📘 IB DP Syllabus 2026
Complete Grade 11 & 12 Subject Guide
⭐ TOK · EE · CAS
📝 HL & SL
🌏 First Assessment 2026
👋 Introduction
This guide provides a complete overview of the
IB Diploma Programme (DP) syllabus for students in
Grade 11 and Grade 12 (first assessment 2026).
The IB DP is a two-year pre-university course for students
aged 16 to 19. It is made up of six subject groups
and the DP Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS).
What you will learn in this guide:
- The full syllabus for every subject offered in the IB DP
- Topics, subtopics, and key concepts for each subject
- Assessment components (Internal and External)
- HL vs SL differences
- Core components: TOK, EE, and CAS
- Study tips and common mistakes
💡 Note: This guide is based on the official IB subject guides
for first assessment in 2026. Schools may teach topics in a different
order – always check with your teacher.
📚 Curriculum Overview
The IB DP curriculum consists of six subject groups and the
DP Core. Students must take one subject from each
group (or a second subject from Groups 1–4 instead of Group 6).
| Group | Subject Area | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Studies in Language and Literature | English A, French A, Self-taught |
| Group 2 | Language Acquisition | French B, Spanish B, ab initio |
| Group 3 | Individuals and Societies | Economics, History, Psychology |
| Group 4 | Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics |
| Group 5 | Mathematics | AA SL/HL, AI SL/HL |
| Group 6 | The Arts | Visual Arts, Music, Theatre |
📌 Higher Level (HL) vs Standard Level (SL)
- Higher Level (HL): 240 teaching hours – deeper, more content.
- Standard Level (SL): 150 teaching hours – less depth.
- Students take 3 or 4 HL subjects and the rest at SL.
📌 DP Core
- TOK (Theory of Knowledge): Explores “how do we know what we know?”
- EE (Extended Essay): 4,000-word independent research paper.
- CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Experiential learning outside the classroom.
📌 Did You Know? The maximum IB DP score is 45 points
– 42 from six subjects (7 each) + up to 3 bonus points from TOK and EE.
📖 Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 1 focuses on developing critical reading, writing, and analytical skills
through the study of literary and non-literary texts.
📘 English A: Language and Literature (SL & HL)
Course Overview
Students study a range of literary and non-literary texts, including novels, poetry, plays, advertisements, speeches, and media.
Areas of Exploration
- Readers, writers and texts: How meaning is created and interpreted.
- Time and space: How texts relate to their historical and cultural contexts.
- Intertextuality: How texts connect to and influence each other.
Assessment Components
- Paper 1 (External): Guided textual analysis of unseen texts.
- Paper 2 (External): Comparative essay on studied literary works.
- Individual Oral (Internal): 10-minute oral presentation + 5-minute discussion.
- HL Essay (HL only): 1,200–1,500 word written analysis.
Literary Forms
- Poetry, Drama, Prose Fiction, Prose Non-fiction.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Not analysing both literary and non-literary texts.
- ❌ Forgetting to use textual evidence to support arguments.
- ❌ Not managing time well in Paper 1.
📗 English A: Literature (SL & HL)
Focus: In-depth study of literary works from different genres, periods, and cultures.
- Works studied: 9 works (SL) or 13 works (HL).
- Assessment: Paper 1, Paper 2, Individual Oral, HL Essay.
- Skills: Literary criticism, independent judgement, close reading.
🌐 Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 2 focuses on developing communication skills in a second language
and understanding another culture through its language.
🌍 Language B (SL & HL)
For students with previous experience in the language (usually 2–5 years).
Five Prescribed Themes
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human ingenuity
- Social organisation
- Sharing the planet
Assessment
- Paper 1: Written productive skills (text types).
- Paper 2: Listening and reading comprehension.
- Individual Oral: 15-minute oral based on a visual stimulus.
- HL only: Written task (creative writing).
🆕 Language ab initio (SL only)
For beginners with no prior experience of the language.
- Five prescribed themes: Identities, Experiences, Human ingenuity, Social organisation, Sharing the planet.
- Assessment: Paper 1, Paper 2, Individual Oral.
- Examples: Spanish ab initio, French ab initio, German ab initio.
🏛️ Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 3 subjects explore human behaviour, societies, and how people organise
themselves. They develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
📈 Economics (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure
- Unit 1: Introduction to Economics
- Unit 2: Microeconomics – demand, supply, market equilibrium, market failure (externalities, public goods), equity.
- Unit 3: Macroeconomics – aggregate demand, aggregate supply, economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policy.
- Unit 4: Global Economy – international trade, exchange rates, balance of payments, development economics.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Extended response questions (micro/macro).
- Paper 2: Data response questions (global/development).
- Paper 3 (HL only): Quantitative questions.
- Internal Assessment: Three commentaries based on news articles.
📜 History (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure (New 2026 Guide)
- Focused Studies (Paper 1):
- Climate and innovation
- Independence and identity
- Political and economic transitions
- Conflict and displacement
- Thematic Studies (Paper 2):
- Conflict (from 750 CE)
- Innovation and transformation (from 750 CE)
- Authoritarian rule (from 1750 CE)
- Popular movements (from 1750 CE)
- HL Deepening: Regional studies (History of the Americas, Africa, Asia, etc.).
- Internal Assessment: Historical investigation (2,200 words).
🧠 Psychology (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure
- Biological Approach: Brain function, genetics, neurotransmitters, hormones.
- Cognitive Approach: Memory, thinking, decision-making, cognitive biases.
- Sociocultural Approach: Social identity, culture, conformity, stereotyping.
- HL Extension: One or two optional topics – Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychology of Human Relationships.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Short-answer and extended-response questions on core approaches.
- Paper 2: Extended-response questions on options (HL only).
- Paper 3 (HL only): Research methodology questions.
- Internal Assessment: Replication of a simple psychological experiment (SL) or experimental study (HL).
💼 Business Management (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure
- Unit 1: Introduction to Business Management – what is a business, types of entities, objectives.
- Unit 2: Human Resource Management – motivation, leadership, organisational structure.
- Unit 3: Finance and Accounts – ratios, budgets, investment appraisal.
- Unit 4: Marketing – marketing mix, market research, branding.
- Unit 5: Operations Management – production, supply chain, quality management.
- HL Extension: CUEGIS (Change, Culture, Ethics, Globalisation, Innovation, Strategy).
Assessment
- Paper 1: Case study-based questions.
- Paper 2: Structured questions.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Internal Assessment: Business research project.
🌍 Global Politics (SL & HL) – New 2026
Four Core Concepts
- Power, Sovereignty, Legitimacy, Interdependence.
Thematic Studies
- Rights and justice
- Development and sustainability
- Peace and conflict
HL Extension
- Two additional topics: Technology and Equality.
Internal Assessment
- Engagement activity – studying a political issue experientially.
🤔 Philosophy (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure
- Core Theme (compulsory): Being Human – personal identity, freedom, consciousness, personhood.
- Optional Themes (choose one): Aesthetics, Epistemology, Ethics, Philosophy of Religion, Philosophy of Science, Political Philosophy, Social Philosophy.
- Prescribed Text: Study of one philosophical text from the IB list.
- HL Extension: Philosophy and Contemporary Issues – technology and the environment.
🔬 Group 4: Sciences
Group 4 subjects explore the natural world through observation,
experimentation, and analysis. All Group 4 students complete a
collaborative Group 4 Project.
🧬 Biology (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure – Four Themes
- Theme A: Unity & Diversity
- A1.1 Water, A1.2 Nucleic Acids, A2.1 Origins of Cells (HL), A2.2 Cell Structure, A2.3 Viruses (HL)
- A3.1 Diversity of Organisms, A3.2 Classification & Cladistics (HL)
- A4.1 Evolution & Speciation, A4.2 Conservation of Biodiversity
- Theme B: Form & Function
- B1.1 Carbohydrates & Lipids, B1.2 Proteins, B2.1 Membranes & Transport, B2.2 Organelles, B2.3 Cell Specialisation
- B3.1 Gas Exchange, B3.2 Transport, B3.3 Movement, B4.1 Adaptation to Environment, B4.2 Ecological Niches
- Theme C: Interaction & Interdependence
- C1.1 Enzymes & Metabolism, C1.2 Respiration, C1.3 Photosynthesis, C2.1 Chemical Signalling, C2.2 Neural Signalling
- C3.1 Integration of Body Systems, C3.2 Defence Against Disease, C4.1 Populations & Communities, C4.2 Transfers of Energy & Matter
- Theme D: Continuity & Change
- D1.1 DNA Replication, D1.2 Protein Synthesis, D1.3 Mutations & Gene Editing, D2.1 Cell & Nuclear Division
- D2.2 Gene Expression, D2.3 Water Potential, D3.1 Reproduction, D3.2 Inheritance, D3.3 Homeostasis, D4.1 Natural Selection, D4.2 Stability & Change, D4.3 Climate Change
Assessment
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions.
- Paper 2: Data-based, short-answer and extended-response questions.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Experimental and option-based questions.
- Internal Assessment: Scientific investigation (individual).
⚗️ Chemistry (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure – Two Strands
- Structure (S1–S3):
- S1.1 Particulate Nature of Matter, S1.2 The Nuclear Atom, S1.3 Electron Configuration
- S2.1 Ionic Model, S2.2 Covalent Model, S2.3 Metallic Model, S2.4 Intermolecular Forces
- S3.1 Periodic Table, S3.2 Periodic Trends, S3.3 Functional Groups
- Reactivity (R1–R3):
- R1.1 Measuring Enthalpy Change, R1.2 Energy Cycles, R1.3 Energy from Fuels, R1.4 Entropy & Spontaneity (HL)
- R2.1 Rates of Reaction, R2.2 Dynamic Equilibrium, R2.3 Acid-Base Reactions, R2.4 Electron Transfer Reactions
- R3.1 Proton Transfer, R3.2 Electron Transfer, R3.3 Organic Reaction Mechanisms, R3.4 Stereoisomerism (HL)
Assessment
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice (SL: 30, HL: 40).
- Paper 2: Short-answer and extended-response.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Experimental and option-based.
- Internal Assessment: Individual scientific investigation.
⚛️ Physics (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure – Five Themes
- Theme A: Space, Time and Motion
- A.1 Kinematics, A.2 Forces & Momentum, A.3 Work, Energy & Power
- A.4 Rigid Body Mechanics (HL), A.5 Galilean & Special Relativity (HL)
- Theme B: The Particulate Nature of Matter
- B.1 Thermal Energy Transfers, B.2 Greenhouse Effect, B.3 Gas Laws
- B.4 Thermodynamics (HL only), B.5 Current & Circuits
- Theme C: Wave Behaviour
- C.1 Simple Harmonic Motion, C.2 Wave Model, C.3 Wave Phenomena, C.4 Standing Waves & Resonance, C.5 Doppler Effect
- Theme D: Fields
- D.1 Gravitational Fields, D.2 Electric & Magnetic Fields, D.3 Motion in Electromagnetic Fields
- Theme E: Nuclear and Quantum Physics
- E.1 Structure of the Atom, E.2 Quantum Physics, E.3 Radioactive Decay, E.4 Fission & Fusion, E.5 Quarks & Leptons
Assessment
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice.
- Paper 2: Short-answer and extended-response.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Experimental and option-based.
- Internal Assessment: Individual scientific investigation.
💻 Computer Science (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure – Two Themes
- Theme A: Concepts of Computer Science
- A.1 Computer Fundamentals – hardware, software, data representation, binary, logic gates.
- A.2 Networks – OSI model, TCP/IP, protocols, network topologies.
- A.3 Databases – relational databases, SQL, normalisation.
- A.4 Machine Learning – supervised vs unsupervised learning, neural networks (HL).
- Theme B: Computational Thinking and Problem Solving
- B.1 Computational Thinking – decomposition, abstraction, algorithms, pseudocode, programming.
- B.2 Software Engineering – design, testing, deployment.
- B.3 Systems Development Life Cycle – planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, maintenance.
- HL Option (choose one): Modelling & Simulation, Web Science, Object-Oriented Programming.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Theory questions.
- Paper 2: Problem-solving and programming.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Case study on a real-world problem.
- Internal Assessment: Computational solution (a program developed by the student).
🌿 Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) – SL only
Interdisciplinary – counts for both Group 3 and Group 4.
Syllabus Structure – Seven Topics
- Topic 1: Foundations of ESS – environmental value systems, sustainability, systems thinking.
- Topic 2: Ecosystems and Ecology – energy flow, nutrient cycles, biomes.
- Topic 3: Biodiversity and Conservation – importance, threats, conservation strategies.
- Topic 4: Water and Aquatic Food Production – water cycle, water pollution, fisheries.
- Topic 5: Land and Food Production – soil, agriculture, land degradation.
- Topic 6: Human Populations and Urban Systems – population growth, urbanisation, resource use.
- Topic 7: Climate Change and Energy – greenhouse effect, renewable energy, mitigation.
- HL Lenses (HL only): Environmental Law, Environmental Economics, Environmental Ethics.
Assessment
- Paper 1: Case study-based.
- Paper 2: Short-answer and extended-response.
- Internal Assessment: Individual investigation (fieldwork).
🏃 Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) – SL & HL
Syllabus Structure – Three Themes
- Theme A: Exercise Physiology and Nutrition
- A.1 Communication (nervous, hormonal), A.2 Hydration & Nutrition, A.3 Response to Exercise.
- Theme B: Biomechanics
- B.1 Forces, B.2 Movement Analysis, B.3 Fluid Mechanics.
- Theme C: Sports Psychology and Motor Learning
- C.1 Individual Differences, C.2 Motivation, C.3 Anxiety & Arousal, C.4 Skill Acquisition, C.5 Group Dynamics.[
Assessment
- Paper 1: Multiple-choice.
- Paper 2: Short-answer and extended-response.
- Paper 3 (HL only): Experimental and option-based.
- Internal Assessment: Individual investigation.
📐 Group 5: Mathematics
Group 5 offers four mathematics courses, each with a different focus.
📊 Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) – SL & HL
Focus: Pure mathematics, calculus, algebra, and mathematical reasoning.
Syllabus Topics
- Topic 1: Number and Algebra
- Sequences and series (arithmetic, geometric), exponents and logarithms, binomial theorem.
- HL only: Complex numbers, proof by induction, systems of equations.
- Topic 2: Functions
- Concept of a function, domain and range, transformations, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric function.
- HL only: Polynomial functions, rational functions.
- Topic 3: Geometry and Trigonometry
- Triangles, trigonometric identities, sine and cosine rules, vectors, HL: vector equations of lines and planes.
- Topic 4: Statistics and Probability
- Descriptive statistics, probability, binomial and normal distributions, HL: Bayes’ theorem, hypothesis testing.
- Topic 5: Calculus
- Limits, derivatives, integration, applications of derivatives and integrals, HL: differential equations, Maclaurin series.
📈 Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) – SL & HL
Focus: Mathematical modelling, statistics, and real-world applications.[reference:70]
Syllabus Topics
- Topic 1: Number and Algebra
- Sequences, series, financial mathematics (annuities, loans), HL: matrices, eigenvalues.
- Topic 2: Functions
- Linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, HL: transformation of functions.
- Topic 3: Geometry and Trigonometry
- Voronoi diagrams, trigonometry, HL: graph theory, navigation.
- Topic 4: Statistics and Probability
- Descriptive statistics, probability, binomial distribution, normal distribution, HL: Spearman’s rank correlation, chi-squared test.
- Topic 5: Calculus
- Derivatives, integrals, HL: differential equations, trapezoidal rule.
🎨 Group 6: The Arts
Group 6 subjects focus on creative expression and
artistic understanding. Students may also choose a second subject
from Groups 1–4 instead of Group 6.
🎨 Visual Arts (SL & HL)
Three Core Areas
- Create: Art-making – exploring media, techniques, and processes.
- Connect: Art in context – understanding art from different cultures and periods.
- Communicate: Presenting and responding to art – curating, evaluating, reflecting.
Assessment
- Comparative Study: Written analysis of different artworks.
- Process Portfolio: Visual and written evidence of art-making.
- Exhibition (HL only): Curated display of artwork with written rationale.
🎵 Music (SL & HL)
Syllabus Structure
- Exploring Music in Context: Portfolio submission.
- Experimenting with Music: Creative and technical exploration.
- Presenting Music: Performance or composition portfolio.
- Contemporary Music Maker (HL only): Extended project.
🎭 Theatre (SL & HL)
Core Syllabus Areas
- Staging Play Texts: Exploring how texts are transformed into performance.
- Exploring World Theatre Traditions: Researching and performing theatre from different cultures.
- Collaboratively Creating Original Theatre: Devising and performing original work.
- Performing Theatre Theory (HL only): Applying theoretical concepts to practice.
Assessment
- Research Presentation: Investigation of a theatre tradition.
- Collaborative Project: Group-created theatre piece.
- Production Proposal (HL only): Detailed plan for a production.
🧠 DP Core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
TOK asks: “How do we know what we know?” It explores
ways of knowing and areas of knowledge.
Core Theme
- Knowledge and the Knower: Students reflect on themselves as thinkers and knowers.
Optional Themes (choose 2)
- Knowledge and Technology
- Knowledge and Language
- Knowledge and Politics
- Knowledge and Religion
- Knowledge and Indigenous Societies
Areas of Knowledge
- Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Human Sciences, History, The Arts, Ethics, Religious Knowledge.
Assessment
- TOK Essay: 1,600 words on a prescribed title.
- TOK Exhibition: Presentation of three objects that explore a TOK prompt.
📝 DP Core: Extended Essay (EE)
The EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic of the student’s choice.
Stages
- Topic selection: Choose a topic related to one of your IB subjects.
- Research: Gather and analyse sources.
- Writing: Structure and write the essay.
- Formatting: Follow IB guidelines (title page, table of contents, citations).
Assessment Criteria (34 marks)
- Focus and method (6)
- Knowledge and understanding (6)
- Critical thinking (12)
- Presentation (4)
- Engagement (6)
🏃 DP Core: Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS is about learning by doing. It is not graded, but it is
mandatory for the diploma.
Three Strands
- Creativity: Arts, music, drama, design, creative writing.
- Activity: Sports, fitness, outdoor adventures.
- Service: Volunteering, community projects, environmental work.
Seven Learning Outcomes
- Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth.
- Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken.
- Demonstrate how to plan and initiate activities.
- Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.
- Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively.
- Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.
- Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions.[reference:94]
Portfolio and Reflections
- Students maintain a CAS portfolio with evidence and reflections on their experiences.
📊 Assessment Overview
The IB DP uses a balanced assessment approach:
- External Assessment: Written exams at the end of the course (marked by IB examiners).
- Internal Assessment: Coursework, oral work, lab reports, investigations (marked by teachers and moderated by IB).
- Grading: Each subject is scored 1 to 7. 7 is the highest.
- Bonus Points: Up to 3 points from TOK and EE combined.
- Maximum Total: 45 points (42 from subjects + 3 bonus).
- Passing: Minimum 24 points + all core requirements met.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent – deep understanding |
| 6 | Very good – strong knowledge |
| 5 | Good – solid understanding |
| 4 | Satisfactory – acceptable |
| 3 | Basic – some understanding |
| 2 | Limited – major gaps |
| 1 | Minimal – very little understanding |
📌 Diploma Conditions: At least 24 points, no grade 1s, no more than two grade 2s, at least 12 points at HL, at least 9 points at SL.[reference:99]
📖 Glossary of Key Terms
AA – Analysis & Approaches (Mathematics)
AI – Applications & Interpretation (Mathematics)
CAS – Creativity, Activity, Service
DP – Diploma Programme
EE – Extended Essay
HL – Higher Level
IA – Internal Assessment
IB – International Baccalaureate
MYP – Middle Years Programme
PYP – Primary Years Programme
SL – Standard Level
TOK – Theory of Knowledge
ESS – Environmental Systems and Societies
SEHS – Sports, Exercise and Health Science
🎯 Final Summary
✅ Key Takeaways
- IB DP is a two-year pre-university programme for ages 16–19.
- 6 subjects + 3 core components (TOK, EE, CAS).
- HL subjects are deeper; SL subjects are broader.
- Maximum score is 45 points.
📚 Subjects Covered
- Group 1: Language & Literature
- Group 2: Language Acquisition
- Group 3: Individuals & Societies
- Group 4: Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts
💡 Study Tips
- Start early – don’t leave things to the last minute.
- Practice past papers regularly.
- Use the syllabus as a checklist.
- Balance studies with CAS and rest.
💡 Final Advice: The IB DP is a transformational
journey. It will challenge you, but it will also prepare you for
university, career, and life. Use this syllabus guide as your
roadmap – and always check with your teachers for the latest
updates.
Always refer to your school’s specific syllabus for the exact teaching sequence.