Online IB tutoring, from the Primary Years to the Diploma
The International Baccalaureate is a family of programmes rather than a single exam, and each stage asks something different of students. Tutors work one-to-one on subject understanding, exam technique and the skills behind internal assessments, always within IB rules.
How IB works
Schools may offer one IB programme or several. The Primary Years Programme is inquiry-based and organised around themes. The Middle Years Programme assesses eight subject groups against criteria rather than percentages, so in maths, explaining and communicating matter as much as answers. The Diploma Programme is a two-year pre-university course of six subjects at Higher or Standard Level, plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service.
Every DP student takes maths: Analysis and Approaches (AA), focused on algebra, calculus and proof, or Applications and Interpretation (AI), focused on modelling, statistics and technology. Both are offered at SL and HL and include a mathematical exploration worth 20%. Some university courses specify which maths course and level they accept, so check before choosing.
For internal assessments, the Extended Essay and TOK, a tutor can explain the criteria, teach the maths or science needed and practise skills on other examples. A tutor will not choose the topic, write or edit any part of the work, or review drafts; that feedback comes from the school under IB rules.
eMath Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. "International Baccalaureate", "IB" and programme names are used only to describe the courses we help students with. We do not promise particular grades or point totals.
Stages and what lessons focus on
- 1 Primary Years (PYP) Ages 3–12 Number fluency and confidence alongside inquiry-based class units.
- 2 Middle Years (MYP) Ages 11–16 Criteria-based assessment: knowing and understanding, investigating patterns, communicating, and applying maths.
- 3 Diploma (DP), year 1 Ages 16–17 A secure foundation in HL maths or a science, and the subject causing most difficulty.
- 4 Diploma (DP), year 2 Ages 17–19 Exam technique, past papers and revision planning, while internal assessments are completed independently.
- 5 Career-related (CP) Ages 16–19 Support with the academic DP courses taken within the programme.
IB subjects we tutor
Each subject page explains what tutors cover at every stage.
- MathematicsArithmetic to calculus
- PhysicsMechanics, electricity, waves
- ChemistryBonding, reactions, calculations
- BiologyCells, genetics, physiology
- EconomicsMicro, macro, data response
- Business studiesStrategy, finance, marketing
- Computer scienceProgramming and algorithms
- EnglishReading, writing, literature
Exam preparation
DP exams and the new maths courses
Students sitting DP exams in May 2027 or May 2028 follow the current maths guide. The new courses are first taught from August 2027, with first exams in May 2029. The IB describes the update as refinement rather than reinvention; your school can confirm which version applies.
Plan exam preparation- New AA papers: SL has two 1 h 30 min papers (40% each); HL has two 2-hour papers (30% each) and a 1-hour Paper 3 (20%)
- Paper 1 in AA allows no technology; in the new AI course every paper requires it
- New AA content is reduced, not added to: SL drops financial applications and bivariate data
- Science papers and data-based questions, plus timing across six subjects
IB: common questions
Can’t find what you need? Send a request and a coordinator will answer your questions personally.
Talk to a coordinatorIt depends mostly on university plans and how the student enjoys maths. AA leans towards algebra, calculus and proof; AI towards modelling, statistics and technology. Check the requirements of likely university courses, then discuss with the school. A tutor can give an honest view of the student’s strengths.
Within limits. Tutors can explain the criteria, teach the maths a topic needs and help the student practise on other examples. They cannot choose the topic, write or edit the exploration, or comment on drafts. That protects the student from malpractice findings. If the school has its own policy, please share it.
Students sitting exams in May 2027 or May 2028 follow the current guide. The new courses are first taught from August 2027, with first exams in May 2029, so students starting the DP in August 2027 will usually be on the new guide. Your school can confirm.
Yes, particularly in maths and sciences. Because MYP assessment uses criteria, tutors help students explain their reasoning and communicate clearly, not only reach correct answers. That habit also prepares them well for the Diploma Programme, where written reasoning carries real weight.
That is a decision for the student, family and school, often with university requirements in mind. A tutor can help you see whether the difficulty is a fixable gap, such as algebra, or a sign that SL is a better fit.
Sources and official information · Updated 28 October 2026
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