The IB programme, explained
6 min read · updated 2026-09-01
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global school framework offered by many private and international schools in the UK, UAE and Asia. Its structure is different from national curricula, and tutoring works differently too.
The three programmes
PYP (Primary Years, ages 3-12) is inquiry-based with no formal exams. MYP (Middle Years, ages 11-16) builds disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills with moderated tasks. The Diploma Programme (DP, ages 16-19) is the exam-heavy finale: six subject groups plus the Theory of Knowledge essay, the Extended Essay and CAS (creativity, activity, service).
What the Diploma demands
DP students take six subjects (three Higher Level, three Standard Level) across two years, with internal assessments marked by teachers and moderated externally, plus final exams. Points run to 45 including bonus points from TOK and the Extended Essay. The workload management is famously the real challenge.
Where tutoring fits
IB tutoring works best as ongoing weekly support aligned to each subject's internal assessment calendar, not pre-exam cramming. HL maths, sciences and economics are the most common requests, and past-paper discipline against IB mark schemes is the core technique.
FAQs
Is the IB harder than A-Levels?＋
Different: the IB demands breadth (six subjects plus core components) while A-Levels demand depth in fewer subjects. Students who prefer variety and sustained workload tend to suit the IB.
Do universities accept the IB?＋
Yes, worldwide, with published IB point requirements per course. Competitive programmes often ask for 36-40+ points including specific HL subjects.
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