Your time in the IB Diploma Programme is a crucial two years of your education. It can come with stress, late nights, and lots of studying. But it is also a time of your life where you can build good friendships and create memories. So, how can we maximise our study time to leave room for the good stuff?
Something that can significantly reduce the confusion and clutter of high school life is getting your hands on effective resources. This article compiles a comprehensive list of 10 resources that helped me work towards a 45 during my time as an IB student. Not only are we going to discuss locations for free notes, but these resources also include the tools needed to implement them into your daily study schedule!
1. Official Learning Outcomes
Your teachers will likely provide you with a list of learning outcomes for each topic you go through in class. These are particularly valuable for the sciences, like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, because you can compile the learning outcomes into a spreadsheet or a notes page and colour-code them according to your level of confidence. Learning outcomes and official subject study guides are an excellent way to stay on track with your revision and if you are ever wondering whether something is relevant or just ‘extra knowledge’ for your exams, the learning guides for your courses provide a great first port of call.
2. YouTube Channels
It is no secret that YouTube is packed with channels dedicated to IB-related content. No matter the subject you are preparing for, there are abundant resources to sort through. Some crowd favourites include:
- English - The IB English Guys
- Biology - Cheryl Hickman, Khan Academy, OSC
- Chemistry - MSJ Chem, Khan Academy, The Organic Chemistry Tutor, Richard Thornley
- Mathematics - OSC, The Organic Chemistry Tutor, Khan Academy, Revision Village
- Physics - OSC, The Organic Chemistry Tutor, Khan Academy
3. Productivity Apps & Chrome Extensions
Just because we have great resources, doesn’t mean we are guaranteed to put in the time needed to use them properly. Useful apps for productivity include: Forest, Self Control, Clockify, Habitica, and Freedom. My personal favourite is Clockify, where I could track the hours I studied and see the data over accumulate - it motivates you not to procrastinate when your timer is on!
4. Websites with FREE Revision Material
Not everyone is great at note-taking during class - there are often small details or concepts we miss. Thankfully there are excellent websites out there with free resources to fill in any knowledge gaps you may have had.
- English - Sparknotes, Cliffnotes, Litcharts
- Biology & Chemistry - Bioninja, Tutor Chase, IB Chemistry Web
Plus a quick Google search will reveal dozens more!
5. Websites with (Subscription) Revision Material
If you need an extra boost for a particular subject, paid subscriptions to websites with past papers, practice questions, and concept videos can be a potential option.
Want access to an entire library of IB study resources? Check out the KIS High Performance Program valued at only $8 per week.
✅ In-depth video library covering exam-relevant content
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6. Your Teachers, Older Peers, Friends, Study Groups!
A lot of studying is hosted online these days, but don’t neglect the importance of clarifying unfamiliar concepts with your teachers. Showing initiative and asking good questions are important soft skills for a successful student. Befriend some older peers and ask them for their best resources! Or when it comes close to exams, split the workload with a friend and host study sessions to teach each other.
7. Textbooks and Workbooks
Textbooks are often purchased and then left on a shelf to gather a thick layer of dust. However, it turns out that REALLY smart people are the ones writing these resources - they are the best of the best. If there are particular topics you are struggling to grasp, the details and helpful diagrams in textbooks can give you the deeper understanding you are looking for. You can ask your teachers which textbooks or supplementary workbooks they recommend for your subject.
8. Quizlet, Anki, and Pre-existing Flashcard Decks
Active recall and practice questions are scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to study and recall information. However, making your own set of flashcards can be incredibly time-consuming. Did you know that you can search for “IB Biology” or your relevant subject on Quizlet and other flashcard websites to use resources that people have already created? This is both a time-saving hack to get in active learning and test out different styles of flashcards. You can even use more advanced flashcard apps like Anki and download a Quizlet import add-on. This lets you use the fancy tools of Anki without needing to even create your own cards!
9. Planning Apps: Google Calendar, Notion, and More
Once again, with so many resources at your fingertips, it is important to have a way to balance out your busy schedule. Whether you like a paper planner, or opt for online options such as Notion or Google Calendar - these apps can really help to streamline your workflow and keep you motivated to study. Check out the multitude of Notion tutorials on YouTube to inspire your weekly planning and to-do lists.
10. Practice Questions and AI Support
Becoming familiar with how IB exams are structured with past papers is extremely beneficial. Your teachers may provide you with a bank of practice questions, or you can often find some online. Always be careful with where you are downloading resources from, in the off chance of malware or dodgy links!
A new method for studying also includes using AI like ChatGPT to generate endless practice questions according to your syllabus. Plus if you don’t understand a question, AI can provide concise and helpful explanations.
Over the course of your IB journey, you will find what works for you in regards to studying. Never be afraid to realise that what works well for you, may not work well for others and vice versa. The key is to be reflective on your progress and to make small changes over time. Remember that resources are only as useful as the effort you put in to utilise them!
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
Written by KIS Academics Tutor for IB English, Biology, and Chemistry, Charli Horchner. Charli is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University and has years of experience as a tutor. You can view Charli’s profile here and request her as a tutor.
