Systems transformation is an exciting new development within the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
This innovative transdisciplinary course can take the place of two standard level (SL) subjects and brings together systems thinking and design thinking—with a strong emphasis on transformative action and community engagement.
Students actively explore real-world challenges, learning how to navigate complexity and take informed, ethical action in contested spaces.
In addition to systems transformation, which is a double SL, students will complete four other DP subjects—three higher level (HL) subjects and one further SL subject—and the three elements of the DP core.
To ensure breadth is retained in the remaining four DP subjects, students must select:
- at least one but no more than two subjects across the following subject groups: studies in language and literature & language acquisition
- at least one subject across the following subject groups: sciences & mathematics
- a maximum of one subject from any subject group.
Pilot schools
- UWC Atlantic College
- UWC Southeast Asia / United World College of Southeast Asia - East
- Upper Canada College
- Mulgrave: The International School of Vancouver
The pilot will be expanded to about 20 schools with first teaching in 2028, and the course will be available as an option to all IB World Schools for first teaching in 2030.
Innovative approaches to assessment
This pilot course uses a variety of authentic assessment methods that reflect its action-oriented nature and real-world focus. This includes case study, project and portfolio-based assessment tasks.
Examination and transcripts
Examinations for systems transformation will be conducted to the same academic standards as all other DP subjects. Exams still will be taken under strict invigilation requirements in an examination hall, marked by IB appointed examiners, graded to IB standards and awarded on the same grading scale.
This subject is a double SL subject (the only one the IB currently offers), which means it is graded on the same 1-7 scale as all other IB subjects, but the grade is repeated: The student is awarded 77, 66, 55, etc.
Students who are successful are awarded the standard IB DP Diploma:
See more guidance on reading IB certificates and transcripts in our IB 101 learning module for university admission officers.
University recognition of systems transformation
We are delighted that students in the pilot schools already have received offers to study degree courses in a wide range of STEM, humanities and social science disciplines from universities in Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, representing the destinations of more than 77% of final IB diploma transcripts.
The IB has supported pilot schools in understanding which countries/territories are most likely to receive applications positively, as well as several countries that currently may not accept the pilot. We will continue to work with the schools to understand and monitor university recognition and acceptance of Systems Transformation.
Further information
Read the subject briefs for the UWC Atlantic College pilot and UWC Southeast Asia pilot. Subject briefs for Upper Canada College and Mulgrave: The International School of Vancouver will be available soon.
You can also find more information about other IB pilots and school-based syllabi.
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