The Question of Whether to Study One or Multiple Group 6 Subjects in the IB Program (2025): Insights for Students
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, most students are encouraged to take only one subject from Group 6, also known as The Arts. This practice is common due to the balanced curriculum structure of the IB, which requires students to choose one subject from each of the six groups.
However, the IB Diploma allows for flexibility. Students can opt to substitute a Group 6 subject with a second subject from Groups 1–4 (Languages, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, or Mathematics) instead of taking a second Group 6 subject.
The IB Diploma involves six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), along with core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Taking more than one Group 6 subject is unusual because each subject adds 3–5 lessons weekly, with HL subjects involving more hours (~240 teaching hours) compared to SL (~150 hours). Adding multiple arts subjects could increase your lessons and workload considerably.
Scheduling more than one Group 6 subject may also be challenging because IB timetables are designed to balance the six subject groups. Schools often do not offer multiple Group 6 subjects simultaneously or support taking two Group 6 courses due to timetable and resource constraints.
While not impossible, taking more than one Group 6 subject is uncommon and generally not recommended due to increased workload and timetable complexity. It is better to discuss options with your IB coordinator to align subject choices with your interests, workload tolerance, and university goals.
If a student chooses to take two Group 6 subjects, they should be aware of the additional demands. Group 6 subjects count equally toward the final IB score and often involve creative coursework and projects alongside exams, which can be time-consuming and differ from more exam-based subjects. Scoring 7s in arts subjects can be challenging due to subjectivity in marking, but with preparation and creativity, 7s are achievable.
It is also important to note that students can replace Group 6 with an additional subject from Groups 1-4. Picking one Group 6 subject that a student loves and matching the rest of the schedule to their future path is advised. Top universities respect arts subjects, especially when aligned with the intended field.
In summary, while taking more than one Group 6 subject is an option in the IB Diploma Programme, it is generally not recommended due to increased workload and scheduling challenges. It is crucial for students to discuss their choices with their IB coordinator to ensure a well-balanced and manageable curriculum aligned with their interests and university goals.
Group 6 Subjects include Visual Arts, Film, Theatre, Music, and Dance, each as demanding in analysis and time as sciences. Many universities accept one Group 6 subject as part of a well-rounded IB profile, but it should be balanced with HL subjects aligned to the intended major. The IB Diploma requires one Group 6 subject, and any additional arts subject must be taken as a seventh, optional course.
- To pursue a well-rounded education in the IB Diploma Programme, one could consider substituting a second Group 6 subject with a related subject from Groups 1-4, enabling learning in areas like education-and-self-development through both disciplines.
- Learning in multiple Group 6 subjects, such as Visual Arts, Film, Theatre, Music, or Dance, can be beneficial, but it's important to be aware of the potential increased workload and the need for carefully planning the schedule to ensure a balance, as suggested for a successful and manageable curriculum.
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