DIPLOMA PROGRAMME · AGES 16–19
Expert IB Diploma Programme Tutoring
One-on-one tutoring for IB Diploma Programme students aged 16 to 19. Apex covers all six subject groups at Standard Level and Higher Level — plus the core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and every Internal Assessment. Delivered online globally via the MyApex App.
ABOUT THE DP
What Is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year, internationally recognised qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It’s accepted at universities worldwide — from the University of Cape Town to Oxford, Stanford to NUS Singapore — and is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous secondary qualifications available.
DP students study six subjects across six subject groups (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level), plus three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). The DP is graded on a 45-point scale — 42 from subjects and up to 3 bonus points from TOK and the EE.
It’s also where most IB students seek tutoring support. The DP is academically demanding, time-pressured, and the stakes are real — final grades determine university admission. At Apex Academic Centre, we tutor DP students one-on-one across every subject, every Higher and Standard Level, and every core component. Learn more about the Diploma Programme on the IB Organization’s official site.
DP STRUCTURE
How the Diploma Programme Is Structured
Six subjects across six groups, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), plus the three core components.
English A: Literature (SL/HL)
(Ab Initio / B at SL/HL)
History · Geography · Psychology · Global Politics
Computer Science · Design Technology
Applications & Interpretation (AI) — SL/HL
(SL/HL)
THE IB CORE
TOK, EE & CAS — The Three Core Components
Beyond the six subjects, every DP student completes three core components that contribute up to 3 bonus points to the final 45-point Diploma score — and where most students seek the most tutoring support.
Theory of Knowledge
TOK explores how we know what we know — across disciplines, contexts, and cultures. Students complete a 1,600-word essay on a prescribed title plus a 10-minute exhibition with three real-world objects.
Apex tutors guide essay structure, knowledge questions, and exhibition preparation.
Extended Essay
A 4,000-word independent research essay on a topic of the student's choice. The EE is many students' first taste of university-level research and academic writing.
Apex tutors support research question framing, methodology, structure, and meeting every IB criterion.
Creativity, Activity, Service
CAS is the experiential component — students engage in creative, physical, and service activities outside the classroom, documented through reflections and a final CAS project.
CAS is not externally tutored, but Apex can advise on reflection writing and project planning.
HOW APEX HELPS
How Apex Tutors DP Students
Subject Specialists, Every Subject
Tutors who teach Maths AA HL because they know Maths AA HL — not generalists. Same for Chemistry HL, English Lit HL, Spanish Ab Initio, and every other subject and level.
EE, IA & TOK Expertise
Apex tutors guide DP students through every long-form deliverable — Extended Essays, Internal Assessments across all subjects, TOK essays, and TOK exhibitions. Structured, criterion-based, deadline-respecting.
Exam-Focused Final Push
As exams approach, Apex tutors shift into exam-prep mode — past-paper analysis, time management, mark scheme decoding, and the specific moves that lift a 5 to a 6, or a 6 to a 7.
DP FAQS
Common Questions About the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is graded out of 45 points. Each of the six subjects is scored 1-7 (so 42 points maximum from subjects), with up to 3 additional bonus points awarded from a combined matrix of Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay grades. A passing Diploma requires a minimum of 24 points and the completion of TOK, EE, and CAS.
Globally, the average IB Diploma score is around 30-31 points. A score of 35+ is considered strong, 40+ is excellent, and 42+ puts a student in the top few percent worldwide. For competitive university programmes (Oxford, Cambridge, Ivy League), candidates typically present 38-42+ points with HL grades of 6 or 7 in relevant subjects.
Each DP student studies three subjects at Higher Level (240 teaching hours over two years) and three at Standard Level (150 teaching hours). HL subjects go into greater depth, cover more topics, and require more independent study. SL subjects cover the same skill areas but with a lighter scope. Students typically choose HL in subjects they intend to study at university.
The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research essay completed over the two years of the DP. Most students start formal work in Year 1 (after exam season) and complete the final draft in early Year 2 to free up time for final-exam preparation. Apex tutors typically work with students for 6-12 sessions over this period, from research question framing to final draft review.
Yes. Students who want to improve their results can register for retake sessions in November or May. Retakes are administered as private candidates through registered IB schools. Apex offers focused retake support — typically intensive multi-week tutoring leading up to the new exam session, with past-paper drills and weakness-targeted revision.
Yes. The IB Diploma is officially recognised by leading South African universities including Stellenbosch University, the University of Cape Town and the University of the Witwatersrand. IB students must obtain a Matriculation Exemption Certificate from the SA Matriculation Board before applying. Apex can advise on this process.
Apex tutors all six DP subject groups at both SL and HL: Studies in Language & Literature (English A), Language Acquisition (French, Spanish, Mandarin), Individuals & Societies (Economics, Business Management, History, Geography, Psychology, Global Politics), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science), Mathematics (AA and AI at SL/HL), and the Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Theatre). We also provide TOK, Extended Essay, and Internal Assessment support.
You can book a free consultation by downloading the MyApex App, visiting apexacademiccentre.co.za, or contacting our team on info@apexacademiccentre.co.za or 011 354 0198. We'll discuss your subjects, levels, current grades, and specific challenges before matching your child with a DP subject specialist.
Looking at MYP or the full IB picture?
See how Apex tutors students through the earlier IB stages, or get an overview of our entire IB tutoring offering.
Reach Your IB Diploma Goal — With Expert Support
Whether you’re aiming for 32 points or 42, struggling in one subject or pushing for 7s across the board — book a free consultation and we’ll match you with the right DP subject specialist.