For IB Diploma Programme (DP) students in Jeddah, Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses in Math, the sciences and History each combine demanding exams with coursework that counts towards the final grade.
This guide is for families comparing IB tutoring in Jeddah. It explains how HL and SL work, how each subject is assessed, what the best IB tutors in Jeddah have in common, and how to choose between IB Diploma coaching, IB Diploma classes and an IB tuition center.
At a glance
- The IB Diploma is scored out of 45: up to 7 points in each of six subjects, plus up to 3 from Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay.
- In IB Math and the sciences, coursework is worth 20% of the subject grade.
- In IB History, the historical investigation is worth 25% at SL and 20% at HL under the current course.
- The sciences moved to a new syllabus for May 2025 exams, and History moves to a new course for May 2028.
HL or SL? How Levels and Scoring Work
HL courses cover more content: in the sciences and History, the IB recommends 150 teaching hours at SL and 240 at HL, and HL often adds an extra exam paper. Yet both levels are graded 1 to 7 and count equally:
- Six subjects, each graded 1 to 7, for up to 42 points.
- Up to 3 core points from Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE), each graded A to E.
- CAS must be completed but is not graded.
- 45 is the maximum and 24 the minimum, though failing conditions such as an E in TOK or the EE also apply.
HL students need depth and stamina for longer papers; SL students often benefit most from efficient, targeted practice. The full rules are on the IB’s Diploma Programme passing criteria page.
IB Math Tutoring: AA and AI at HL and SL
The IB offers two mathematics courses, each at SL and HL:
- Analysis and Approaches (AA) suits students who enjoy algebra, abstract reasoning and mathematical argument.
- Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on modelling and statistical analysis, including functions and calculus, with technology used throughout.
Some university courses specify which IB Math they accept, so check before choosing.
At both levels, exams make up 80% of the grade and the mathematical exploration, an individual written investigation, makes up 20%. HL adds Paper 3, a one-hour paper of two extended problem-solving questions worth 20%. See the IB’s subject briefs for Analysis and Approaches and Applications and Interpretation.
Good IB Math tutoring covers:
- Choosing the right course and level early
- Securing algebra, functions and calculus in DP1
- Paper 3-style problem-solving at HL
- A workable exploration topic and how it is marked
IB Science Coaching in Jeddah
IB Physics, Chemistry and Biology moved to a new syllabus, first assessed in May 2025, with Paper 3 removed. All three now share one model at SL and HL:
- Paper 1 (36%): multiple-choice (1A) and data-based questions (1B) in one sitting.
- Paper 2 (44%): short-answer and extended-response questions.
- The scientific investigation (20%): an open-ended task answering the student’s own research question.
- The collaborative sciences project: required, but not graded.
At HL, Paper 1 lasts 2 hours and Paper 2 lasts 2 hours 30 minutes. The IB’s Biology subject brief shows the model in full.
Good IB science coaching covers:
- Core concepts, with extra depth at HL
- Data-based questions, graphs and calculations under time pressure
- A focused research question for the scientific investigation
- Past papers from the current syllabus, not pre-2025 versions
IB History Tutoring
Students sitting exams in May 2027 follow the current History course; those who began the DP in August 2026 follow a new course with first exams in May 2028. Check which version applies before choosing materials or a tutor.
Current course (exams up to 2027):
- SL: Paper 1, source-based (1 hour, 30%); Paper 2, essays on world history topics (1.5 hours, 45%); historical investigation (25%).
- HL: Paper 1 (20%); Paper 2 (25%); Paper 3, essays on one regional option (2.5 hours, 35%); historical investigation (20%).
New course (first exams May 2028):
- Prescribed subjects become focused studies (Paper 1) and world history topics become thematic studies (Paper 2).
- HL and SL sit the same source-based Paper 1.
- HL Paper 3 asks for two essays from different regional studies.
- Both levels still complete a historical investigation.
See the IB’s History subject brief for the new course.
Good IB History tutoring covers:
- Fast, accurate source analysis for Paper 1
- Focused, well-evidenced essays under time pressure
- Secure knowledge of chosen topics and regional studies
- A clear inquiry question for the historical investigation, without writing it for the student
What the Best IB Tutors in Jeddah Have in Common
- IB-specific experience, not just subject knowledge.
- The right syllabus version. The sciences changed for 2025, History changes for 2028, and revised Math courses are due for first assessment in 2029.
- Level awareness. The best IB tutors in Jeddah adapt to HL or SL.
- Teaching to the assessment criteria for every paper and coursework task.
- Coursework support within IB rules. Tutors coach research and structure but never write the work.
- A clear plan and regular updates built around school deadlines, mocks and exams.
- A first session or consultation before you commit.
IB Diploma Coaching, IB Diploma Classes or an IB Tuition Center?
Many families combine more than one.
IB Diploma coaching in Jeddah is long-term, one-to-one support across both years, ideal for securing HL foundations and planning coursework.
IB Diploma classes in Jeddah are small groups taking the same subject and level, suited to students who learn well with peers.
An IB tuition center in Jeddah can offer both, with set schedules and shared resources. Ask whether it specialises in IB.
Whichever you choose, ask who will teach and how progress will be measured. Students joining from another curriculum may benefit from UniHawk’s IBDP Bridge Program.
A Two-Year Plan
- Before DP1: choose subjects and levels that match target university courses.
- DP1, first term: secure HL foundations and start source analysis in History.
- DP1, second half: explore ideas for the Math exploration, scientific investigation, historical investigation and Extended Essay.
- DP2, first term: finish coursework using feedback within IB rules.
- DP2, mocks: find the papers and topics where extra points are most realistic.
- DP2, final months: timed past papers from the correct syllabus version.
IB Tutoring for Jeddah Students with UniHawk
UniHawk’s IB tutoring supports Diploma students in Math AA and AI, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, alongside English, Economics, Business Management, Psychology, Computer Science, French and Spanish, plus TOK, the Extended Essay and internal assessments. For IB History, contact our team about tutor availability.
- Online tutoring with UniHawk’s IB specialists, wherever you are in Jeddah.
- Specialist tutors with Master’s degrees and PhDs, many with six to ten or more years of experience.
- A customised study plan built around each student’s subjects, levels and deadlines.
- The IBDP Bridge Program for students joining from another curriculum.
We also offer university admissions counselling, Profile Building, SAT and IELTS preparation, and AP, A Level and IGCSE tutoring.
Our nearest office is in Riyadh: 109, Ground Floor, UNBOX Community, Al Olaya (+966 50 172 5915). See all locations.
Book a free consultation or enquire now to discuss your child’s IB subjects and goals.
