IB Diploma Programme (DP) – Group 6: The Arts

Complete Guide to Subjects, Assessment, Creative Process & Preparation Strategy. Group 6 subjects focus on creative thinking, artistic expression, reflection, and cultural understanding.

Students are assessed not only on final artistic products, but also on their creative journey, research, experimentation, decision-making, and reflection.

Group 6 is offered by the International Baccalaureate and is ideal for students pursuing arts, design, architecture, media, performance, or creative industries.

What Is IB DP Group 6?
  • Explore artistic identity
  • Develop technical and creative skills
  • Engage with global and cultural perspectives
  • Reflect critically on the creative process
  • Communicate ideas visually, aurally, and physically

Students may choose one Group 6 subject or replace Group 6 with an additional subject from Groups 1–4 (common for STEM-focused pathways).

Group 6 Subject Options
Subject Focus Best Suited For
Visual Arts Visual expression, artistic process, curation Fine arts, design, architecture
Music Performance, composition, analysis Music, sound engineering
Theatre Performance, directing, dramaturgy Drama, theatre, film
Film Film theory, production, analysis Film, media, communications
Dance Performance, choreography, movement analysis Dance, physical theatre

Note: All Group 6 subjects are available at SL & HL.

Assessment Philosophy (Group 6)
  • Process over product
  • Reflection over perfection
  • Intentional choices over talent
  • Evidence of growth

There are no traditional written exam papers for most Group 6 subjects (except analytical components in Music).

Core Assessment Components (Across Group 6)
  • Creative process
  • Technical skills
  • Research & contextual understanding
  • Reflection & evaluation
  • Communication of artistic intent
Subject-Wise Breakdown & Preparation Strategy
Visual Arts
Area Details
Core Components
  • Comparative Study
  • Process Portfolio
  • Exhibition
What IB Assesses
  • Artistic intention
  • Experimentation & development
  • Use of media & techniques
  • Reflection on artistic decisions
Preparation Strategy
  • Maintain a visual journal from Day 1
  • Photograph all stages of work
  • Write reflections alongside visuals
  • Experiment with multiple media
  • Link artwork to artist research
Music
Area Details
Core Components
  • Exploring Music in Context
  • Experimenting with Music
  • Presenting Music
What IB Assesses
  • Musical understanding
  • Technical performance or composition
  • Analytical & reflective writing
Preparation Strategy
  • Practise consistently with performance logs
  • Analyse diverse music styles
  • Reflect on practice sessions
  • Connect musical choices to intent
Theatre
Area Details
Core Components
  • Solo Theatre Piece
  • Collaborative Project
  • Research Presentation
What IB Assesses
  • Performance skills
  • Interpretation of texts
  • Use of space, voice & movement
  • Reflection on theatrical choices
Preparation Strategy
  • Record rehearsals and annotate
  • Research theatre practitioners
  • Maintain rehearsal journals
  • Reflect on audience impact
Film
Area Details
Core Components
  • Textual Analysis
  • Comparative Study
  • Film Portfolio
What IB Assesses
  • Film language
  • Storytelling techniques
  • Technical production skills
  • Analytical writing
Preparation Strategy
  • Analyse short film clips
  • Practise camera & editing skills
  • Storyboard before filming
  • Reflect on production challenges
Dance
Area Details
Core Components
  • Performance
  • Composition & Choreography
  • Dance Investigation
What IB Assesses
  • Technical execution
  • Choreographic intent
  • Movement analysis
  • Cultural context
Preparation Strategy
  • Maintain rehearsal logs
  • Record all performances
  • Reflect on movement choices
  • Research global dance traditions
Internal vs External Assessment
Component Assessment Type
Portfolios Internally assessed, externally moderated
Performances Recorded & externally moderated
Written reflections Internally assessed
Comparative studies Externally moderated
SL vs HL – Key Differences
Aspect SL HL
Workload Moderate Heavy
Depth of reflection Strong Very deep
Number of submissions Fewer More
Creative independence Guided Highly independent
University preference Accepted Preferred for arts pathways
Two-Year Preparation Timeline
Stage Focus
DP Year 1 Explore media, build process journals, research artists, experiment
DP Year 2 Finalize portfolios, curate exhibitions/performances, refine reflections
Skills Group 6 Builds (University & Career Readiness)
Skill How It’s Developed
Creativity Artistic experimentation
Critical reflection Process journals
Research Comparative studies
Communication Visual & performance expression
Project management Long-term creative tasks
How Parents Can Support
  • Value process over final output
  • Encourage reflection and documentation
  • Support time management
  • Attend exhibitions or performances
  • Avoid comparing artistic styles or talent