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).
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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.
SUBJECTS
IB Subjects at Improve ME
Specialist tutoring across every major IB subject — HL & SL, with IA support and exam technique
Mathematics (AA & AI)
HL & SL — Analysis and Approaches / Applications and Interpretation. Full syllabus coverage and IA support.
Learn More →English Language & Literature
HL & SL — Text analysis, essay technique, and IO preparation for the exam and Internal Assessment.
Learn More →Biology
HL & SL — From molecular biology to ecology, with full IA guidance and past paper mastery.
Learn More →Chemistry
HL & SL — Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry with IA support and mark scheme focus.
Learn More →Physics
HL & SL — Mechanics, waves, electricity, and Option topics. IA and exam technique built in.
Learn More →Economics
HL & SL — Micro, macro, and global economy. IA and Paper 1–3 preparation with real mark schemes.
Learn More →Business Management
HL & SL — Case studies, concepts, and IA. We prepare students for what examiners reward.
Learn More →Psychology
HL & SL — Approaches, research methods, and options. IA and essay technique for 6s and 7s.
Learn More →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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Grade Boundary Targeting
We identify the exact mark targets needed for a 6 or 7 and build a structured revision plan around them.
IA & EE Milestone Tracking
We set clear milestones for Internal Assessment and Extended Essay submissions so students are never behind on deadlines.
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.
Grade Boundary Targeting
We identify the exact mark targets needed for a 6 or 7 and build a structured revision plan around them.
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
HL vs SL Distinction
We teach HL and SL content separately, ensuring HL students are fully prepared for the additional depth and complexity required.
Command Term Mastery
IB mark schemes reward specific command terms. We train students to "analyse", "evaluate", and "discuss" with precision.
IA & EE Integration
Academic writing and research skills are built into every subject's tutoring, not treated as a separate add-on.
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."
Parent
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."
Parent
IB Year 1
"Finally tutors who actually understand IB mark schemes. The difference in our daughter's exam technique was immediate."
Parent
IB Year 2
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Explore the Middle Years Programme — the stage that prepares students for the IB Diploma.
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Taking IGCSEs? Explore our IGCSE programme for international exam board support.
ExploreReady 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.
Trusted by families across Dubai since 2010 · KHDA-approved · Gold & Diamond Park