Not sure how to help your child choose their IB Diploma Programme subjects? Get a headstart with these expert tips!
If your child is about to embark on their International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), congratulations! It’s going to be such a fantastic experience. The core of the two-year course revolves around the six subjects that they will study, making the choosing of these subjects crucial to how it will pan out.
Completely new to the concept of IBDP? Feeling overwhelmed, and not sure how to start preparing your child? We feel you! We talked to Ms. Deepa Chandrasekaran, the IBDP Coordinator at Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART Campus, to get some insider tips on how to help your child choose wisely.
What should students focus on when selecting their IBDP subjects?
As these subjects will shape the two years students spend pursuing the IBDP, selecting subjects that they’re genuinely interested in and passionate about can make the learning experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
Encourage your child to select subjects that align with their strengths and interests. This can help reduce academic stress while pursuing this challenging course. Assess your child’s time management skills and ability to handle the respective subjects, especially if they opt to take it at High Level (HL) instead of Standard Level (SL). It’s also good to research the entry requirements for universities and courses your child is interested in, as some programmes may require specific subjects.
The IBDP isn’t solely about academics; it also aims to develop qualities like critical thinking, research skills, communication, and independence. The key is to work together with your child to make informed choices that will set them up for success in the IBDP and beyond. After all, the aim is to create a well-rounded and enriching IBDP experience that fosters both academic and personal development. Consider the big picture, and see which subjects can help your child to grow holistically as a person.
What should students consider when choosing their six subjects?
Even if your child isn’t sure which field of study to pursue in university, making informed selections of appropriate subjects safeguards against restricting future possibilities. Different courses or degree programmes at universities require one to two compulsory subjects. Sit down with your child to discuss possible university courses that they are interested in, and select the IBDP subjects accordingly. This can also be a valuable bonding session to get to know your child’s aspirations better.
Evaluate how the IBDP subjects can help them aim for the university course of their choice. For example:
- HL Mathematics is crucial for students aspiring to pursue Economics at International universities
- HL Mathematics and Physics are essential for prospective Engineering students
- HL Chemistry and Biology are important for those aiming for a medical career
As mentioned earlier, it’s good to encourage your child to choose subjects that they’re genuinely interested in. However, as interests may change over time, advise your child to select a mix of subjects to provide some wiggle room and flexibility to adapt to their evolving preferences and goals.
Let’s talk about subject levels. How should students decide which three subjects to take at HL and others at SL?
Taking subjects at HL means a student will be learning these in a deeper context. This means more learning hours and higher workload, requiring the student to dedicate more time and effort into mastering these subjects.
So, ask your child these questions:
- Are you interested in learning more about this subject?
- Will taking this subject help you fulfil the requirements of your preferred university course?
- How confident are you in managing your time, and tackling the increased workload and complexity?
These can help them decide their subjects’ level combinations.
And, as always, it’s always a good idea to ask for help! Ask your child to seek advice from their teachers, who can provide insights into their strengths and potential in various subjects — which, in turn, can help them make informed decisions about which subjects to take at HL or SL.
Do the subject choices affect the other IB core components, especially the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creative, Activity, Service (CAS)?
Yes, definitely. The EE is a research project where students write a 4,000-word essay on a topic of their choice within one of the IBDP subjects. Selecting an EE topic that aligns with any of their HL subjects can allow students to leverage their deeper understanding and expertise to produce a well-informed and thorough essay. It can also make the research process more engaging and manageable since the student is already familiar with the subject matter.
As for TOK, it encourages students to make connections between different areas of knowledge and subjects. HL subjects, in particular, provide a platform for students to dive deeper into their respective fields of study, enriching their TOK discussions and essays. For example, a student taking HL History might use their insights to explore how historical knowledge is constructed and understood, thereby contributing to more nuanced TOK reflections.
Adding on to the above, a student’s subject combinations may inspire their CAS projects as well. For instance, a student studying Environmental Systems and Societies might choose a CAS project focused on sustainability or environmental conservation. Similarly, a student taking HL Art might engage in creative projects that contribute to the community, such as organising an art exhibition or conducting workshops.
How does GIIS support its IBDP candidates?
At GIIS, we strive to provide comprehensive support to our IBDP candidates to ensure that they are well prepared for their journey. We strongly believe that selecting the right subject combinations can help students leverage their strengths, and significantly enhance their IBDP results and university placements.
The school conducts detailed orientation sessions to familiarise students with the IBDP, as well as offer individual counselling sessions to address specific conditions and provide personalised guidance. Our students also receive extensive university and career guidance to help them make informed decisions about their future.
Students have access to a wealth of resources, including brochures, guides, and online resources to support their learning and decision-making process. Our dedicated teachers also are always ready to offer recommendations based on students’ performance and interests in their current subjects, as well as provide insights and advice to help students make the most optimal choice.
We ensure that students receive not only academic guidance, but also emotional and psychological support, to help them manage the rigorous demands of the IBDP.
By offering these resources and support systems, GIIS is committed to helping our IBDP candidates succeed and achieve their academic and personal goals. And it has been proven to work: we have 112 IBDP World Toppers (score of 45/45) and Near-Perfect Scorers (score of 44/45) till date. Our alumni have also secured spots at prestigious global universities such as the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), University of California, Berkeley, National University of Singapore, and more.
How can parents support their children who are starting the IBDP?
Take the time to understand the IBDP curriculum, assessment methods, and core components. This will give you a good understanding of what your child will be experiencing, and how best to support them.
Foster an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their concerns and experiences. Listen actively so they know they can come to you with any issues.
Work together with your child to choose their subjects, considering their strengths, interests, and future aspirations. Support their final decisions to help them feel confident and committed to their choices.
Help your child develop effective time management skills by providing a conducive study environment, creating a study schedule, setting priorities, and balancing their workload to avoid burnout. Keep track of your child’s academic progress as well — without being too overbearing!
Let your child know that it’s okay to seek help when needed. Whether it’s from teachers, tutors, or counsellors, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Create a healthy balance by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.
Also, never underestimate the power of constant positive reinforcement and encouragement. Celebrate your child’s achievements, no matter how small. Give them confidence and motivation through positive reinforcement, on top of offering support and understanding during challenging times to help them stay resilient.
Thanks for sharing with us, Ms. Deepa Chandrasekaran!
This post is in partnership with Global Indian International School.
