New syllabus, first assessed May 2026 — a common SL & HL core plus three thematic studies, with an HL extension on global political challenges.
The engagement project — students identify, research and engage with a political issue, then analyse it against course concepts. Worth 30% at SL (25 hrs) and 20% at HL (35 hrs).
At SL there are two external papers and the engagement project: Paper 1 (source-based) is 30%, Paper 2 (essays) is 40% and the internal assessment is 30%. At HL there is an additional Paper 3: Paper 1 is 20%, Paper 2 is 30%, Paper 3 is 30% and the engagement project is 20%. External assessment is 70% at SL and 80% at HL.
HL students complete the HL extension — independent research on global political challenges assessed in Paper 3 — and a longer engagement project (35 hours vs 25 at SL). SL students sit only Papers 1 and 2 plus the engagement project.
A common core, “Understanding power and global politics”, underpins three thematic studies: rights and justice, development and sustainability, and peace and conflict. HL adds an extension on contemporary global political challenges.
The engagement project is the internal assessment. Students identify a political issue, engage with it through research and first-hand involvement, and analyse it against course concepts. It is worth 30% at SL and 20% at HL.
One real 1-on-1 lesson with your assigned IB Examiner. No sales call.