How to write an economics IA

The IB Geography Internal Assessment (IA): Everything you need to know

The Internal Assessment has been a compulsory part of the IB Diploma Geography course for both Standard and Higher Level (SL and HL) for some time now, and the introduction of the new syllabus for exams in 2019 continues the IA as a key feature of IB Geography. In this blog, David demystifies the IA and gives you his top tips for success.

David September, 2017

Top tips on essay writing

When you write an essay or answer an exam question, it’s not enough merely to know the answer. Knowing the answer is certainly important, but you also have to be able to write the answer down in a way that will convince the examiner that you know the answer. Most people find this difficult. Follow these top tips for success.

John September, 2017

IB Theory of Knowledge Presentation: choosing a Real-Life Situation (RLS)

In this blog, Calum explores the presentation component of the IB's Theory of Knowledge assessment. He gives a detailed overview of the format, outlines the importance of including real-life situations, and offers a helpful guide to choosing the perfect real-life situation to make an excellent presentation.

Calum September, 2017

Tips for Success: Approaching your IB History Extended Essay Topic

In this blog, Anna outlines the initial steps to choosing an IB History Extended Essay topic and question as well as how to approach the planning process.

Anna August, 2017

Should I choose Maths Studies or Mathematics SL at IB?

In this blog, Sarah looks at the reasons for and implications of choosing to take either Mathematics Standard Level or Mathematical Studies for the IB. These should help you decide which subject is the best for you and your university prospects as well as the number of points you can achieve on results day.

Sarah August, 2017

How to score top marks in your Paper 1 Commentary (IB English A Language and Literature)

The Paper 1 Commentary requires a unique set of essay writing skills, particularly given the tight time constraints. Read Tim's top tips to ensure that you are adhering to the strict criteria. Many of these have been compiled from previous marking experience!

Tim August, 2017

How to write an outstanding Psychology IA as part of your IB

In this blog Sobia gives a run down of they key essentials in planning and beginning to write your Psychology IA, a crucial part of your overall Psychology IB grade.

Sobia July, 2017

How to select your IB Physics IA Title

In this blog, Physics tutor Chris provides some great tips on choosing your Physics IA title. Focusing on research methodology (rather than an impossible topic) and choosing a study that interests you will help you on your way. Chris sets out some IA ideas for inspiration.

Chris July, 2017

What is Theory of Knowledge in the IB and how does it work?

In this blog, Calum sets out the principle ideas and terminology of the Theory of Knowledge course, a mandatory part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma. He de-mystifies some of the language used in the ToK and explains the way that ToK works, giving a clear guide to students seeking to understand the basics of the course.

Calum July, 2017

Tips for success: How to write Section 3 of your IB History IA

Having successfully written Sections 1 and 2 of your History IA, it is now time to reflect and write Section 3. In this blog, Anna will walk you through the necessary steps to help you gain full marks for this section.

Anna June, 2017

IB Results Day 2017

This year, IB results will be issued on July 5th for exams taken in May. If you are awaiting your IB results, this blog sets out what to do on results day, including how to access your results and what to do if you don't get the grades you were expecting.

Mike June, 2017

Tips for success: How to write Section 1 of your IB History IA

Having written Section 2 of your History IA, you should then go back and write Section 1, in which you are required to identify and evaluate two of the most relevant sources used in your investigation. In this blog, Anna will walk you through the necessary steps to help you gain full marks for this section.

Anna June, 2017

Tips for success: How to write Section 2 of your IB History IA

Having chosen the topic of your History IA, designed your question and researched your IA, the next step will be to write Section 2. This should be done before attempting Section 1 and, in this blog, Anna outlines what is expected.

Anna June, 2017

Tips for success: How to research your IB History IA

Once you have chosen the topic and question of your History IA, it's time to get researching! In this blog, Anna sets out some top tips on how best to research and record notes. Research in itself is a vitally important skill assessed throughout the IB Diploma - getting this right can mean the difference between a History IA's success and failure.

Anna June, 2017

5 ways to develop your intercultural understanding for the Spanish IB

Intercultural understanding is assessed in both of the IB language groups, yet according to IB Spanish examiner reports, even native speakers often demonstrate a lack of it. In this blog, Vicky sets out 5 easy things you can do to develop your understanding of this key assessment component.  

Victoria June, 2017

Tips for success: Moving from GCSE to IB or A-level German

In this Blog, Maggie discusses the difficulties of moving from the I/GCSE to the IB or A-Level German course. Lots of students find the switch quite challenging but with some tricks and tips students can make a smooth (and successful) transition.

Maggie June, 2017

7 Tips for Choosing a Successful IB History IA topic and question

Choosing the right History topic and question for YOU can make the difference between success and failure. Below are 7 steps to help you choose an appropriate topic and question.

Anna May, 2017

Chemistry IB IA ideas 2017 – 2018

Stuck for ideas for your chemistry IA? Here is a list of 50 project ideas and Research Questions that should hopefully inspire you to come up with an excellent IA of your own.

Carl May, 2017 4 Comments

How to plan and write an economics IA

So... you have chosen an article to base your economics internal assessment ("IA") on and are moving to the next step of planning your IA. This article has laid out a seven step process that you can use that will make writing your IA that little bit easier.

Jenny March, 2017

Utopia IB Business Management Case Study May 2017

John sets up a holiday villa business on a Pacific Island. He also develops a locally sourced coffee business, with a coffee shop in a main tourist destination. He’s keen on a socially responsible business model. Both businesses grow and he invites his twins, son and daughter, to help with the coffee business.

Dan March, 2017 13 Comments

10 Tips for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science Personal Statements

Applying to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science at University can be incredibly competitive. It is therefore vital to showcase your relevant skills and experiences in your Personal Statement. This is your opportunity to justify exactly why you want to study that particular course and why you should be offered a place.

Carl November, 2016

How to get a Level 7 in IB Diploma Chemistry: Part 3

In the concluding blog of this three-part series, Carl sets out the final four strategies that will help you to secure a level 7 in your IB Chemistry. Using past papers and mark schemes effectively, asking for feedback and support from your teacher or tutor, and remembering to have a life outside of your studies are all key!

Carl November, 2016 2 Comments

How to ace the German IB interactive oral exam

Amassing a good range of vocabulary is key to scoring highly in your German IB. This is particularly true for the oral element of the exam when you will be asked to form and voice an opinion. In this blog, Maggie sets out some top tips for how you can best prepare for the interactive oral assessment. Having a few key expressions up your sleeve and reading widely around your chosen topics could get you well on your way to acing the exam!

Maggie November, 2016

How to get a Level 7 in IB Diploma Chemistry: Part 2

In this blog - the second of a three-part series - Carl sets out the next four of 12 top strategies that will help you secure a Level 7 in your IB Diploma Chemistry. Last time, we looked at the importance of being an independent learner and putting in the effort to understand everything you’re taught. In part 2, we’ll look at how you can test that understanding, some advice for choosing an IA, and why understanding Assessment Objectives is important.

Carl October, 2016

Why should I study English literature?

If you decide to study English literature beyond GCSE, it is important that you ask yourself "why" and justify your choice. Whether you are a bookworm wanting to pursue your love of literature, or see the subject as a way to develop your communication skills, there really is no right answer.

Isabel October, 2016

8 ways to ace Physics!

Physics can be a particularly difficult subject to master. To get that top grade, organisation and reading around the topic are key. Most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help - the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask!

Nick October, 2016

Top tips for scoring a 7 on your German IB exam

No matter whether you have chosen to take the German Language B Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL) exam, you will certainly be aiming to achieve the highest possible grade. Many students think that in order to achieve a 7, you must be a genius and have reached a level of German which only native speakers can reach. These simple tricks will help you on your way to acing your exam and achieving that seemingly impossible grade 7.  

Maggie September, 2016

8 ways to ace your IB Business Management

If you're studying IB Business Management and aiming for top grades, the key is to think like a business leader: question decisions, find solutions to business problems and get your head around the figures. In this blog, Dan sets out 8 top tips that will set you on your way to achieving a 7 in your IB Business Management.

Dan September, 2016

How to get a Level 7 in IB Physics: 7 top tips

Achieving a Level 7 in IB Physics is by no means easy. But following these 7 simple tips - set out by our top Physics tutor Nick - could get you well on your way.

Nick September, 2016

Economics IA Articles for the IB 2016-2017

Finding a suitable newspaper article can be tricky and often you might not know if it is suitable for your Econ IA portfolio. The following links below are recently selected IA Newspaper articles, approved by an IB Econ teacher and ready for your use:

Jenny September, 2016

Mastering the Graphical Display Calculator

In this blog, our Maths and Physics tutor Alan sets out how to make the Graphical Display Calculator your weapon of choice as you battle through IB Maths.

Alan September, 2016

How to get a Level 7 in IB Diploma Chemistry: Part 1

In this blog - the first of a three-part series - Carl sets out the first four of 12 top strategies to securing a Level 7 in your IB Diploma Chemistry. Dedication, discipline and a lot of hard work are key!

Carl September, 2016

Reset your mind to resit your exams

Facing exam resits? This blog - written by our Business and Economics tutor, Dan - sets out how taking a new approach and putting past exam results behind you can lead to success second time around.

Dan August, 2016

How to ace IB English Paper 2: 6 top tips

IB English Paper 2 is all about showing your understanding of literature within a context. In this blog, Sobia sets out the 6 key things you should focus on as you prepare for the exam and pave the way to top marks.

Sobia August, 2016

The lazy student’s guide to being more business savvy

Of course you aren't a lazy student, but throughout your busy school day, how can you keep yourself up-to-date with the latest goings-on in the business world?

Dan August, 2016

Planning a UCAS Personal Statement

Starting to think about your UCAS application? Lawrence shares his wisdom on how to write a personal statement that is coherent and showcases your talents and achievements. The key is in the planning.

Lawrence August, 2016

How does Game of Thrones help you succeed in IB English? 6 top tips to own IB English Paper 1!

Ever wondered how you can use your favourite box set to help with your IB English studies? Read on!

Sobia July, 2016

“Get Set for Success” in IB English Literature: 6 Starting Tips…

Picture this: It’s 3 a.m. in the morning and you’re in the nodding phase. Around you lie sheaves of papers stained with coffee rings and the words of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart are starting to blur into a meaning-less haze as you ponder on the irony of its title, while dribbling in a half-doze - before jerking upright, looking about wildly and slapping yourself awake once again…

Sobia July, 2016

How to get full marks in IB Economics graphs

If you really want to understand IB Economics, you need to know your way around the different graphs involved. In this detailed blog post, Jenny (our lead IB Economics tutor) talks you through everything you could ever need to know!

Jenny July, 2016

Seven top tips for acing IB Mathematics

About to embark on the IB? One of our top IB Mathematics tutors, Alan, shares his wisdom on preparing for the course.

Alan June, 2016

How to get 45 points on the IB

108 students scored the maximum 45 points on their IB Diploma in June 2014, out of almost 100,000 worldwide. In other words, only one in a thousand students achieved maximum grades last year. With these kind of odds against you, you need a bit of help, so the purpose of this (moderately tongue-in-cheek) article is to give this to you. Want to get the magic 45 points on your IB? Read on!

Mike January, 2016 1 Comment

Is the IB better than the A-Level?

Do you have a child in Year 11 (or equivalent) who is currently trying to decide what to study next year? If so, you may have heard of the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many schools in the UK are now offering the IB as an alternative or replacement for the A-Level. We often get asked which is the better qualification - here we give our opinion!

Lawrence June, 2014