitable tutor.
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