What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year pre-university qualification designed for students aged 16 to 19. Recognised by universities worldwide, the IB Diploma offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum that develops critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and academic excellence. Unlike traditional A-Levels, the IBDP requires students to study six subjects alongside core components, providing breadth and depth in their education.
Students typically pursue the IB Diploma during their final two years of secondary school, equivalent to Years 12 and 13 in the UK system. The programme is offered in over 5,000 schools across 150 countries, making it genuinely international in scope and recognition. Universities value the IBDP for developing independent learners who can think critically, research effectively, and communicate clearly across multiple disciplines.
The qualification is particularly suited to students seeking a holistic education that extends beyond traditional subject boundaries. Many families choose the IB Diploma for its emphasis on developing well-rounded individuals who can engage with complex global issues, demonstrate intellectual rigour, and pursue knowledge for its own sake rather than merely for examination success.
Exam Format and Structure
The IB Diploma comprises six subject groups plus three core requirements. Students must select one subject from each of the following groups:
- Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (English, native language, or world literature)
- Group 2: Language Acquisition (modern languages at various proficiency levels)
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies (history, geography, economics, psychology, business management)
- Group 4: Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, design technology, environmental systems)
- Group 5: Mathematics (analysis and approaches, or applications and interpretation)
- Group 6: The Arts (visual arts, music, theatre, dance, film) or an additional subject from Groups 1-5
Three subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) with 240 teaching hours each, whilst three are studied at Standard Level (SL) with 150 teaching hours each. This structure ensures both specialisation and breadth across the curriculum.
Core Components
Beyond the six subjects, all IB Diploma students must complete three core requirements:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A 100-hour interdisciplinary course examining the nature of knowledge across different disciplines. Students complete a 1,600-word essay and deliver a 10-minute presentation, exploring questions such as "How do we know what we know?" and "What counts as evidence in different fields?"
Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of the student's choosing within one of their diploma subjects. This develops university-level research and writing skills, requiring students to formulate a focused research question, conduct independent investigation, and present a sustained argument.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A programme requiring approximately 150 hours of experiential learning outside the classroom. Students must demonstrate engagement in creative pursuits, physical activities, and service to the community, developing skills and awareness beyond academic achievement.
Scoring System
Each of the six subjects is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. The three core components together can contribute up to 3 additional points. Therefore, the maximum possible score is 45 points (42 from subjects plus 3 from core components).
Universities typically require between 32 and 38 points for competitive courses, with top institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and LSE often expecting 38-40 points or above. Individual subject requirements vary, with many universities specifying minimum grades at Higher Level for relevant subjects.
A passing grade requires a minimum of 24 points, with no grade lower than 3 in any subject. Additionally, students must satisfy requirements for TOK and EE, complete CAS, and demonstrate academic honesty throughout their studies. Failing to meet these conditions results in no diploma being awarded, though students receive certificates for individual subjects passed.
Assessment Timeline
The IB Diploma Programme follows a specific timeline that students and families should understand when planning their academic journey.
Programme Duration
Students typically begin the IB Diploma in September of Year 12 and complete final examinations in May of Year 13. The first year focuses on building foundational knowledge across all subjects whilst beginning core components. The second year intensifies preparation for final examinations whilst completing TOK, EE, and CAS requirements.
Examination Period
Final IB examinations occur during a three-week period in May each year. Students sit between two and four papers per subject, depending on whether they study at Standard or Higher Level. The examination schedule is carefully planned to avoid clashes, but students should expect intensive examination periods with multiple papers on consecutive days.
Internal Assessment
Throughout both years, students complete internal assessments that contribute 20-30% of their final grade in each subject. These include oral examinations in languages, practical work in sciences, portfolio development in the arts, and coursework essays across humanities subjects. Schools set deadlines throughout the two years, with final submissions typically required by March of Year 13.
Core Component Deadlines
The Extended Essay must be submitted by early November of Year 13, with most schools requiring drafts by May or June of Year 12. TOK essays are typically due in January of Year 13, following the TOK presentation completed during Year 12. CAS portfolios must demonstrate ongoing engagement throughout the two years, with final submissions in March of Year 13.
Results Release
IB results are released in early July, approximately two months after final examinations. Students receive detailed grade reports showing their performance in each subject, core components, and overall diploma points. Universities receive results directly from the IB, and students can request re-marks if they believe their work was marked incorrectly.
Subject Breakdown
Studies in Language and Literature
This subject develops analytical and interpretative skills through the study of literary texts and non-literary materials. Students explore works from different periods, cultures, and genres, examining how texts reflect and shape societies. Assessment includes written examinations analysing unseen texts, essays comparing literary works, and oral presentations. Higher Level students study 13 works compared to 9 at Standard Level, with increased depth of analysis expected.
Language Acquisition
Modern language courses develop proficiency across listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The curriculum emphasises practical communication whilst exploring cultural contexts. Assessment includes oral examinations, written papers testing comprehension and composition, and internally assessed oral activities. Students can study languages at different levels depending on their prior experience, from ab initio (beginners) to B (intermediate) or A (advanced).
Individuals and Societies
These subjects examine human behaviour, societies, and systems through various disciplinary lenses. History requires analysis of historical sources and events, developing understanding of cause and consequence. Economics explores microeconomic and macroeconomic theory with real-world applications. Psychology investigates human behaviour through biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Geography examines spatial relationships and environmental systems. Assessment combines examinations testing knowledge and analytical skills with internally assessed investigations or fieldwork.
Sciences
Science courses balance theoretical understanding with practical investigation. All science subjects require hands-on laboratory work, developing experimental design and analytical skills. Biology explores living systems from molecules to ecosystems. Chemistry examines matter, reactions, and energy changes. Physics investigates fundamental principles governing the physical world. Assessment includes examination papers testing conceptual understanding and problem-solving, plus internally assessed practical investigations requiring students to design, conduct, and evaluate experiments.
Mathematics
Two mathematics pathways cater to different interests and university requirements. Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches emphasises algebraic reasoning and theoretical understanding, suitable for students pursuing mathematics, engineering, or physical sciences. Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation focuses on practical applications and statistical reasoning, appropriate for students interested in social sciences, business, or applied fields. Both routes are available at Standard and Higher Level, with assessment through examination papers testing various mathematical domains.
The Arts
Arts subjects develop creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills. Visual Arts students create a portfolio of artworks whilst studying art history and theory. Music combines performance, composition, and analysis. Theatre develops performance skills alongside understanding of theatrical traditions and practices. Assessment combines practical work, written analysis, and process documentation, recognising both creative output and intellectual engagement with the discipline.
Preparation Strategy
When to Begin
Serious preparation should commence during the summer before Year 12. Students benefit from reading widely in their chosen subjects, particularly for humanities and languages. Familiarising oneself with the assessment criteria and command terms used in IB examinations proves invaluable. Starting the Extended Essay research process early reduces pressure during Year 13 when examination preparation intensifies.
Year 12 Focus
The first year should establish strong foundations across all subjects whilst developing good study habits. Students should prioritise understanding core concepts rather than memorising information, as IB examinations reward application and analysis over recall. Regular completion of internal assessments builds portfolio work progressively rather than leaving everything until deadlines approach.
Developing effective note-taking systems pays dividends throughout the programme. Many successful students maintain subject-specific folders with organised notes, practice questions, and revision materials. Creating mind maps and summary sheets helps consolidate understanding and identify connections between topics.
Year 13 Strategy
The second year requires intensified focus on examination technique and content consolidation. Students should complete past papers under timed conditions, analysing mark schemes to understand what examiners seek. Identifying weaker topics early allows targeted revision before final examinations.
Time management becomes crucial as multiple deadlines converge. Creating a revision timetable that allocates time proportionally to each subject's weighting and one's confidence level ensures balanced preparation. Building in buffer time for unexpected challenges prevents last-minute panic.
Key Skills to Develop
Critical analysis distinguishes successful IB students from those who struggle. Rather than accepting information passively, students should question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and construct reasoned arguments. This skill transfers across subjects and proves essential for university success.
Time management and organisation separate high achievers from others. Balancing six subjects, core components, and extracurricular commitments requires disciplined scheduling and prioritisation. Using planners, calendars, and task lists helps maintain control over competing demands.
Independent research skills developed through the Extended Essay benefit all subjects. Learning to locate reliable sources, evaluate their credibility, synthesise information, and construct original arguments develops intellectual autonomy that universities prize.
Practise Requirements
Regular practice of past examination questions under timed conditions familiarises students with question formats and time pressures. The IB publishes specimen papers and past questions through school coordinators, providing authentic practice materials.
For sciences, consistent practical work throughout both years develops experimental skills that cannot be crammed. Maintaining detailed laboratory notebooks and reflecting on experimental design strengthens internal assessment performance.
Language subjects require daily practice. Regular reading, listening to authentic materials, and speaking practice with native speakers or tutors builds fluency that examination pressure cannot undermine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the Core Components
Many students focus heavily on their six subjects whilst neglecting TOK, EE, and CAS until deadlines loom. These components require sustained engagement and cannot be completed satisfactorily in rushed final months. The Extended Essay particularly demands time for research, drafting, feedback, and revision. Starting early and working steadily prevents last-minute stress and produces superior work.
Passive Learning Approaches
Simply reading textbooks or copying notes proves insufficient for IB success. The programme rewards active engagement with material through questioning, application, and synthesis. Students who memorise facts without understanding underlying concepts struggle when examination questions require analysis or evaluation. Effective learners constantly test their understanding through practice questions and self-explanation.
Poor Time Management
Leaving revision until examination season creates unnecessary pressure and prevents thorough preparation. The volume of content across six subjects makes cramming ineffective. Successful students revise continually throughout both years, consolidating topics as they complete them rather than revisiting everything simultaneously before examinations.
Ignoring Assessment Criteria
Each IB subject uses specific assessment criteria that determine grades. Students who fail to understand what examiners seek waste time on irrelevant content or miss opportunities to demonstrate required skills. Studying mark schemes and understanding command terms ensures responses address what questions actually ask rather than what students assume they want.
Neglecting Self-Care
The IB Diploma's intensity can lead students to sacrifice sleep, exercise, and social connections. However, exhausted, isolated students perform worse than those who maintain balance. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and time with friends and family enhance cognitive function and resilience. Sustainable study patterns produce better results than unsustainable cramming.
Resources and Practise Materials
Past Papers and Mark Schemes
The IB Organization provides past examination papers through school coordinators. These authentic materials offer the best preparation for final examinations. Students should complete papers under timed conditions, then review mark schemes to understand how examiners allocate points. Identifying patterns in question types and common mistakes improves performance.
Subject-Specific Textbooks
Publishers produce textbooks aligned with IB specifications for each subject. Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press, and Pearson Education offer comprehensive series covering course content. These resources include practice questions, worked examples, and examination guidance. Schools typically recommend specific textbooks, but students may benefit from consulting alternative texts for different explanations of challenging concepts.
Online Resources
Numerous websites provide IB-specific support. The IB Organization's official website offers subject guides, assessment criteria, and general information. Revision websites provide notes, flashcards, and practice questions across subjects. Online communities allow students to discuss challenges and share strategies, though students should verify information accuracy as quality varies.
Subject-Specific Databases
Science students benefit from simulations and virtual laboratory resources that supplement practical work. Humanities students should access academic databases for Extended Essay research. Language learners improve through authentic materials such as foreign news websites, podcasts, and films. School libraries typically provide access to appropriate academic resources.
Tutoring and Study Groups
Additional support from experienced tutors helps students master challenging concepts and develop effective examination techniques. Study groups allow collaborative learning, with students explaining topics to each other and sharing resources. However, students must ensure collaboration remains within academic honesty boundaries, particularly for assessed work.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition specialises in preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme through personalised tuition that addresses individual learning needs. Our experienced tutors understand the IB curriculum intimately, having taught or examined for the programme, and develop tailored strategies that maximise each student's potential.
Structured Preparation Programmes
We design comprehensive preparation programmes that cover subject content systematically whilst developing essential skills. Our tutors create individualised revision plans based on diagnostic assessments that identify strengths and areas requiring development. This targeted approach ensures efficient use of tutoring time, focusing efforts where they generate greatest improvement.
For core components, we provide specialised support for the Extended Essay, helping students formulate research questions, develop methodology, and structure arguments effectively. Our TOK tutors guide students through the philosophical concepts and examination techniques required for success. We also advise on CAS project selection and portfolio development, ensuring students meet all requirements.
Expert Tutors
Our tutors combine subject expertise with understanding of adolescent learning needs. Many hold advanced degrees in their disciplines and bring teaching experience from leading IB schools. They remain current with syllabus changes and examination trends, ensuring students receive accurate, relevant guidance.
Beyond content knowledge, our tutors develop students' analytical thinking, time management, and examination technique. They teach transferable skills that benefit students throughout university and beyond, not merely examination shortcuts.
Our Teaching Approach
We emphasise understanding over memorisation, helping students grasp underlying principles that enable application in novel contexts. Our tutors encourage questioning and intellectual curiosity, developing the critical thinking that IB examiners reward.
Sessions balance content coverage with practice and feedback. Students work through past examination questions, receiving detailed feedback on their responses. Our tutors explain mark scheme requirements and demonstrate how to structure answers for maximum impact.
We also support students' broader development, helping them manage stress, maintain motivation, and balance competing demands. Our holistic approach recognises that academic success requires emotional resilience and practical organisation alongside intellectual capability.
Get Started Today
If you're pursuing the IB Diploma and seeking expert support to maximise your potential, Taylor Tuition can help. Our personalised approach ensures you receive exactly the guidance you need, whether that's comprehensive subject tuition, Extended Essay supervision, or examination technique coaching.
Contact us today through our enquiry page to discuss your requirements and discover how we can support your IB journey. We'll arrange an initial consultation to understand your goals and create a tailored programme that positions you for success.