The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a journey of continuous learning. Success requires strategy, consistency, and a well-structured study plan. Unlike curricula that emphasize last-minute preparation, the IB—with its Internal Assessments (IAs), Extended Essay (EE), and continuous assessments—rewards sustained effort.
Here is an ultimate guide to crafting your IB study plan, broken down by programme level (MYP and DP) and key subjects.
The MYP is about building the foundational skills, concepts, and approaches to learning (ATL) that are essential for the DP. Your study plan should focus on understanding concepts and developing ATL skills, not just memorizing facts.
| Grade Level | Key Focus Areas | Subject-Specific Tips |
| MYP 1-3 (Grades 6–8) | Organization & Inquiry: Master note-taking, file organization, and time management. Focus on the Global Contexts in every subject. | All Subjects: Use Criterion C (Communicating) to structure answers clearly. Maths/Science: Practice graphing and data analysis skills. |
| MYP 4-5 (Grades 9–10) | Deepening ATL & Command Terms: Focus on research, critical thinking, and self-management skills. Start practicing with IB command terms (e.g., Analyse, Evaluate). | Humanities: Practice writing structured arguments using evidence. Languages: Daily listening and speaking practice to prepare for the oral exams. |
| Personal Project (Grade 10) | Project Management: Treat this as a mini-Extended Essay. Regularly meet with your supervisor and focus on the Process Journal documentation. | All Subjects: Use your Personal Project to demonstrate Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, especially Self-Management and Communication. |
The DP is a two-year marathon where every piece of work counts. Your plan must integrate subject review, continuous assessment work (IAs/EE/TOK), and balanced well-being.
Year 1 is the time to build a solid foundation and complete the bulk of the core components.
| Focus Area | Time Commitment & Strategy | Key Milestones |
| Subject Content Review | 1.5 – 2 hours per weekday. Focus on fully understanding the new concepts as they are taught. Don’t fall behind. | Complete 75% of Internal Assessment (IA) research and first drafts. Choose and finalize your Extended Essay (EE) topic. |
| The Core (EE/TOK/CAS) | 3-5 hours per week. Work on these components consistently. Don’t wait for your teacher to remind you. | TOK Exhibition completed. EE Draft submitted for first round of feedback. Initiate CAS projects and maintain regular reflections. |
| Exam Skills | 1 hour per weekend. Begin reviewing past topics and practicing subject-specific exam-style questions (Paper 1, Paper 2). | Finalize subject choices (HL/SL). Achieve satisfactory progress in all subjects before the summer break. |
Year 2 is where you finalize assessments, review all content, and gear up for the final exams. Consistency in revision is non-negotiable.
| Focus Area | Time Commitment & Strategy | Key Milestones |
| Final IA/EE Submission | Prioritize early Term 1. Finalize all subjective components, focusing on mark scheme criteria. | Final EE submission. Final IA submissions for all subjects. TOK Essay submitted. |
| Comprehensive Revision | 3 hours per weekday, 5-8 hours per weekend. This is dedicated review time outside of homework. Focus on your 3 HL subjects. | Complete all subject content by the end of Term 2. Create detailed summary notes for all units. |
| Past Paper Practice | 2-3 Full Exams per week in the final 3 months. Work under timed conditions and thoroughly analyse mark schemes. | Complete at least 5 full past papers for each subject (Maths/Science: focus on Paper 2/3). |
While the structure matters, the approach within each subject is crucial for scoring a 7.
Focus on Command Terms: Understand the difference between State, Outline, Explain, and Discuss. Your answer’s depth must match the command term.
Method Marks: In Maths and Science exams, always show all working—even if your final answer is wrong, you can still earn method marks.
The Data Booklet: Master the use of the data booklet/formula sheet early. Know where every formula, constant, or data point is located to save critical exam time.
Lab Work (IA): Focus on a narrow and specific research question. Ensure your Analysis and Evaluation sections are rigorous and detailed, including uncertainties and limitations.
Structuring Arguments: Practice writing structured, essay-based answers that clearly introduce an argument, use topic sentences supported by evidence, and conclude effectively.
Use Specific Examples: For subjects like History and Economics, general knowledge is insufficient. Use specific case studies, names, dates, and evidence to support every point.
Source Evaluation: In History, consistently practice source analysis (origin, purpose, value, limitations). In Geography, understand how to interpret and use different types of maps and data.
Daily Immersion: Integrate the language into your daily life (movies, music, news). Consistency is key for vocabulary and fluency.
Oral Practice: Regularly record yourself speaking or practice with a partner/tutor to perfect pronunciation and spontaneous speaking.
Paper 1 Strategy: For Language A, practice deconstructing unseen texts quickly (analysis of tone, purpose, audience, and features).
The ultimate study plan is personalized. An expert IB mentor can review your academic profile and:
Identify specific subject weaknesses.
Provide targeted feedback on high-stakes assessments (EE, IA, TOK).
Help you prioritize your HL subjects.
Using these structured plans and subject-specific tactics will ensure you navigate the rigour of the IB with confidence and achieve your highest potential.
