The IB Diploma is one of the most demanding pre-university programmes. It's not just about grades - it's about TOK essays, Extended Essays, CAS hours, Internal Assessments, and exam technique. Most IB students in Dubai need support at some point. Here's how to get it right.
Maximum IB points
Subjects required
Core components
Years to complete
Why IB Students Need Specialized Tutoring
IB is different. It's not just about knowing the content - it's about approaches to learning, thinking critically, and connecting concepts across subjects. Regular tutoring won't cut it.
What Makes IB Unique:
- ✓ TOK - Philosophy meets critical thinking
- ✓ Extended Essay - 4000-word research project
- ✓ CAS - Creativity, Activity, Service hours
- ✓ Internal Assessments - Subject-specific projects worth 20-30%
- ✓ HL vs SL - Different depth, different workload
Most Common IB Subjects for Tutoring
🔥 Highest Demand
- • Math AA HL/SL - Most challenging
- • Math AI HL/SL - Application heavy
- • Physics HL - Content & IA support
- • Chemistry HL - Complex concepts
- • Economics HL - Essay technique critical
📝 Core Components
- • TOK Essay - Most students struggle here
- • Extended Essay - Research & writing
- • IAs - All subjects need IA help
- • Language A - Paper 1 & 2 technique
- • Language B - Oral assessments
What to Look for in an IB Tutor
Non-Negotiable IB Tutor Requirements:
IB Diploma Teaching Experience
They should have taught IB for at least 3 years. The curriculum changes - they need current knowledge.
Understands IB Assessment Criteria
Mark bands, command terms, assessment objectives - they should know these inside out.
IA & EE Experience
These are worth major points. Your tutor should have supervised multiple IAs and EEs successfully.
TOK Familiarity (if teaching TOK)
TOK is philosophy-based. Not every IB teacher can teach it well. Check specifically.
IB Tutoring Costs in Dubai
| Support Type | Price (AED/hour) | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| HL Science/Math | 200-450 | Ongoing + IA support |
| SL Subjects | 150-350 | Exam prep + IA |
| TOK Essay | 180-400 | Few sessions pre-submission |
| Extended Essay | 200-500 | Research phase + drafting |
| Economics/Business HL | 180-400 | Essay technique focus |
When to Get IB Tutoring Support
✅ Start Early For:
- • HL Math - From start of IB1
- • HL Sciences - Before IAs begin
- • Extended Essay - Summer before IB2
- • Language A/B - Ongoing support
⚡ Intensive Help For:
- • Exam season - 3 months before finals
- • TOK Essay - 1-2 months before due
- • IA drafts - Before submission deadlines
- • Predicted grades - If applying to UK unis
Questions to Ask an IB Tutor
- "What's your IB teaching background?" - Specifics matter.
- "Have you supervised [subject] IAs before?" - Get numbers.
- "What's your approach to [HL/SL] level?" - Should be different strategies.
- "Do you have example student work?" - Past IA/EE samples to show.
- "How do you track progress toward predicted grades?" - Should have a system.
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