YOUR IB JOURNEY

From Year 9 to university — we'll take you all the way

The IB Diploma is a five-year journey, not a two-year exam. Here's how IBtheTOP supports your child at every phase — and which programs match each stage.

The 5 phases of an IB student's journey

From foundation to final exam — and which IBtheTOP programs match each stage.

Y9
PHASE 1 · PRE-IB

Year 9 — Building the foundation

Students aren't in IB yet, but the math and English habits built now shape what's possible at Y10 subject selection. The earlier the runway starts, the smoother the launch.

IBtheTOP at this phase 1:1 Tutoring for math fundamentals and academic English; early Free consultation to start mapping IB subject choices.
Y10
PHASE 2 · PRE-DP

Year 10 — Pre-DP foundation year

Subjects finalised. iGCSE results being made (these land on university applications). Critical pre-study window for the IB difficulty jump that arrives in Year 11.

IBtheTOP at this phase Pre-DP Summer Class + Pre-DP Winter Class for foundation. Semester Class Saturdays during term. 1:1 Tutoring for school-specific grade management.
Y11
PHASE 3 · DP1

Year 11 — IB starts, IAs begin

First IA within 2 months. EE topic chosen. School mocks. The most academically demanding year — and the year that produces the predicted grades on the university application.

IBtheTOP at this phase Summer Workshop (DP1) + Winter Workshop (DP1). Semester Class (DP1) Saturdays. IA/EE/TOK Support. Year-round 1:1 Tutoring.
Y12
PHASE 4 · DP2

Year 12 — Finalisation year

University applications submitted. ToK essay. IA/EE final drafts locked in. Final exam prep starts in January. The year where prep stops being optional.

IBtheTOP at this phase Summer Workshop (DP2) + Winter Workshop (DP2). Final Exam Prep (15 weeks for May sitters). IA/EE/TOK Support intensifies. 1:1 Tutoring for weak subjects.
PHASE 5 · EXAMS → UNIVERSITY

May exams → July 5 results → University

Exams sit in May (3–4 weeks). Results land July 5 — conditional offers confirmed, or November retake prep begins. By September: undergraduate life starts.

IBtheTOP at this phase May Final Exam Prep closes out paper-by-paper. Between sittings, 1:1 Tutoring. After July 5 results: if retakes needed, November Final Exam Prep begins immediately.
8+
Years guiding IB students
100%
English-medium classes
12
Programs
365
Days of support

Explore our classes

Match your child's needs with our tailored programs at each phase. Browse all classes below.


Where is your child on this map?

Contact us for a free 30-minute consultation. We'll locate your child on the roadmap, walk you through what's coming next, and tell you which programs match.

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