IB Diploma: What parents need to know

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) uses many acronyms and terms. This guide explains the essentials so you can support your child effectively.

The core structure

Students take six subjects plus the IB core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, CAS). Subjects are chosen from six groups. Most subjects are available at two levels.

HL and SL

Term	Meaning	Teaching hours	Typical choice
HL	Higher Level	240 hours	3 subjects; deeper study
SL	Standard Level	150 hours	3 subjects; broader exposure

Students take 3 HL and 3 SL subjects. HL is more demanding and better suited to subjects they enjoy or need for university.

The IB core

Term	Meaning	What it involves
EE	Extended Essay	4,000-word research essay in one subject
TOK	Theory of Knowledge	100 hours; explores how we know what we know
CAS	Creativity, Activity, Service	150+ hours of activities outside the classroom

All three must be completed to receive the diploma.

Assessment terms

Term	Meaning
IA	Internal Assessment—coursework marked by teachers, moderated by IB
EA	External Assessment—exams and some coursework marked by IB examiners
Predicted grades	Teacher predictions used for university applications

Grades and points

• Each subject is graded 1–7
• TOK and EE together contribute up to 3 points
• Maximum 45 points (42 from subjects + 3 from core)
• Minimum 24 points (with other conditions) to pass the diploma

How Tutopiya helps

Tutopiya supports IB students with subject tutors and guidance on the core. Explore IB resources or book a free trial.

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Source: IB Diploma Programme