IB DIPLOMA TUTORING
Expert IB History Tutors
in Hong Kong
IBDP History, whether HL or SL, is a challenging course, designed to encourage a truly global mindset. The recent course redesign (first assessment 2028) provides a new challenge to History students. BartyED’s team of dedicated IB History tutors leverage their expertise in the subject to guide their students to success. Whether the candidate is struggling with content or exam technique, BartyED’s IB History tutors are ready to provide unparalleled support.
Common IBDP History challenges
Understanding how the 2028 syllabus change applies to IBDP History students
BartyED’s IB History tutors have been thoroughly trained on the new History syllabus. We understand the significance of the changes, and how they will likely be implemented in Hong Kong international schools. From the thematic study to the revamped Paper 1 format, our tutors are well-prepared to guide the class of 2028 and beyond to success.
Developing an in-depth and thoroughly researched IA (Internal Assessment)
The Internal Assessment is one of IB History’s trickiest components, requiring that students demonstrate a range of skills across the three sections. BartyED’s IB History tutors understand exactly what examiners are looking for across the IA and provide precise guidance on applying this to students’ IA topics.
Source analysis (Paper 1)
Rather than making students complete endless practices, our IB History tutors focus on individual elements of the OPVL structure. This helps History students refine their approach through understanding what examiners want to see.
Effective essay writing technique
One of the biggest challenges of IB History is that it requires students to combine subject knowledge with excellent essay writing skills. Our IB History tutors work with each student to develop effective, succinct and analytical writing practices.
BartyED ensures high-quality IB History 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.
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 Extended Essay marking criteria, or knowledge sharing across the team in informal sessions to improve our support of SEN students, BartyED's IB 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 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 History Tutoring
IB History-specialist tutors
Our IB History tutors are graduates of Durham, King's College London, and UCL, with the subject knowledge to guide students through IB History's demands.
Exam technique for History
IB History candidates are expected to apply themselves to a range of essay tasks. Understanding how to structure a paragraph is essential for success in the subject. Our IB History tutors work with students to develop genuine understanding of both content and technique.
Internal assessment support
BartyED’s IB History tutors are experienced in guiding students to historical investigation topics that demonstrate rigour, as well as allow students to develop a personal interest.
Personally vetted by Jerome, our Managing Director
Every BartyED IB History tutor sits a supervised written exam reviewed personally by Jerome, Hannah and the Head of the English and Humanities Department before joining the team. For History, this includes sitting a source-based paper and evaluating teaching style through a roleplay exercise.
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Success stories
Our students have gone on to Oxford, Edinburgh, UCL, Duke, Brown, and Harvard.
How IB History is Graded
IB History students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills across the two year course. Graded across an Internal Assessment and two (SL) or three (HL) examined papers, the IB History course results in a grade out of 7.
Paper 1: Focused study
Students are expected to respond to 3 questions on their focused study. In this paper, students draw on concepts from their focused study to analyse sources, framed by an inquiry question. There are 24 marks available. (1 hour 15 minutes, 30% of the grade)
Students are expected to respond to 3 questions on their focused study. In this paper, students draw on concepts from their focused study to analyse sources, framed by an inquiry question. There are 24 marks available. (1 hour 15 minutes, 20% of the grade)
Paper 2: Specified concepts and thematic study
Section A: students answer 1 of 2 questions on the specified concepts. Section B: 2 questions on each of the thematic studies. Each consists of 2 parts: short response & essay response. Students pick 1 of the 2 questions for their thematic study and answer both parts. There are 25 marks available. (1 hour 45 minutes, 40% of the grade)
Section A: students answer 1 of 2 questions on the specified concepts. Section B: 2 questions on each of the thematic studies. Each consists of 2 parts: short response & essay response. Students pick 1 of the 2 questions for their thematic study and answer both parts. There are 25 marks available. (1 hour 45 minutes, 25% of the grade)
Paper 3: Regional study (HL only)
N/A
Students answer 2 essay questions, each on a different regional study that has been conducted in the History course. There are 30 marks available. (2 hours, 35% of the grade)
Internal Assessment
Students conducted an independently-devised historical investigation. This consists of 3 sections: developing an historical inquiry question, selecting sources, synthesizing evidence in an essay. There are 24 marks available. (2,200 words maximum, 30% of the grade)
Students conducted an independently-devised historical investigation. This consists of 3 sections: developing an historical inquiry question, selecting sources, synthesizing evidence in an essay. There are 24 marks available. (2,200 words maximum, 20% of the grade)
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
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The biggest difference between the SL and HL History pathways is that HL students sit an additional exam: the regional study paper. In addition, there are differences in the component weightings.
The History IA is graded internally, resulting in a mark out of 24. The grades are subsequently moderated and verified by the IB at the end of the course.
The questions for Paper 1 don't change for each exam session. Instead, the sources and overarching inquiry questions are what change. This is so that the IB can more accurately assess candidates' source evaluation skills.
For SL students, the History IA counts for 30% of the final grade. For HL students, the History IA counts for 20% of the final grade.
The relative difficulty of History and Economics is dependent on student preference. They're both massively popular subjects that fill the IBDP's Individuals and Societies requirement, but draw upon very different skills. While Economics requires stronger calculation skills, IB History requires strong essay writing skills.
The IB has revised the History syllabus and the first assessment is in 2028. There are substantial changes to all papers, including the IA, but the course retains its rigour and commitment to an in-depth understanding of historical case studies.
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FURTHER READING