Palmer High School
IB Courses
The IB Diploma requires study in the following categories and any IB Scholar is welcome to take any IB class. Some classes do require prerequisites and it's always a good idea to check with your counselor to make sure you are set up to take the classes you want. The classes offered in a given year are also subject to student interest and staff availability.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature—IB Literature 1 and 2, IB Language and Literature 1 and 2
- Prerequisites: English 1 and English 2 (Honors not necessary)
Group 2: Language Acquisition—IB Japanese 1 and 2, IB French 1 and 2, IB Spanish 1 and 2 (taught online only)
- Prerequisites: Japanese 1 and 2, French 1 and 2, Spanish 1 and 2
Group 3: Individuals and Societies—IB History 1 and 2, IB Philosophy 1 and 2
- Prerequisites for IB History: Civics, World History
- Prerequisites for IB Philosophy: None
- Prerequisites for IB ESS: Regular Biology
Group 4: Experimental Sciences—IB Biology 1 and 2, IB Chemistry 1 and 2, IB Physics 1, IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS)
- Prerequisites for IB Biology: Regular Chemistry
- Prerequisites for IB Chemistry: Regular Chemistry
- Prerequisites for IB Physics: Regular Chemistry, Algebra 2
- Prerequisites for IB ESS: Regular Biology
Group 5: Mathematics—IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation 1 and 2
- Prerequisites for IB Mathematics: A&I for students testing SL: Geometry
- Prerequisites for IB Mathematics: A&I for students testing HL: Algebra 2
Group 6: The Arts and Electives—IB Visual Arts 1 and 2, IB Music Theory 1, or an additional course from one of the above groups
- Prerequisites for IB Visual Arts: No specific prerequisites, though two previous art courses is helpful
- Prerequisites for IB Music: No specific courses; students should be able to read music
A seventh course, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is also required for all diploma candidates, and can also be taken as an elective by other students. Find out more about TOK and the other required components of the IB Diploma here.
The links below will take you to the official IBO Guide for each of our IB Classes. Please note that most of the guides include options for each teacher to choose from. If you're curious about a particular class, contact that teacher directly.
IB Literature
IB French
IB Japanese
IB History
IB Philosophy
IB Biology
IB Chemistry
IB Physics
IB Environmental Systems and Societies
IB Mathematics: Application and Interpretation
IB Visual Arts
IB Music
Theory of Knowledge
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Extended Essay