The IB or International Baccalaureate Diploma, is a globally unified education system. While each country offers its own education system (here in Spain we have The Spanish Baccalaureate and the UK has the A-LEVELS), the IB Diploma Programme is created to offer a diploma that is valid for all countries.
So why is the IB programme so famous? Apart from the evidence that it is valid in more than 70 countries, with the premise of securing you entry to the best universities of the world, it is because The IB Diploma is one of the best and most complete educational programs. If you ask any student who has studied or is studying IB, their answer would certainly not be that it is easy. The IB provides very in-depth subject knowledge, so the demands are very high.
This very complete curriculum has become so popular that many universities, when selecting students, take into account who has taken the IB, as it is a highly recognised diploma.
In Spain there is an increasing demand for the IB, but the problem, as in most cases, is misinformation and lack of knowledge. Many parents and students don’t even know about the system, and if they do, they don’t even know the main issues.
For this reason, and because we at TutorASAP are happy to explain it, we are going to answer the most frequently asked questions about the IB: IB FAQs.
WHO IT'S AIMED AT?
The IB Diploma is aimed at students between the ages of 16 and 19. What does this mean? For example, for students in the Spanish system who want to do the IB, it would mean finishing the E.S.O. and then, instead of doing the Spanish bachillerato, doing the IB. Of course, you would have to look for a school that offers this certificate, whether it is a public, private or international school.
Normally the IB student profile corresponds to a person who wants to have a complete and international curriculum to enable them to have a quality and exceptional future.
WHAT SUBJECTS DOES IB HAVE?
As we say, the IB is quite comprehensive. The programme has up to 6 branches or groups of knowledge with their respective subjects. As the IB aims for the student to be a skilled and knowledgeable student in many fields, it obliges the student to take a course/subject for each group except for the arts group. To explain it better:
GROUP 1. Language and Literature Studies (one compulsory subject from here).
GROUP 2. Language Acquisition (another compulsory subject from here)
GROUP 3. Individuals and Societies (one compulsory)
GROUP 4. Science (one compulsory)
GROUP 5. Mathematics (one compulsory)
GROUP 6. Arts (here it is NOT compulsory to take one, which we do not particularly agree with, as it is undervalued with the rest of the branches).
In other words, there would be 5 compulsory subjects (courses), plus one extra non-compulsory subject from the arts branch or from any of the first 5 branches. SUMMARY: In total there would be a total of 6.
WHAT ARE HL AND SL SUBJECTS?
The HL subjects are the High Level, that is to say, the higher level, those that cover more knowledge and level, more in-depth, let’s say. As for the SL subjects, they are the Standard Level, i.e. the medium level, which do not go into as much depth as the others.
More or less of the 6 subjects in total that you have to choose for the IB, half would be HL and half SL, although there are exceptions, as with everything.
The difference also lies in the number of teaching hours: while the HL courses are 240 hours, the SL courses are 150 hours.
SUBJECTS GROUP
GROUP 1: LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE STUDIES
In this group, the pupil studies one main language of his/her choice, usually the mother tongue (let’s call it Language A), and chooses at least one of these subjects as a compulsory subject:
Language A: Literature.
Language A: Language and Literature.
Literature and Theatre Performance (interdisciplinary subject): available in English, Spanish and French.
GROUP 2: LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
This group is based on the study of an additional language in terms of culture, knowledge, grammar, etc. of the language. It would be the study of a complementary language.
Choose a compulsory one:
Modern languages (French, Mandarin Chinese or Spanish).
Classical languages (Greek and Latin).
GROUP 3: INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES
Based on studies that understand human beings as social beings, their historical, economic, cultural, etc. context. Subjects available (choose one compulsory subject):
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Economics
Business and Management
Philosophy
Geography
Global Politics
History
Psychology
World Religions (NM)
Information Technology in a Global Society
GROUP 4: SCIENCES
Biology
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Physics
Computer Science
Chemistry
Design Technology
Environmental Systems and Societies
GROUP 5: MATHEMATICS
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
GROUP 6: ARTS
Students are NOT obliged to choose a subject from this group. In order to take the 6 subjects in total, the student can either freely choose one from this group or choose one from the previous group, being able to take two from the same group (groups 1 to 5).
We do not particularly agree with this, as it discredits this branch of knowledge in relation to the others.
Dance
Music
Cinema
Theatre
Visual arts
PROJECTS: THE BIG HEADACHE FOR MANY STUDENTS
The three horsemen of the apocalypse for many students are the papers that have to be done independently of the 6 subjects:
T.O.K. or Theory of Knowledge.
The monograph or Extended Essay
CAS: Creativity, Activity and Service.
In addition to the Internal Assessment, which is specific to each subject, a paper that must be done for each subject except languages and language (therefore they will have to do less than 6 and this is what they usually ask for help with the most).
The thing about IB assignments and projects is that they require a lot of professionalism, maturity and depth. They are practically university jobs, which means that thanks to them they already have a basis for doing more adult projects for their university and working life. It gives them a plus and a unique learning experience.
We will do a specific post to explain what the projects consist of, answer typical questions such as how long they take to do, how they are done and planned, etc.
At TutorASAP we receive a lot of students asking about the T.O.K and the Internal Assessment especially. Our guarantee? We have been helping IB students for over 20 years with teachers who are experts in this system, so we have plenty of experience to help students get through it all.
Do you have any doubts? Do you need to talk to someone who really knows the subject? Don’t worry, give us a call or write to us and we’ll talk to you without any obligation, come and tell us about your case!
What? PRIVATE tuition to prepare students for IB projects such as the IA Internal Assessment or the T.O.K.
How? At TutorASAP we design a specific and individualised programme for the student’s needs, bringing out their maximum potential thanks to our T.E.O.K. algorithm.
When? You choose. Customised timetables to be defined.
Where? At our centre in Plaza Castilla, in a perfect central location in Madrid, or online (live streaming with the teacher).
Why with us? Because our tutors are not just any teachers: they are true experts in teaching specifically for IB projects and assignments. What characterises us is that we get students to produce mature, exquisite and well-planned projects.
The most demanded – 10 hours.
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Examples of Science Internal Assessments (IA) with complete graphs and analysis At TutorASAP we help you prepare Internal Assessments for IB subjects such as Chemistry,
Tips for Students Starting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Here are some practical strategies to begin this demanding academic program with confidence The International Baccalaureate (IB)
Para que cualquier servicio pueda comenzar, será imprescindible tanto la aceptación expresa del presente contrato por parte de los padres o tutores legales mediante el formulario online habilitado por TutorASAP, como el pago íntegro por adelantado del servicio o mensualidad contratada.
La aceptación del contrato a través del formulario online (incluyendo el checkbox de conformidad), junto con la aceptación de la propuesta académica y económica remitida por TutorASAP y la realización del pago correspondiente, tendrá plena validez como formalización de la relación contractual entre las partes. Dicha aceptación electrónica sustituye a todos los efectos a la firma manuscrita.
Sin la aceptación expresa del contrato mediante el formulario y sin la recepción del pago por adelantado, TutorASAP no podrá iniciar la prestación de ningún servicio.
Todos los pagos deberán efectuarse dentro del plazo indicado en la propuesta, factura o comunicación correspondiente.
En caso de impago o pago fuera de plazo, TutorASAP notificará dicha circunstancia a los padres o tutores legales, disponiendo estos de un plazo máximo de 5 días hábiles para regularizar la situación.
Transcurrido dicho plazo sin haberse recibido el pago, TutorASAP podrá:
Suspender temporalmente la prestación del servicio hasta su completa regularización.
Reasignar la plaza del estudiante a otro alumno.
Las clases ya impartidas serán siempre exigibles y deberán abonarse en su totalidad, con independencia de que el servicio haya sido posteriormente suspendido por impago.
En concepto de gastos de gestión derivados del impago, TutorASAP podrá aplicar un recargo adicional del 10 % sobre el importe pendiente.
TutorASAP no se hace responsable de retrasos o impagos derivados de acuerdos entre los padres o tutores legales y terceras empresas o empleadores. En estos casos, la obligación de pago frente a TutorASAP seguirá recayendo exclusivamente en los padres o tutores legales.
Los padres o tutores legales autorizan a TutorASAP, salvo indicación expresa en contrario, al uso de:
Imágenes y vídeos del estudiante.
Grabaciones de voz.
Ejercicios o materiales elaborados durante las clases.
Dichos contenidos podrán utilizarse exclusivamente con fines corporativos y publicitarios, incluyendo página web, redes sociales, material promocional y presentaciones institucionales, siempre preservando la dignidad del estudiante.
Esta autorización podrá ser revocada en cualquier momento mediante comunicación escrita dirigida a TutorASAP, sin efectos retroactivos sobre contenidos ya publicados.
TutorASAP podrá ofrecer, cuando resulte conveniente para el seguimiento académico del estudiante, un servicio psicopedagógico complementario.
Dicho servicio será prestado por la entidad colaboradora Edu-Engineering, perteneciente al mismo grupo educativo.
En caso de considerarse necesario este apoyo, TutorASAP derivará el caso a Edu-Engineering, desde donde se contactará directamente con la familia para:
El servicio psicopedagógico es complementario y no sustituye en ningún caso evaluaciones o diagnósticos clínicos realizados por profesionales sanitarios.
La contratación de este servicio será siempre opcional y requerirá el consentimiento expreso de los padres o tutores legales.
Todos los servicios deberán abonarse por adelantado mediante tarjeta de crédito o transferencia bancaria.
El justificante de pago deberá remitirse a TutorASAP con el fin de reservar las sesiones planificadas en la propuesta.
En caso de no recibirse el pago dentro del plazo indicado, la reserva quedará automáticamente cancelada sin obligación de mantenimiento de plaza, profesor u horarios.
Se podrá desistir del contrato en un plazo de 14 días naturales desde la aceptación del contrato, salvo que el servicio ya haya comenzado.
Si el servicio ha comenzado antes del fin del plazo de desistimiento, se abonará únicamente la parte proporcional correspondiente a las sesiones efectivamente impartidas.
La solicitud de desistimiento deberá realizarse por escrito a través del correo electrónico del departamento de atención a las familias o mediante los canales electrónicos habilitados por TutorASAP a tal efecto.
Reembolso total: si la cancelación se realiza con más de 14 días naturales de antelación al inicio del curso.
Reembolso parcial (50 %): si se cancela dentro de los 14 días previos al inicio.
Sin reembolso: si la cancelación ocurre una vez iniciado el curso.
Reembolso total: si la cancelación se realiza con más de 30 días naturales de antelación al inicio.
Reembolso parcial (50 %): si la cancelación se realiza entre 15 y 30 días antes del inicio.
Sin reembolso: si la cancelación se realiza en los 14 días previos o una vez iniciado el curso.
En caso de que no se alcance el número mínimo de alumnos necesario para la formación del grupo, TutorASAP ofrecerá al cliente la reubicación en otro servicio equivalente o el reembolso íntegro del importe abonado.
Pagos
La domiciliación bancaria es obligatoria. La primera mensualidad deberá abonarse mediante tarjeta de crédito o transferencia bancaria en un plazo máximo de 24–48 horas tras la contratación.
A partir de ese momento, las mensualidades se cargarán automáticamente en la cuenta bancaria facilitada por los padres o tutores legales el último jueves anterior al inicio de cada mes lectivo.
Bajas y reembolsos
Para darse de baja del servicio, será necesario notificarlo por escrito antes del día 15 del mes anterior al que se desea causar baja.
Reembolso total: si la baja se comunica antes del día 15 del mes anterior.
Reembolso parcial (50 %): si la baja se comunica después del día 15 y antes del inicio del mes correspondiente.
Sin reembolso: si la baja se comunica una vez iniciado el mes lectivo.
Horarios
Los horarios son fijos y solo pueden modificarse si existe disponibilidad. Si tras haberse formalizado una propuesta y haberse agendado las clases se necesitan cambios, TutorASAP no puede garantizar que se mantenga el mismo profesor ni que los horarios disponibles sean los mismos.
Clases canceladas por el estudiante
TutorASAP no puede garantizar la reprogramación de clases canceladas por el estudiante con el mismo profesor ni en el mismo horario.
Todas aquellas sesiones que se cancelen con un preaviso mínimo de 24 horas darán derecho a una vía de recuperación del tiempo lectivo correspondiente, en el formato más adecuado disponible en ese momento, pudiendo consistir en otro de los servicios ofrecidos por TutorASAP.
Clases no impartidas por causas internas
TutorASAP garantiza la recuperación íntegra del tiempo lectivo correspondiente a aquellas sesiones que no hayan podido impartirse por causas internas, tales como enfermedad del docente, ausencias, vacaciones u otras circunstancias organizativas imputables a TutorASAP.
1. Service Formalization
For any service to commence, it shall be mandatory both for the parents or legal guardians to expressly accept this contract through the online form enabled by TutorASAP, and to make full advance payment of the contracted service.
Acceptance of the contract through the online form (including the confirmation checkbox), together with acceptance of the academic and financial proposal sent by TutorASAP and completion of the corresponding payment, shall have full legal validity as the formalisation of the contractual relationship between the parties. Such electronic acceptance shall replace, for all legal purposes, a handwritten or digital signature.
Without express acceptance of the contract through the form and without receipt of full advance payment, TutorASAP shall not commence the provision of any service.
2. Late Payments and Non-Payment of Fees
All payments must be made within the deadline indicated in the corresponding proposal, invoice or communication.
In the event of non-payment or late payment, TutorASAP shall notify the parents or legal guardians, who shall have a maximum period of five (5) business days to regularise the situation.
Once this period has elapsed without payment having been received, TutorASAP may:
Temporarily suspend the provision of the service until full regularisation.
Reassign the student’s place to another student.
Classes already delivered shall always be payable in full and must be settled regardless of whether the service has subsequently been suspended due to non-payment.
As compensation for administrative costs arising from non-payment, TutorASAP may apply an additional surcharge of 10% to the outstanding amount.
TutorASAP shall not be responsible for delays or non-payments arising from agreements between parents or legal guardians and third-party companies or employers. In such cases, the obligation to pay TutorASAP shall remain exclusively with the parents or legal guardians.
3. Image Rights
Unless expressly stated otherwise, the parents or legal guardians authorise TutorASAP to use:
Images and videos of the student.
Voice recordings.
Exercises or materials produced during classes.
Such content may be used exclusively for corporate and promotional purposes, including on the website, social media, marketing materials and institutional presentations, while preserving the dignity of the student.
This authorisation may be revoked at any time by written notice to TutorASAP, without retroactive effect on content already published.
4. Psychopedagogy
TutorASAP may offer, when deemed appropriate for the student’s academic follow-up, a complementary psychopedagogical support service.
This service shall be provided by the collaborating entity Edu-Engineering, which belongs to the same educational group.
Where such support is considered necessary, TutorASAP shall refer the case to Edu-Engineering, which will contact the family directly in order to:
Explain the scope of the service.
Send a specific financial proposal.
Formalise an independent service agreement.
The psychopedagogical service is complementary and shall in no case replace clinical assessments or diagnoses performed by healthcare professionals.
Contracting this service shall always be optional and shall require the express consent of the parents or legal guardians.
5. Data Protection
TutorASAP stores data in a private file in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Rights of access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection and data portability may be exercised by sending an email or written request by post.
Data shall be retained for a minimum period of five (5) years after termination of the contractual relationship.
6. Cancellation and Refund Policy
6.1 Advance Payment
All services must be paid in advance by credit card or bank transfer.
Proof of payment must be sent to TutorASAP in order to reserve the sessions planned in the proposal.
If payment is not received within the indicated deadline, the reservation shall be automatically cancelled, with no obligation to maintain the student’s place, teacher or scheduled timetable.
6.2 Right of Withdrawal
The contract may be withdrawn within fourteen (14) calendar days from acceptance, provided that the service has not yet commenced.
If the service has commenced before the end of the withdrawal period, only the proportional part corresponding to the sessions actually delivered shall be payable.
The withdrawal request must be made in writing via the email address of the Family Support Department or through any electronic channels enabled by TutorASAP for this purpose.
6.3 Turbo Individual Courses
Full refund: if cancellation is made more than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the course start date.
Partial refund (50%): if cancellation is made within the 14 days prior to the start date.
No refund: if cancellation occurs once the course has started.
6.4 Turbo Courses (Shared)
Full refund: if cancellation is made more than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the course start date.
Partial refund (50%): if cancellation is made between 15 and 30 days prior to the start date.
No refund: if cancellation is made within the 14 days prior to the start date or once the course has started.
If the minimum number of students required to form a group is not reached, TutorASAP shall offer either relocation to an equivalent service or a full refund of the amount paid.
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6.5 Support 365
Payments
Direct debit is mandatory. The first monthly fee must be paid by credit card or bank transfer within a maximum of 24–48 hours following enrolment.
Thereafter, monthly fees shall be automatically charged to the bank account provided by the parents or legal guardians on the last Thursday prior to the start of each academic month.
Cancellations and refunds
To cancel the service, written notice must be given before the 15th day of the month prior to the month in which cancellation is to take effect.
Full refund: if cancellation is notified before the 15th of the previous month.
Partial refund (50%): if cancellation is notified after the 15th and before the start of the corresponding month.
No refund: if cancellation is notified once the academic month has already started.
Timetables
Timetables are fixed and may only be modified subject to availability. If changes are required after a proposal has been formalised and classes scheduled, TutorASAP cannot guarantee retention of the same teacher or the same available time slots.
Classes cancelled by the student
TutorASAP cannot guarantee rescheduling of classes cancelled by the student with the same teacher or at the same time.
Any session cancelled with at least 24 hours’ prior notice shall entitle the student to a recovery option for the corresponding teaching time, in the most appropriate format available at that time, which may consist of another service offered by TutorASAP.
Classes not delivered due to internal causes
TutorASAP guarantees full recovery of the corresponding teaching time for any sessions that could not be delivered due to internal causes, such as teacher illness, absences, holidays or other organisational circumstances attributable to TutorASAP.
7. Cancellation Procedure
Cancellation requests must be sent via email to the family support department.
The date of receipt of the email will determine the right to a refund.