Study Tips to Ace the IB Diploma and AP Courses!

As students finish school for the summer, we are so proud of their hard work this year, and encourage them all to take a well-deserved break. For students completing grade 10 and rising to grade 11 in the next academic year, the summer is a great time to relax before a lot of hard work begins! We have complete confidence in our students and all the dedication they've already shown throughout the years!

The IB Diploma Programme is known for its academic rigor and diverse subject requirements, which challenge students to develop strong study habits and time management skills. While it can sometimes feel overwhelming, the IB Diploma is an opportunity for self-discovery, growth, and skill development. To help students navigate this upcoming program, as well as all the rigorous AP courses students will be beginning, we’ve detailed below some study tips to help with future studies.

1. Make a Study Schedule & Stick to It
The IB curriculum and AP courses are extensive, so planning is really important. Create a revision and study timetable throughout the year that covers all your subjects, dedicating extra time to the subjects or modules that you find more challenging. You can use apps like Google Calendar or Notion to set reminders and track progress.

2. Use Active Recall & Past Papers
During studying for mock exams or real exams, instead of passively reading notes, engage in active recall by testing yourself with flashcards (Quizlet is a good option!) and summarizing topics in your own words. Practicing past IB exam papers under timed conditions will familiarize you with the format and improve your time management. Can you imagine how much better prepared a student who has done past papers is than a student who has never done one before when they sit down for an exam? Even being familiar with the format of the paper or the types of questions they might ask is really helpful.

3. Take Breaks & Avoid Burnout
After a certain period of time, long study sessions can actually be counter-productive, as they can lead to tiredness and overwhelmed feelings. You can use techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of studying, 5-minute breaks) to stay focused. Incorporate exercise, fresh air, and 8 hours of sleep into your routine to stay focused and avoid mental fog.

4. Make the Most of Study Groups & Resources
Studying with peers can help highlight shared difficulties, clarify challenging concepts, and give you motivation! Join study groups, watch IB-specific YouTube videos, and use online resources to help you practice. Just make sure that the friends you study with are as motivated as you to learn and will help you stay on track! 

The IB Diploma and AP courses are challenging, but with the right study techniques and sleep schedule, we are confident that our students will excel in their studies. We hope our students have a wonderful summer break, and we can't wait to see you all in August!