Analysis & Approaches · Applications & Interpretation · SL & HL
Book a Free Intro MeetingIB Mathematics has its own distinctive challenges — here's what we see most often.
Analysis & Approaches HL is typically expected by top UK universities for maths, physics, and engineering. Applications & Interpretation may be accepted for economics, computing, or social sciences at some institutions — but it’s worth checking specific university conditional offer requirements before making the choice. Getting this wrong can close doors before applications begin.
The IA is assessed against five IBO criteria: Communication, Mathematical Presentation, Personal Engagement, Reflection, and Use of Mathematics. The ‘Use of Mathematics’ criterion requires demonstrating mathematical sophistication beyond SL standard for full marks — a topic that sounds interesting but only requires basic maths will not score well, regardless of how well it’s written.
AA HL calculus goes beyond A-Level: Maclaurin series, Euler’s method for differential equations, volumes of revolution, and related rates of change. The Paper 3 component (unique to HL) tests open-ended investigation problems with no fixed method — a format that does not appear anywhere in UK A-Level syllabuses and requires specific preparation.
GDC is allowed in Papers 2 and 3 but not Paper 1. Most IB schools use the TI-84 Plus or Casio fx-CG50. Students need to be fluent with their own calculator model — knowing how to solve equations, find intersections, and perform regressions quickly is the difference between having time to check answers and running out entirely.
The IB assessment structure is distinctive — understanding it shapes how to prepare.
Analysis & Approaches HL runs three written papers: Paper 1 (no GDC, 120 min), Paper 2 (GDC allowed, 120 min), and Paper 3 (GDC allowed, 60 min — open-ended investigation problems). Paper 3 is unlike anything in UK A-Level syllabuses: there is no fixed method, and questions are designed to test sustained mathematical exploration in an unfamiliar context.
AA focuses on pure mathematics: algebra, calculus, trigonometry, proof. AI focuses on modelling, statistics, and real-world applications, with heavier GDC use. AI HL includes topics like Markov chains, complex regression, and graph theory. Neither route is simply ‘easier’ than the other — they test different mathematical strengths.
The IA is worth 20% of the final grade and is externally moderated by the IBO. It’s a 12–20-page mathematical exploration assessed against five criteria. Unlike exam performance, the IA mark is largely determined before the exams. Topic choice, structure, and the level of mathematics demonstrated all affect the final score significantly.
Paper 1 for both AA and AI courses is non-calculator. This paper tests whether students can perform exact calculations, recognise exact values of trigonometric functions, and manipulate algebra without digital assistance. Students who have relied on GDC throughout the year often find Paper 1 the most demanding of the three — it rewards fluency that must be built deliberately.
Our tutors understand the IB system — many studied internationally or sat IB exams themselves.
Your IB Maths tutor steers a curated pathway to the top of your exams — keeping a clear picture of your progress, so the teaching always follows where you actually are.
Our IB Maths tutors are university maths and physics students who understand the IB curriculum deeply. They've worked with IB students across Europe and the UK.
We help students choose a topic that will score well on the ‘Use of Mathematics’ criterion, structure their exploration against the five IBO marking criteria, and present mathematical reasoning clearly. A well-chosen topic with good structure regularly outscores a sophisticated topic that is poorly presented.
IB Maths Papers 1 and 2 reward clear reasoning, not just correct answers. Marks are sometimes awarded for method even when the final answer is wrong — students who show their working systematically can recover marks in a way that students who only write the answer cannot. We train students to write their solutions in the way IB mark schemes reward.
Instantly marked homework, Q&A with your tutor between sessions, and a clear view of your progress — all included. IB students often study in different time zones, and our platform is always available.
Full platform access included — instant homework feedback, Q&A support, a clear view of your progress. No contracts, no hidden fees.
See Full Pricing DetailsHow much does an IB Maths tutor cost?
Our rate is £70 per hour — the same standard rate as our GCSE and A-Level tuition — with no contracts and nothing extra to pay. Instantly marked homework, Q&A support between lessons, and a clear view of your progress are all included. See full pricing details.
Which IB Maths courses do you cover?
Both routes and all levels: Analysis & Approaches (AA) SL and HL, and Applications & Interpretation (AI) SL and HL. Your tutor matches lessons and practice questions to your specific route, level, and topic sequence.
Should my child choose Analysis & Approaches or Applications & Interpretation?
Analysis & Approaches HL is typically expected by top UK universities for maths, physics, and engineering — and many conditional offers name a specific grade at HL. Applications & Interpretation may be accepted for economics, computing, or social sciences at some institutions, but requirements vary. Getting this wrong can close doors before applications begin. Your tutor will talk through what your child’s intended degree typically requires.
How does online IB Maths tuition work?
Lessons are live and one-to-one with your own tutor, via Google Meet. Between lessons, students submit homework through our platform — it’s marked instantly with detailed feedback, and your tutor reviews anything the marking system flags — and they can ask their tutor questions whenever they get stuck.
How do you help with the Internal Assessment?
The IA is worth 20% of the final grade and is externally moderated by the IBO. We help students choose a topic that will score well on the ‘Use of Mathematics’ criterion — a topic that sounds interesting but only requires basic maths will not score well, regardless of how well it’s written. We also help students structure their exploration against the five IBO marking criteria and present their mathematical reasoning clearly.
What difference will tutoring actually make to my child’s IB Maths result?
Your tutor builds a curated pathway to the top across the whole course — closing gaps in earlier topics before they compound, preparing exam technique for the specific paper formats your child faces (including Paper 3 investigation problems for AA HL), and supporting the IA from topic selection through to the final write-up. Progress is tracked between lessons through instantly marked homework, so nothing is left unaddressed until the next session.
“Alex tutored me for almost a year and brought my maths A-Level from a D to a confident A.”
“…helped her secure her place at UCL!”
“James… secured a grade higher than his predicted grade at A level.”
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