Realistic Holiday Plan
Balance rest with a structured plan that closes criterion gaps, finalizes Personal Project documentation, and prepares for eAssessment where relevant.
IB Tutoring Academy helps families understand the International Baccalaureate programme levels, from the Middle Years Programme through the Diploma Programme. This guide outlines what each level involves, the academic focus by month, and how subject tutoring and core component support adapt to your student's current stage. Start with a consultation to discuss your student's specific needs.
The International Baccalaureate offers a continuum of education. The Middle Years Programme (MYP) focuses on interdisciplinary learning and criterion-referenced assessment. The Diploma Programme (DP) provides a rigorous two-year curriculum comprising six subject groups and three core components.
Families often need clarity on where their student fits within this structure. MYP builds foundational skills through subject groups and the Personal Project. DP deepens subject knowledge while requiring Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). IB Tutoring Academy provides tutoring aligned to the demands of each programme level.
Three Higher Level and three Standard Level subjects chosen from six groups, with internal assessments and external examinations.
Critical thinking about knowledge itself, assessed through an exhibition and essay.
Independent research and academic writing on a topic of the student's choice.
Sustained engagement in experiential learning with planning and reflection.
HL/SL content mastery, exam technique, internal assessment guidance, and core component development.
Balance rest with a structured plan that closes criterion gaps, finalizes Personal Project documentation, and prepares for eAssessment where relevant.
Review weak Criteria A through D across subject groups before the final MYP5 semester begins.
Complete bibliography, report sections, and product/outcome documentation to meet internal deadlines.
Use the break for focused preparation if on-screen examinations or ePortfolio submissions are upcoming.
Learn what the next programme will require — the goal is understanding the transition, not starting coursework early.
Planning through to final report, demonstrating ATL skills and subject knowledge with structured feedback and deadline management.
Critical thinking support for the exhibition and essay, developing arguments about knowledge questions.
Research and writing guidance for independent academic work, from research question to final submission.
Planning and reflection help for sustained experiential learning, meeting CAS requirements and deadlines.
Support structured around the specific demands and assessment criteria of each core component.
Moving from MYP to the Diploma Programme or Career-related Programme involves new expectations for subject depth, independent work, and time management. Confirming subject choices early allows students to understand what each DP or CP course entails and how it aligns with their strengths and aspirations.
Families benefit from discussing the shift in assessment style, the introduction of core requirements, and the increased demand for self-directed study. Tutoring can support this transition by reinforcing foundational skills, introducing DP-style questions, and helping students build effective study habits before the programme begins.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) uses criterion-referenced assessment across eight subject groups and a Personal Project. The Diploma Programme (DP) requires six subjects (three HL, three SL) plus the core components of TOK, EE, and CAS.
MYP tutoring focuses on criterion achievement levels (A-D) across subject groups, Personal Project management, and eAssessment preparation where applicable. DP tutoring addresses Higher Level and Standard Level subject content, internal assessments, external examinations, and core component requirements.
DP or CP subject choices often need to be confirmed during MYP5. November is a key time for students to understand what each chosen subject involves and how it fits their academic profile and future plans.
Tutoring supports the Personal Project from planning through to the final report, helping students manage the independent inquiry, demonstrate ATL skills, and meet school deadlines for product, outcome, and report sections.
December can be challenging as Personal Project deadlines may limit rest, while unfinished work creates January pressure. A realistic holiday plan helps close criterion gaps, complete project documentation, and prepare for the final MYP5 semester.
Complete the consultation form on the IB Tutoring Academy website. We will discuss your student's current programme level, subject needs, and goals to outline a tailored tutoring approach.
Discuss your student's IB programme level, subject needs, and academic goals. Complete the consultation form and we will outline how tutoring can support their specific stage.