Is There a Preference for Specific Group 6 Subjects Among STEM IB Diploma Candidates? | Intelligent Picks for Your International Baccalaureate Program
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For students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the decision on whether to choose a Group 6 subject (the Arts) can be a tricky one. Here's a breakdown of when it might be beneficial to opt for a Group 6 subject and when an extra science or mathematics subject may be a better choice.
When are Group 6 subjects beneficial for STEM students?
If a STEM student wishes to develop creativity, communication, or design skills relevant to fields like engineering or technology, a Group 6 subject could be beneficial. Subjects like Visual Arts or Music, for instance, can help foster different cognitive skills that are valuable in these fields.
Moreover, if the university or program applied to appreciates or recommends a balanced profile including arts or humanities, a Group 6 subject could be a good fit. However, it's essential to remember that many STEM students opt instead for an extra science or mathematics subject from Groups 4 or 5 to deepen their expertise and better prepare for STEM university courses.
When is it better for STEM students to choose an extra science or math subject instead?
When the student aims for a highly specialized STEM degree that requires strong preparation in sciences or mathematics, such as engineering, computer science, medicine, or physics, it's generally better to choose an extra science or mathematics subject. This choice allows students to maximize content mastery and university credit or advanced placement opportunities in STEM fields.
If Group 6 subjects are perceived as less relevant by targeted university programs or add significant workload without direct STEM benefit, it's also advisable to choose an extra science or mathematics subject.
In practice, many STEM students bypass Group 6 by selecting a second Group 4 subject (another science) or Group 5 (mathematics) course to strengthen their STEM proficiency. This choice depends on university requirements, personal interest, and workload capacity.
What about subjects like Computer Science, Visual Arts, Film, or Theatre?
Computer Science counts as a Group 4 subject and is widely respected in STEM pathways. For students considering architecture, product design, UX/UI, or engineering with a creative focus, Visual Arts could be beneficial. Film or Theatre may aid students in digital storytelling, media production, or technology-based communication.
However, it's important to remember that these subjects should align with your goals. For instance, if you're aiming for a STEM degree like medicine, engineering, computer science, physics, or data science, it's recommended to replace Group 6 with a second science or advanced math.
There are rare cases when a Group 6 course may still support a STEM student's profile. However, students should assess this choice during IB subject selection and consider their targeted university programs and career goals closely before deciding.
Lastly, dropping Group 6 will not make your diploma look less "balanced" if your intended major is science-focused. Prioritize your sciences and mathematics, and only opt for a Group 6 course if it genuinely aligns with your goals (e.g., architecture or creative tech).
For more detailed information, check out the RevisionDojo guides here and here.
[1] RevisionDojo. (n.d.). Choosing your IB subjects: A student's guide. Retrieved from https://revisiondojo.com/ib-diploma-programme/choosing-your-ib-subjects/ [1] RevisionDojo. (n.d.). Major-specific IB subject choices: A student's guide. Retrieved from https://revisiondojo.com/ib-diploma-programme/major-specific-ib-subject-choices/
- For students aiming for a balanced profile in their STEM studies, online education resources focused on learning skills such as creativity, communication, and design from subjects like Visual Arts or Music can complement their IB Diploma Programmecurriculum.
- Pursuing online education in subjects like Computer Science, Visual Arts, Film, or Theatre can be beneficial for students interested in architecture, product design, UX/UI, or engineering with a creative focus, helping them to hone their skills relevant to these fields while deepening their STEM expertise.
