What is IB Classical Languages?

If you’re selecting your options for the International Baccalaureate (IB), you might be wondering about the different language courses in the Diploma Programme.

IB Classical Languages is designed for students who have already been introduced to Latin or Classical Greek language and culture.

This guide explains what the course covers, how it's assessed, and where it can lead to next.

Key Takeaways

• IB Classical Languages is the Diploma Programme's language course for students who have already been introduced to Latin or Classical Greek language and culture

• It is distinct from IB Language B and IB Language ab initio

• It sits in either Group 1 (Language and Literature) or Group 2 (Language Acquisition) of the IB subjects, depending on the school 

• You can take it at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL)

What is IB Classical Languages?

IB Classical Languages B is a two-year IB Diploma Programme course, designed to develop your reading comprehension, writing and translation skills in Latin or Classical Greek.

How does IB Classical Languages fit in the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme, designed for students aged 16-19, asks you to take six subjects: three at SL and three at HL. You’ll also need to complete the IB Core, which consists of the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

IB Classical Languages sits in either Group 1 (Language and Literature) or Group 2 (Language Acquisition) of the IB subjects, depending on the school.

Classical Languages vs Language B vs Language Ab Initio — what's the difference?

With several different IB language options, it’s easy to get confused. Here are the key features to note:

Classical Languages is for students who have already been introduced to Latin or Classical Greek language and culture. It is available at both SL and HL.

Language B is for students who want to develop their knowledge and skills in a target language they’re already fairly familiar with. It is available at both SL and HL.

Language ab initio (which means language ‘from the beginning’) is for students with little to no prior experience of the target language. It is only available at SL.

Which languages can you take for IB Classical Languages?

You have a choice between Latin or Classical Greek. However, Latin is more widely available in schools.

If your school doesn't offer Classical Greek and you want to study it, ask about external entry routes or distance learning options before committing.

What do you study in IB Classical Languages?

The course consists of three types of syllabus content:

1. Prescribed core texts

• Long excerpts that allow you to become familiar with an author’s style and the concerns of a particular literary work

• e.g. Against Simon by Lysias or poems by Ovid

2. Prescribed companion texts

• Short excerpts that expose you to different linguistic styles, text types and genres

• e.g. passages from Attic Nights by Aulus Gellius or The Odyssey by Homer

3. Ongoing language development

• School-selected study of strategies and materials to develop your proficiency in Latin or Classical Greek

• Includes the study of both classical literature and non-literary texts

How is IB Classical Languages assessed?

The table below includes an overview of each component, including similarities and differences between SL and HL:

What's the difference between IB Classical Languages SL and HL?

The content and assessment structures are largely the same for SL and HL, but there are some key differences:

SL requires around 150 teaching hours. You won’t have guided analysis questions in Paper 1, and you won’t need to take the composition component.

HL requires around 240 teaching hours. You’ll have guided analysis questions based on a set of two unseen extracts in Paper 1, and you’ll create an original composition in Latin or Classical Greek that’s worth 20% of your grade. 

Ultimately, HL has more depth and breadth than SL and requires a higher level of competency.

Do you need GCSE Latin or Classical Greek to take IB Classical Languages?

Technically no, but GCSE Latin or Classical Greek (or secondary equivalents) are the ideal foundation. The course is designed for students who have already been introduced to classical languages.

Students who haven’t taken GCSE Latin or Classical Greek have almost always done substantial self-study, worked with a tutor, and/or attended a summer school.

How hard is IB Classical Languages?

IB Classical Languages can be tricky for some students. You’ll need to develop skills in reading comprehension, writing and translation in languages with complex grammar and structures.

HL is more challenging than SL, but how hard you’ll find the course depends on your current skill level and chosen language. While Classical Greek is generally considered harder, Latin SL is listed in the top 10 hardest IB subjects.

What can you do with IB Classical Languages?

Here are just some of the pathways IB Classical Languages can open up for you:

Further Study

• Russell Group universities like Oxford and Cambridge run prestigious Classics programmes

• Joint honours (e.g. Classics & English) or degrees in Greek, Latin or Ancient History

Careers

• Education, e.g. teaching or working in a museum

• Translation, especially of ancient texts

• Journalism, as you’ll learn develop strong writing skills

Is IB Classical Languages right for you?

If you have prior experience of Latin or Classical Greek and are interested in classical language and culture, IB Classical Languages is well worth considering.

If you have no prior experience of Latin or Classical Greek, it’s likely not the right choice. The only exception is if you’re willing to create your own foundation through extensive tuition and self-study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IB Classical Languages respected for Classics applications?

Yes. IB Classical Languages is also well-regarded by Oxford and Cambridge, both of which run prestigious Classics programmes.

Can you take both Latin and Classical Greek in the IB?

Students choose either Latin or Classical Greek as part of IB Classical Languages.

Some schools might make specific arrangements for you to take both, but you’ll need to check with your teacher if this is possible.

How is IB Classical Languages different from A Level Latin?

The skills required in IB Classical Languages (Latin) – translation, comprehension and composition – are broadly similar to those in A Level Latin (opens in a new tab).

However, unlike IB Classical Languages (Latin), A Level Latin does not have a foundation or higher tier. All A Level Latin students are assessed in the same way.

Read our guide to find out more about the differences between IB and A Level.

Which IB schools offer Classical Languages?

A small number of IB schools worldwide offer Classical Languages. Latin is more widely available than Classical Greek.

If your school doesn't offer Classical Greek and you want to study it, ask about external entry routes or distance learning options before committing.

Combining classical language and culture, IB Classical Languages is a highly academic subject that is seriously respected by Classics departments – including those at Oxbridge.

If it’s available at your school, consider how it might fit into your other choices to make the best IB subject combination for you.