Guide to Pre-IB Courses and Summer Camps [Updated for 2024]
PLUS the tips students wish they knew before starting the IB
If you’re considering enrolling in the IB diploma, you’re probably a smart kid.
There are lots of advantages to being an IB student, but just because the program has a certain level of prestige, doesn’t make it right for everyone.
Today we’re going to cover what exactly Pre-IB camps and courses are, and how they can help you prepare for the IB diploma if you’re convinced it’s a fit.
We’ll also go over how tutoring can be a more effective and flexible alternative to these often costly camps.
And while we’re at it, we’ll give you a little bit of advice we wish we had received back when we weren’t yet experienced tutors, but clueless students about to start the IB.
Table of Contents:
What are Pre-IB Courses and Summer Camps?
What subjects do Pre-IB courses and summer camps cover?
How long are Pre-IB courses and summer camps?
What types of activities are included besides academics?
Is accommodation provided?
Are there additional costs for activities and excursions?
What is the typical class size?
Pre-IB vs MYP
Pre-IB courses and summer camps - is it worth it?
Crush your IB Diploma with this advice!
What are Pre-IB Courses and Summer Camps?
Pre-IB camps and courses are usually full-time, online, or in-person summer camps held at schools that serve as an orientation for middle school students considering enrolling in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. They’re designed specifically to help students between grades 9-10 transition into the demanding IB curriculum.
What subjects do Pre-IB courses and summer camps cover?
Pre-IB (typically summer) programs offer an overview introduction to the core IB subjects like IB English, IB Math, IB Science, Individuals & Societies, and introduce students to Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) components of the IB.
At these camps, students generally study in a group setting and work on activities and skills that will become essential during the IB such as:
Time Management
Essay Writing
Academic Planning
Exam Preparation
Presentation
Research
Note Taking
How long are Pre-IB courses and summer camps?
These courses usually span a few weeks and combine classroom learning with practical, interactive activities. A typical school offers 23 hours of teaching per week, blending academic lessons with project work.
Some services also offer online IB prep courses instead of full-time in-person programs.
If you see a course that you like, but it’s too long, or the dates don’t line up with your calendar, you don’t have to settle for an online course.
Pre-IB tutors can accommodate to your travel plans and offer just as much value as pre-IB camps or courses, and even personalize it to your specific needs.
What types of activities are included besides academics?
Besides academics, these programs often include various extracurricular activities like sports, creative activities, and excursions, ensuring a well-rounded experience that complements academic learning.
Is accommodation provided?
Accommodation options are usually available in many programs, such as single or shared rooms.
Are there additional costs for activities and excursions?
This depends on the program. Some include activities and excursions in the course fee, while others might charge extra.
What is the typical class size?
Class sizes are kept small to ensure quality interaction. Some schools set limits to class size.
While some programs offer some mentorship, private tutoring is more individualized.
An expert tutor is better able to guide a student who is unsure about whether or not the IB is for them.
Not only that, but the camps don’t allow for too much one-on-one time. Kids often need to talk to someone who’s gone through the IB diploma themselves, and ask questions about their doubts.
The IB can seem scary from the outside, and kids often feel very overwhelmed when choosing their subjects for the IB. Sometimes they feel pressure from parents or university programs they believe value certain subjects more than others.
Talking to an experienced IB tutor can help kids figure out which subjects they're truly interested in, so that they can feel happy learning and have a successful academic career beyond highschool.
The truth is the more you enjoy your IB experience, the better you’ll perform. It’s a win win.
Pre-IB vs MYP
If you look at the IB Diploma as a big, challenging race, Pre-IB and MYP are like two different training programs to prepare you for that race.
Pre-IB is like a short, intensive training course. It's usually for students in the 10th grade, just before they start the IB Diploma. Think of it as a warm-up to get you ready for the kind of work you'll be doing in the IB.
MYP (Middle Years Programme), on the other hand, is more like a long-term training plan. It's for students aged 11 to 16 and covers a broader range of subjects. It's not just about getting you ready for the IB; it's a complete program that helps you develop a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge.
So, while both Pre-IB and MYP get you ready for the IB Diploma, Pre-IB is a short, focused preparation right before the Diploma, and MYP is a longer, more comprehensive program that starts earlier and covers more.
Pre-IB courses and summer camps - is it worth it?
If you’re a current MYP student, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect in the IB, but if you’re completely new to the curriculum, it’s helpful to look into maybe joining a pre-IB summer camp or course to get an idea of whether or not the IB is the right program for you. Even for those in the MYP, it’s still a good idea to participate in some pre-IB prep, just to stay sharp before the big transition.
Alternatively, MYP and IB tutors can also offer extended pre-IB support for students wanting to prepare and learn more about the IB but may not necessarily be able to logistically enroll in a full-time summer course.
Working with a tutor is much more personalized and offers a very flexible way of getting to know your strengths and weaknesses as a student, and whether or not the IB diploma is for you.
Even if you do decide not to enroll in the IB diploma after working with a tutor, it’s not time lost. Not even close. A lot of the skills that students develop while working with a Pre-IB tutor are universally applicable to any high school program, dramatically improving your chances of success.
Crush your IB Diploma with this advice!
At Thinksmart, we’ve all experienced the IB firsthand. We know how difficult it can become without proper guidance.
Looking back, there are lots of lessons we learned the hard way. That’s why we pair up with the best IB teachers in offering personalized expert tutoring and unofficial IB resources to students who could use some support during the IB.
No matter what sub you're going to take, here is some advice on IB tips we wish someone had shared with us before starting the IB Diploma.
Don’t do the IB just for college credit. The credit that colleges will grant you not only depends on the subject but also on your grade, so if you’re doing IB Spanish B Higher level, and if you manage to get a 7, you’re still not getting college credit..sorry.
Do it for the skills that you gain. The IB is great for preparing you for college. The type of analytical and critical thinking that students learn in classes such as theory of knowledge will give you an edge before you even set foot in your first freshman class.
Help yourself maintain Interest by choosing the subjects that are right for you. Having a genuine curiosity about the subjects you’re taking can be a total game-changer. For example, if you’re passionate about your Internal Assessment (IA), that can totally transform your experience from tedious to engaging. And as we said earlier, the more interested you are, the better your grades will be.
Ignore IB horror stories. It's important to trust your instincts rather than be swayed by others' negative experiences. We’re all created differently. A subject that might be difficult and boring to your friend, may be very stimulating and enjoyable for you. The same goes for teaching styles, and even university applications. Some programs have very different requirements and preferences than others. Do your own research and listen to that inner voice.
Find balance between the IB and Life. Acknowledge the rigor of senior year but focus on learning and self-improvement rather than just aiming for high scores. Ultimately you’re in the IB to become a better version of yourself, don’t sacrifice your health for a point or two.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many students wait until senior year, just a few months away from exams, to get some extra support. At this point you might be too stressed and swamped in work to really see any improvements. Teachers are sometimes there to answer some of your questions outside of class, but studies prove that starting with long-term IB tutoring early is the best way to dramatically increase performance and happiness during the IB.
Prioritizing College Applications: Day-to-day IB tasks can be consuming, but it's at the end of the day, it’s smart to look one step ahead. Allocate ample time for college applications, which have long-term importance.
Embrace the IB Experience: Instead of dwelling on the challenges, focus on the positive aspects of the IB. This attitude can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. It's easy to overlook the value of the hard work and dedication you put into the IB. Recognizing and feeling proud of your commitment is vital.
Final Verdict: Pre-IB is great to help alleviate anticipatory stress, but tutoring is better
The IB Diploma curriculum is packed with intimidating assignments like the infamous Extended Essay. Pre-IB camps will teach basic skills like outlining and researching so that you don’t have to learn everything at once when you get to the IB.
That being said, preparing for the IB doesn’t mean doing as much as you can as far ahead of the deadline as possible. The curriculum is pretty well designed and teachers are helpful at teaching you concepts and skills in the right order.
Likewise, expert IB tutors can really help students to prioritize tasks, so that you don’t get too overwhelmed with trying to tackle everything head-on.
Identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and creating a study plan with a tutor, is extremely helpful to ensure smooth sailing through the IB diploma.
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