The curriculum consists of one course from each of six subject areas, plus a group of three core requirements, the extended essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS). All three parts of the core are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme. The IB DP illustrates how the model is linked together, with the core requirements at the centre.
Six Subject Areas:
Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in literature and / or language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. Students may opt to study an additional science, individuals and societies, or language Ab Initio course instead of the arts.
Students must take three subjects at higher level (HL) and three at standard level (SL). HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level. Standard Level subjects consist 150 teaching hours while Higher Level comprises 240 teaching hours.
The IB Diploma Programme is internationally recognised and therefore every IB World School provides the same syllabi and curricula. The following subjects and levels are offered at Özel Bilkent High School. Please discuss the combination of subjects with the IB DP Coordinator:
| Group 1: Studies in Literature | |
| Turkish A Literature | HL or SL |
| Group 2: Languages | |
| English A Language and Literature ^ | HL only |
| English B Language Acquisition | HL only |
| French Ab Initio | SL only |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies | |
| Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) | SL only |
| Turkey in the 20th Century (TITC) | SL only |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | SL only |
| Group 4: Sciences | |
| Biology | HL or SL |
| Physics | HL or SL |
| Chemistry | HL or SL |
| Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) | SL only |
| Group 5: Mathematics | |
| Mathematics | HL or SL |
| Group 6: The Arts | |
| Visual Arts (VA): | HL or SL |
| Music: | HL or SL |
^ Despite all literature subjects automatically considered as group 1, ‘Language and Literature’ subjects may be taken in group 2 as the IB try to ensure flexibility offering students and schools a greater choice within the Diploma Programme.
The IB DP Coordinator, together with the high school English teachers, decide which English subject, A or B, is suitable for students. The IB states that students must be given sufficient challenge and chance for improvement, and not according to best possible grade attainment.
* Please note that much of the information explained above referring to the International Baccalaureate is taken from www.ibo.org
