The IB Diploma Curriculum

Students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, humanities, experimental sciences and mathematics.

The sixth subject may be an Arts subject chosen from group 6, or another subject from groups 2 to 5.

At least three and not more than four subjects are taken at higher level.

Best language and additional language

Students select two languages.

Group 1 is for students’ language. Group 2 is for a second language.

Experimental sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Design technology, Environmental systems, Physics.

Mathematics and computer science

Mathematics Higher and Standard level, Computer science

Individuals and societies

Business and management, Economics, Geography, History, Islamic history,

Information technology in a global society, Philosophy, Psychology,

Social and cultural anthropology.

The Arts

Music, Theatre arts, Visual arts

Core Elements of IB Programme

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding.

The extended essay is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.

Theory of knowledge is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

Creativity, action, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.