IB Math & Physics
Expert IB Mathematics and Physics tutoring at SL and HL. Private lessons from an award-winning tutor with 20+ years of experience helping students achieve 6s and 7s in both subjects.
Sample IB Math lesson – see my teaching style in action
Levels Offered
What's Included
My Teaching Approach
Concept Mastery
Deep understanding of mathematical and physical principles, not just memorization. I ensure you grasp the "why" behind every formula.
Exam Strategy
Strategic practice with past papers, mark schemes, and time management techniques for maximum exam performance in both subjects.
IA Excellence
Comprehensive Internal Assessment support for Math and Physics, from topic selection to final presentation and criterion optimization.
Physics Lab Support
Guidance on experimental design, data analysis, error handling, and the practical skills assessed in IB Physics Paper 3.
GDC Mastery
Master your GDC calculator (TI-84, TI-Nspire, Casio) for efficient problem-solving and graphing across Math and Physics.
Flexible Schedule
Sessions designed around your IB workload. Online or in-person, mornings or evenings, we adapt to you.
Program Overview
Understanding the IB Mathematics Courses
The International Baccalaureate offers two distinct mathematics pathways, each designed for different student profiles and university aspirations.
Analysis and Approaches (AA)
Best for: Students pursuing mathematics, physics, engineering, economics, or computer science at university.
Mathematics AA emphasizes theoretical understanding and mathematical proof. The course builds strong analytical foundations through:
- Algebra and Functions: Complex number systems, polynomial analysis, and function transformations
- Calculus: Differential and integral calculus (significantly expanded at HL)
- Geometry and Trigonometry: Coordinate geometry, vectors, and trigonometric identities
- Statistics and Probability: Descriptive statistics, probability distributions, and hypothesis testing
At Higher Level, students explore advanced calculus including differential equations, Maclaurin series, and complex integration techniques.
Applications and Interpretation (AI)
Best for: Students interested in social sciences, biology, business, psychology, or design.
Mathematics AI focuses on practical applications and mathematical modeling using technology. Key areas include:
- Statistical Analysis: Regression, correlation, and chi-squared tests
- Mathematical Modeling: Real-world problem solving and optimization
- Technology Integration: Heavy use of GDC calculators and statistical software
- Probability: Distributions, expected values, and decision-making under uncertainty
At Higher Level, students tackle complex modeling scenarios, differential equations in context, and advanced statistical inference.
Choosing Between AA and AI
| Consider AA if you… | Consider AI if you… |
|---|---|
| Enjoy abstract mathematical thinking | Prefer seeing math applied to real situations |
| Plan to study STEM subjects at university | Are heading toward social sciences or business |
| Like algebraic manipulation and proofs | Prefer using technology to solve problems |
| Want extensive calculus preparation | Need strong statistical analysis skills |
Not sure which course is right for you? I help many students make this decision based on their strengths, interests, and university plans.
IB Physics
IB Physics is offered at Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Both levels share the same core topics, with HL adding additional depth and extended content. Physics is assessed through three external papers and an Internal Assessment (IA) practical investigation.
Core Topics (SL and HL)
- Mechanics: Kinematics, Newton’s laws, work and energy, momentum, circular motion, and gravitation
- Thermal Physics: Temperature, heat transfer, kinetic theory of gases, and the ideal gas law
- Waves: Wave properties, superposition, standing waves, the Doppler effect, and electromagnetic spectrum
- Electricity and Magnetism: Electric fields, DC circuits, Kirchhoff’s laws, magnetic forces, and electromagnetic induction
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Radioactivity, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, and fundamental particles
HL Additional Topics
Higher Level students cover all core content plus:
- Wave Phenomena: Single-slit diffraction, resolution, polarization, and interference patterns
- Fields: Gravitational, electric, and magnetic field theory with potential energy analysis
- Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, alternating current, transformers, and AC circuits
- Quantum and Nuclear Physics: Wave-particle duality, the photoelectric effect, Heisenberg uncertainty, nuclear energy levels, and radioactive decay series
Exam Structure
| Paper | Format | SL Weighting | HL Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Multiple choice questions (MCQ) | 20% | 20% |
| Paper 2 | Short-answer and extended-response | 40% | 36% |
| Paper 3 | Practical and data-analysis questions | 20% | 24% |
| Internal Assessment (IA) | Individual experimental investigation | 20% | 20% |
Internal Assessment (IA)
The IB Physics IA is an independent experimental investigation worth 20% of the final grade. Students design their own experiment, collect and analyze data, evaluate uncertainties, and write a scientific report. I guide students through every stage, from choosing a focused research question to presenting a polished final report that scores well against the IB criteria.
Why Physics and Math Together?
IB Physics and IB Mathematics reinforce each other directly. Calculus from Math AA underpins kinematics and field theory. Vectors and trigonometry appear throughout mechanics and waves. Statistics and graphical analysis in Math AI align with the data-analysis skills needed for Physics Paper 3 and the IA. Teaching both subjects together means I can show these connections in real time, closing the gap between abstract mathematics and physical reasoning.
Proven Results
My students consistently achieve scores of 6 and 7 in their IB Mathematics and Physics examinations. Many have secured offers from top universities including Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, ETH Zurich, and other prestigious institutions worldwide.
With over 20 years of experience and recognition as GoStudent's Mathematician of the Year 2021, I bring proven expertise to help you achieve your academic goals.
Ready to Excel in IB Math & Physics?
Book your consultation today. We will discuss your goals, assess your current level, and create a personalized study plan tailored to your needs.