IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

IB Diploma

Ages 16–19 (Years 12–13)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year qualification for students aged 16–18, recognised by top universities worldwide as one of the most demanding and respected pre-university programmes available.

Students study 6 subjects across different subject groups — 3 at Higher Level (HL) and 3 at Standard Level (SL) — alongside three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Trusted by families across Dubai since 2010 · KHDA-approved

PARENT GUIDE

What is the IB Diploma? A Parent's Guide

Everything you need to know about the most demanding pre-university programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a rigorous two-year qualification for students aged 16–18, recognised by top universities worldwide as one of the most demanding and respected pre-university programmes available.

Students study 6 subjects across different subject groups — 3 at Higher Level (HL) and 3 at Standard Level (SL) — alongside three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

The maximum score is 45 points. Most competitive universities require 38+ for selective courses. Our IB teaching targets scores of 6 and 7 — the bands that open doors to competitive university programmes worldwide. At Improve ME, our IB tutors understand not just the content but the specific Internal Assessment requirements, mark schemes, and examiner expectations that make the difference between a 5 and a 7.

Key Facts

IB Year 1 & Year 2 (Years 12–13)

Ages 16–18

6 subjects × 7 + up to 3 core points

Max 45 Points

Accepted in 75+ countries

Globally Recognised

AT A GLANCE

IB Diploma at a Glance

IB Year 1 & Year 2 (Years 12–13)

The Diploma Programme runs over two years, typically aligned with the final two years of secondary school.

6 subjects × 7 + up to 3 core points

Each subject is graded 1–7; TOK and the Extended Essay can add up to 3 bonus points. 38+ opens doors to top universities.

Accepted in 75+ countries

Over 2,000 universities recognise the IB Diploma, including Russell Group, Ivy League, and top UAE institutions.

IB CORE

The Three Core Components

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

A course that explores the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know. Assessed through an essay and a presentation, with up to 3 bonus points contributing to the total Diploma score.

Extended Essay (EE)

An independent, self-directed piece of research culminating in a 4,000-word essay. Students choose a topic from one of their subjects (or an approved area). Success can add up to 3 points to the Diploma total.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

A programme of experiential learning outside the classroom. Students complete projects and reflections across creativity, physical activity, and service. CAS is not graded but must be completed to receive the Diploma.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why the IB Diploma Matters More Than Ever

The IB Diploma is accepted and respected by over 2,000 universities in 75+ countries. In Dubai, leading IB World Schools including GEMS World Academy, Jumeirah College, and Dubai International Academy produce highly competitive cohorts — meaning every point counts.

A student scoring 38+ points with strong HL grades opens doors to Russell Group universities, Ivy League schools, and top UAE institutions. The difference between a 5 and a 7 in a single HL subject can determine whether a conditional offer is met. Expert tuition at this level is not optional — it is the deciding factor.

METHODOLOGY

How We Get Your Child IB Ready

A structured approach built on IB mark schemes, examiner expectations, and years of Dubai IB results

We don't leave IB results to chance. Every session targets the criteria that earn marks — from IAs and the Extended Essay to TOK and final exams. Here's how we do it.

01

Internal Assessment Support

We guide students through every stage of their IAs — from research question to final draft — ensuring they meet all IB criteria and word count requirements.

Whether it's a Biology IA, an Economics commentary, or a Maths exploration, our tutors know exactly what examiners look for and how to structure work so it earns the marks it deserves.

02

Extended Essay Mentoring

Our tutors support students in selecting a focused EE topic, structuring their argument, and meeting the IB's academic writing standards.

From outline review to draft feedback across multiple subject areas, we help students avoid common pitfalls and maximise their chance of an A or B grade.

03

Past Paper & Mark Scheme Mastery

We drill students on past papers using real IB mark schemes so they know exactly what earns marks at HL and SL.

Command terms, marking points, and common errors — we teach your child to think like an examiner and write answers that hit every criterion.

04

TOK Essay & Presentation Coaching

We help students understand and apply the TOK framework to produce coherent, well-structured TOK essays and presentations.

Knowledge questions, arguments, and real-world examples are built into every session so TOK becomes a strength, not a last-minute worry.

EXAM BOARDS

Exam Boards / Frameworks We Cover

Full alignment with the IB Diploma Programme and its assessment structure

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)May & November Examination SessionsInternal Assessments (IA)Extended Essay (EE)Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Not sure which board your child is on? We'll check at your free assessment.

MOCK EXAMS

Mock Exams and Road to Results

We plan around the milestones that actually matter for the IB

IB preparation isn't a straight line — it's mock exams, IA deadlines, EE drafts, and final papers. We build our programme around each milestone so your child arrives ready.

1

Full IB Mock Papers

Timed full-length mock exams for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 (and Paper 3 where applicable) with detailed examiner-style feedback.

2

Grade Boundary Targeting

We identify the exact mark targets needed for a 6 or 7 and build a structured revision plan around them.

3

IA & EE Milestone Tracking

We set clear milestones for Internal Assessment and Extended Essay submissions so students are never behind on deadlines.

HOW WE TEACH

How we teach IB Diploma

01

HL vs SL Distinction

We teach HL and SL content separately, ensuring HL students are fully prepared for the additional depth and complexity required.

02

Command Term Mastery

IB mark schemes reward specific command terms. We train students to "analyse", "evaluate", and "discuss" with precision.

03

IA & EE Integration

Academic writing and research skills are built into every subject's tutoring, not treated as a separate add-on.

04

Examiner Perspective

Our tutors approach every piece of work through the lens of what an IB examiner is looking for — and teach students to do the same.

WHY IMPROVE ME

Why Improve ME for IB?

Specialist IB tutors for all core HL and SL subjects

Internal Assessment guidance from brief to final submission

Extended Essay support across multiple subject areas

TOK essay and presentation coaching

May and November session preparation

Aligned with leading IB World Schools in Dubai

one-to-one and small group sessions available

KHDA-approved tutoring centre at Gold & Diamond Park, Dubai

SUCCESS STORIES

Success Stories

"Our daughter went from a predicted 32 to a final score of 39. The Chemistry and Maths HL tutoring was exceptional."

IB Year 2

"The Extended Essay mentoring alone was worth it. Our son had no idea where to start — Improve ME guided him all the way to a B grade."

IB Year 1

"Finally tutors who actually understand IB mark schemes. The difference in our daughter's exam technique was immediate."

IB Year 2

FAQ

IB Diploma — Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Achieve the IB Score That Opens Every Door?

Book a free assessment and let our IB specialists give your child the edge they need to reach their target score.

Free assessment
KHDA approved

Trusted by families across Dubai since 2010 · KHDA-approved · Gold & Diamond Park

WhatsApp