IBDP: An ultimate guide to HLs' and SLs'

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is an educational program offered for the students of age groups (16-19) to prepare them for higher-level studies. IBDP is designed with the prospect to equip students with an opening of both interdisciplinary and disciplinary understandings and rigorous learning satisfying the criteria fixed by the higher education institutes.

The HLs' and SLs'

Candidates are offered to select six subjects from the options of the 6 subject groups provided. Both SL and HL courses are offered in two years of the diploma program. Students must study at least 3SL and 3HL subjects in two years to earn an IB Diploma. Principally, the IBDP works on the theory to engage students with different areas of subjects for their exploration and personal development. When students are allowed to study mixed areas of subjects they develop a better understanding and in-depth knowledge with more extensive learning. SL provides students with specified areas to study which can be utilized for the deeper learning of the HL courses. For SL, 150 teaching hours, and for HL 240 teaching hours are allocated. In both SL and HL courses syllabus is same consisting of a designed curriculum, internal and external modes of assessments. Likewise, the same marking criteria are used for both levels.

In this article, we are going to give you an overview of the IBDP six subject groups.

The Six Subject Groups

Group 1: Language and Literature

In Language and Literature, 3 courses are offered: 

  • Language A: Literature
  • Language A: Language and Literature
  • Literature and performance 

Students can choose these subjects at both SL and HL levels.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

To meet the requirements of the program, students have to select one subject from this group. Three subjects are offered under this group:

  • Language ab Initio (SL)
  • Language B (SL or HL)
  • Latin & Classical Greek (SL or HL)

Group 3: Individuals and societies

In this group the following courses are offered at both SL and HL: Business Management, Economics, Global Politics., History, Humanities, and social sciences, Information technology in a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, and Geography while World Religions are offered at SL only.

Group 4: Experimental sciences

Computer science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Design Technology are offered for SL and HL both while environmental systems and societies, Sport, Exercise, and Health Science are offered at SL only.

Group 5: Mathematics

In mathematics, four courses are available:

  • Mathematics Analysis and Approach (SL and HL) 
  • Mathematics Application and Interpretation (SL and HL)

Group 6: The arts

In arts group, five subjects are offered to be chosen for both levels including Dance, Music, Film, Theater, and Visual Arts.

Need some extra help in your IBDP curriculum?

Blen provides you some amazing IB resources to earn a good grade in your subjects. Refer to our resources section and get a quick-quick understanding of the concepts and practice some exams like questions.

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