How to Decide Between Standard Level and Higher Level IB Subjects

Meet Your Expert: Sara P, IB Biology and Chemistry Tutor

Hi, I’m Sara! I graduated from the IB Diploma Program in 2021 with a perfect score of 45/45 (99.95 ATAR) and was awarded the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship at The University of Melbourne, where I am currently completing a Bachelor of Science. With over three years of tutoring experience, I specialise in IB Biology SL/HL and IB Chemistry SL, helping Year 11 and Year 12 students develop effective study techniques. Having studied these subjects at both school and university level, I am passionate about making complex scientific concepts easier to understand and apply.

How to Decide Between Standard Level and Higher Level

Are you at that stage of your IB journey where you need to decide your Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) subjects? This is not always a straightforward decision and requires careful thought. As a former IB student, I understand the challenges that come with choosing between SL and HL subjects. This blog will break down the differences between SL and HL subjects and outline helpful strategies, including reflective questions, to help you make an informed choice.

What Are the Differences Between SL and HL Subjects?

The key difference between HL and SL is the depth and complexity of the content covered, which is assessed in the final IB exams. The IB recommends 240 teaching hours for HL subjects and 150 hours for SL subjects (ibo.org). This highlights the extra time and effort required for HL subjects.

In many IB subjects, including Biology and Chemistry, the exam structure remains the same for both SL and HL students in terms of the number of papers and question styles. However, HL exams are longer and include additional questions that test both SL and HL-specific content. HL subjects expand on SL topics with additional ‘understandings’ in the syllabus that are conceptually more demanding.

Strategy 1 – What Are Your Current and Future Interests?

One of the first questions to ask yourself is: “What do I currently find most interesting?” HL subjects require more time and effort, so choosing subjects that genuinely interest you will boost motivation and engagement. Passion for a subject will make the challenges of HL a rewarding experience.

Another important question is: “What are my future study or career interests?” If you plan to pursue university studies in a specific field, your HL subjects can give you an advantage. For example, students interested in health or environmental sciences may benefit from taking HL Biology. Having studied HL Biology, I found that it provided me with a strong foundation for my current university studies in physiology.

Strategy 2 – How Have You Previously Performed in These Subjects?

Your past academic performance in a subject can be a useful indicator of your ability to take it at HL. While passion and interest are important, HL subjects require advanced skills and a deeper understanding of concepts. Reviewing past tests and assignments can help determine whether you’re prepared for the challenges of HL.

For example, HL Chemistry covers complex topics like organic chemistry and energetics, which require strong mathematical and problem-solving skills. If a subject has consistently required extra time and effort, it may be worth considering whether HL is the right fit. However, past performance should not be the sole deciding factor—consider your interest and willingness to put in extra effort.

Strategy 3 – How to Determine Which Subjects to Take at SL and HL?

As a student passionate about both Biology and Chemistry, I had to decide whether to take both at HL. While I was eager to learn more about both subjects, I also wanted to maintain a manageable workload. After reflecting on my strengths and interests, I chose HL Biology and SL Chemistry. This allowed me to enjoy my science subjects without feeling overwhelmed.

Doing multiple HL subjects in the same area can be particularly demanding. Instead of taking HL Chemistry, I opted for HL Literature, which provided more balance in my subject combination. Choosing a mix of HL and SL subjects that align with your interests while maintaining a realistic workload is key to success.

Strategy 4 – Talk to Your Teachers and Past Students About HL Subjects

If you’re still unsure, seeking advice from teachers, IB coordinators, and past students can provide valuable insights into the challenges of HL subjects. Teachers can assess your strengths and help determine whether HL is a good fit. Past IB students can share their experiences and answer questions like:

• What were the most challenging aspects of the subject?
• What is the difference in complexity between SL and HL?
• How did you manage the extra workload?

While this feedback is useful, remember that everyone’s experience is different. Ultimately, the best decision is one that aligns with your strengths, interests, and future goals.

Conclusion

Selecting HL and SL subjects is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. Reflecting on your interests, strengths, future aspirations, and workload balance will help you make an informed choice. The strategies outlined in this blog will assist you in selecting a subject combination that maximises both academic success and personal well-being.