IB DIPLOMA TUTORING
Expert IB Economics Tutors
in Hong Kong
Our IB Economics tutors work with students across both SL and HL, covering content, exam technique, and IA support from the first session. The course spans microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the global economy, and rewards students who can apply economic models to real-world problems under exam conditions. That is precisely what our tutors train.
Common challenges in IBDP Economics
| The challenge | How BartyED helps |
|---|---|
|
Understanding definitions of key terms |
IB Economics students need to memorise definitions of various terms, including keywords and command terms. Our IB Economics tutors work with students consistently throughout the course to develop this skill ahead of exams. |
|
Selecting effective IA topics |
The Economics IAs are unique across IBDP subjects, as students are required to complete 3 commentaries on separate economics stories within the news. At BartyED, we ensure that all IA proposals are well-developed and structured appropriately. |
|
Developing extended response structures |
This is one of the most difficult aspects of IB Economics. Students who score 6s and 7s in Economics typically demonstrate an effective essay structure in addition to in-depth subject knowledge. We spend time honing this skill with students across the two-year programme. |
|
Using diagrams as evidence |
All IB Economics students understand the importance of integrating diagrams into their responses, but many find it difficult to understand how they can be used effectively. Our IB Economics tutors provide key structures and tips to refine this skill. |
BartyED ensures high-quality IB Economics tutoring
From our strict hiring process, through our comprehensive on-going tutor training, BartyED places a strong emphasis on teaching quality. Our reputation for rigour is at the heart of what we do.
← Scroll to see more →
| Quality marker | What it involves | Impact on teaching |
|---|---|---|
|
3-phase hiring process |
Our 3-phase hiring process consists of a structured interview with Jerome, a written exam across proposed subject areas, and an engagement session to assess teaching style. |
A strong CV is not enough: candidates need to demonstrate strong subject knowledge, resilience and adaptability. We place our bar deliberately high in the full knowledge that most candidates will fail. Our students will benefit from the strong communication skills and pedagogical passion of the best applicants. |
|
Rigorous training programme |
Once hired, candidates undergo a six-month training programme to ensure deep subject and curriculum knowledge. This is conducted by our Heads of STEM and English/Humanities, and overseen by our Director of Studies. |
The IB examiners know their own curriculum, so it's essential that we do, too. Our training programmes are designed to instil strong academic rigour, and consistent teaching across subjects. |
|
On-going professional development |
Whether in IBO-led workshops on the latest changes to the Economics marking criteria, or knowledge sharing across the team in informal sessions to improve our support of SEN students, BartyED's IB Economics tutors enjoy continued professional development. |
International curricula like the IBDP, A-Levels and IGCSEs are subject to change and adaptation. It's essential for teaching quality that our IB Economics tutors are ready and aware of all developments so we can maintain our exemplary support of all students. |
THE BARTYED DIFFERENCE
Why BartyED for IB Economics Tutoring
Economics-specialist tutors
Our IB Economics tutors are graduates of excellent universities, including HKU, the Wharton School and ANU. They have all been rigorously trained on the IB Economics syllabus and have experience coaching each component.
Exam technique for Economics
IB Economics students are expected to be able to respond effectively to both quantitative and qualitative questions, employing the full range of analytical tools at their disposal. BartyED's IB Economics tutors offer clear guidelines and develop strategies with students to access the higher mark bands.
Internal Assessment support
BartyED's IB Economics tutors offer valuable feedback on all steps in the IA process, from coming up with appropriate analytical lenses, to structure advice and the final proofread.
Personally vetted by Jerome
Every BartyED IB Economics tutor sits a supervised written exam reviewed personally by Jerome and Hannah before joining the team. For Economics, this includes sitting a Paper 1 under timed conditions, and rigorous questioning on aspects of the IB curriculum.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Success stories
Our students have gone on to Oxford, Edinburgh, UCL, Duke, Brown, and Harvard.
How IB Economics is graded
Economics is graded across a series of external and internal assessments that are designed to challenge student competence in a number of key areas. For SL students, there are 2 external examinations in addition to the Internal Assessment (IA). HL students take an additional external assessment.
← Scroll to see more →
| Component | Standard Level (SL) | Higher Level (HL) |
|---|---|---|
|
Paper 1: Extended response paper |
Students answer 1 question from a selection of 3. This assessment comprises 30% of the overall grade and there are 25 marks available. (1 hour 15 minutes) |
Students answer 1 question from a selection of 3. This assessment comprises 20% of the overall grade and there are 25 marks available. (1 hour 15 minutes) |
|
Paper 2: Data response paper |
Students respond to 1 multi-part question of 2, focusing on the use of data. This assessment is 40% of the overall grade and there are 40 marks available. (1 hour 45 minutes) |
Students respond to 1 multi-part question of 2, focusing on the use of data. This assessment is 30% of the overall grade and there are 40 marks available. (1 hour 45 minutes) |
|
Paper 3: Policy paper |
N/A — HL only |
Students answer 2 compulsory questions, integrating both qualitative and quantitative responses. This assessment is worth 30% of the final grade and there are 30 marks available. (1 hour 45 minutes) |
|
Internal Assessment |
Students produce a portfolio of 3 commentaries of news sources, based on 3 separate units from the syllabus. Each commentary should use a different concept as its analytical lens. This assessment is worth 30% of the final grade and there are 45 marks available. |
Students produce a portfolio of 3 commentaries of news sources, based on 3 separate units from the syllabus. Each commentary should use a different concept as its analytical lens. This assessment is worth 20% of the final grade and there are 45 marks available. |
|
Total external / internal split |
70% external, 30% internal |
80% external, 20% internal |
WHAT WE COVER
Explore other IB subjects we tutor
Applications & Interpretation (AI) SL/HL
Literature SL/HL
💡 Don't see the subject you're seeking tutoring for listed above? Contact us at enquiries@bartyed.com or click the button below.
Economics HL students sit an additional external assessment (Paper 3, the policy paper). They also extend certain topics from the SL course into greater depth, and study some extra topics (e.g. the implications of persistent account deficits).
The Economics Internal Assessment (IA) is a portfolio of 3 commentaries based on news articles. Each commentary must not be more than 800 words and there is a maximum of 45 marks available.
Economics Paper 1 is challenging because it requires students to balance in-depth knowledge of economic principles with strong essay structure. The highest scoring responses will feature nuanced analysis and, importantly, a reasoned conclusion.
The Internal Assessment counts for 30% of the overall grade for SL, and 20% at HL.
IB Economics is notable for its focus on global principles, in-line with the IBDP ethos. The subjects are similar in difficulty and depth, so consult with your school guidance counselor if unsure which syllabus to take.
Economics focuses on the principles of the economy, whereas Business Management offers insight into how businesses are run at the ground level. These courses are often considered complimentary, and many schools will allow students to take both, particularly if targeting Economics/Finance-related study at university-level.
Get in touch.
We'll find the right IB Economics tutor for you.
Tell us about your child and we will match them with an IB Economics specialist tutor. We'll get to you within one business day.
Book a free consultation
We typically reply within one business day.
FURTHER READING