DP French B

20 titles

Find everything you need for the new IB French B course, first taught from August 2027 and first assessed in May 2029. Our range includes the new-edition Oxford and Hachette French B coursebooks for SL and HL, both written for the updated IB subject guide and available to pre-order now.

New IB French B course: key dates

The new IB French B subject guide is released in February 2027. First teaching begins in August 2027, and first assessment is in May 2029. The last exams on the current course take place in November 2028.

What’s changing in the new IB French B course?

The exams stay the same. Paper 1, Paper 2 and the individual oral keep their current structure and weightings. The update brings a clearer subject guide, more emphasis on critical thinking and concept-based learning, and new teacher support materials.

The new-edition coursebooks follow this updated guidance, so they’re the right choice for any class starting in August 2027 or later. Students sitting exams in 2027 or 2028 continue on the current course.

IB French B SL vs HL: what’s the difference?

French B Standard Level (SL)

French B SL is designed for students with some prior French. It has 150 recommended teaching hours, a Paper 1 writing task of 250–400 words chosen from three options, and an individual oral based on a visual stimulus. No literature study is required.

French B Higher Level (HL)

French B HL suits students with stronger prior French who are aiming for higher proficiency. It has 240 recommended teaching hours, a longer Paper 1 writing task of 450–600 words chosen from three options, and an individual oral based on a literary extract. HL students also study two literary works originally written in French.

Oxford vs Hachette: which IB French B coursebook is right for you?

Oxford IB French B Course Book

Choose Oxford if you want a concept-based course developed in cooperation with the IB, with online audio for listening practice.

Hachette IB French B

Choose Hachette for a theme-by-theme course from an experienced author team, with exam practice throughout.

Many French departments use one as their core text and the other for extra practice.

The five IB French B themes

IB French B is built on five prescribed themes, explored through texts from across the French-speaking world, including France, Belgium, Switzerland, Québec, the Caribbean and francophone Africa.

Identities: lifestyles, health and wellbeing, beliefs and values, language and identity
Experiences: leisure, travel, life stories, customs and traditions, migration
Human ingenuity: entertainment, artistic expression, media, technology, scientific innovation
Social organization: relationships, community, education, the world of work, law and order
Sharing the planet: the environment, human rights, equality, globalization, ethics

How IB French B is assessed from 2029

The final IB French B grade is split equally across four components, each worth 25%:

Paper 1 (25%): one writing task in a chosen text type
Paper 2 listening (25%): comprehension of three audio passages
Paper 2 reading (25%): comprehension of three written texts
Individual oral (25%): a presentation, a discussion with the teacher, and a conversation covering at least one further theme

Because listening counts for a quarter of the final grade, choose resources with audio, such as the online audio included with the Oxford IB French B Course Book.

IB French B FAQs

When does the new IB French B syllabus start?

The new IB French B syllabus starts with first teaching in August 2027. The subject guide is released in February 2027, and first exams are in May 2029.

Is the IB French B exam changing?

No, the IB French B exam is not changing. The assessment structure and weightings stay the same. The update focuses on clearer guidance, critical thinking, conceptual understanding and new teacher support.

What’s the difference between IB French B SL and HL?

IB French B HL has more teaching hours than SL (240 vs 150), a longer Paper 1 writing task, an individual oral based on a literary extract, and the study of two literary works originally written in French.

Do you stock IB French ab initio?

[Add whether you stock it and where to find it.] French ab initio is the IB’s beginners’ French course, offered at SL only.

Can students taking IB French B exams in 2027 or 2028 use the new books?

Yes, with care. Students taking exams in 2027 or 2028 should follow the current guide, but because the assessment structure is unchanged, much of the practice in the new editions is still useful.