Choosing Your IB DP Subjects
IB Diploma students take six subjects — three or four at Higher Level (HL), with the rest at Standard Level (SL). HL subjects cover about 240 teaching hours with greater depth; SL subjects about 150 hours. Competitive university courses often expect specific subjects at HL, so subject choice matters early.
IB Mathematics: AA vs AI
The most common IB DP decision: Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (AA) or Applications & Interpretation (AI). Both are offered at HL and SL.
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IB Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (AA) compared with Applications and Interpretation (AI)| Comparison aspect | Analysis & Approaches (AA) | Applications & Interpretation (AI) |
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| Best for | Abstract, theoretical maths — proof and reasoning | Real-world modelling, data and statistics |
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| Emphasis | Algebra, functions, deeper pure calculus | Statistics, probability, modelling, technology |
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| Calculator | Non-calculator Paper 1 (SL & HL) | Graphing calculator on every paper |
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| Typical university paths | Mathematics, engineering, physics, computer science, natural sciences, quantitative economics | Business, economics, social sciences, psychology, design, life sciences |
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| Levels offered | SL & HL | SL & HL |
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| Internal Assessment | Mathematical Exploration (20%) | Mathematical Exploration (20%) |
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University requirements vary — many courses accept AI HL even where AA is preferred, while maths-intensive STEM usually expects AA, ideally at HL. Always check the specific course's maths requirement.
Internal Assessment (IA) by Subject
Every IB DP subject includes coursework — the Internal Assessment — that counts toward the final grade. Weightings differ between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL).
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IB Diploma internal assessment form and percentage weighting by subject, Higher Level and Standard Level| Subject | Internal Assessment | Weighting (HL / SL) |
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| Mathematics AA & AI | Mathematical Exploration | 20% / 20% |
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| Biology, Chemistry, Physics | Scientific Investigation (≤3,000 words) | 20% / 20% |
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| Economics | Portfolio of 3 commentaries | 20% / 30% |
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| History | Historical Investigation | 20% / 25% |
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| Geography | Fieldwork report | 20% / 25% |
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| English A | Individual Oral | 20% / 30% |
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| Chinese B | Individual Oral | 25% / 25% |
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Source: International Baccalaureate — DP curriculum & assessment
The DP Core: Extended Essay, TOK & CAS
Alongside their six subjects, every student completes the DP core: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research essay, externally assessed and graded A–E; together with TOK it can add up to 3 bonus points toward the maximum total of 45. From the May 2027 assessment, students choose between a subject-focused pathway and a new interdisciplinary pathway that integrates two DP subjects.
