IB Physics tutoring, SL and HL
IB Physics changed for exams from May 2025: new themes, a split Paper 1 and a single scientific investigation. Our tutors teach the current course, with the maths underneath the physics and past-style questions marked against IB markschemes.
One-to-one from $12 a class ยท billed in USD
Online - IB Physics (first assessment 2025)
What every programme includes
- โ SL and HL themes: space, time and motion; particulate nature of matter; waves; fields; nuclear and quantum physics
- โ Paper 1A multiple choice and Paper 1B data questions
- โ Paper 2 short-answer and extended questions
- โ The scientific investigation (IA): question, method and evaluation
- โ Equations, graphs and uncertainties made automatic
- โ HL extension topics and longer problems
Lesson times in your time zone
Weekdays 3pm-9pm after school ยท Weekends 8am-8pm, your local time. Pick the slot when you book.
How IB Physics is assessed
Paper 1 is split into two parts sat in one sitting: Paper 1A, multiple choice with no marks deducted for wrong answers, and Paper 1B, data-based questions linked to experimental work. Together they are worth 36% (SL 45 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes; HL 60 marks in 2 hours). Paper 2, short-answer and extended-response questions, is worth 44% (SL 50 marks in 1 hour 30 minutes; HL 90 marks in 2 hours 30 minutes). The scientific investigation makes up the last 20%.
Where physics marks are lost
The same five problems account for most lost marks:
- โ Rearranging equations and handling units and significant figures
- โ Data questions answered from memory instead of from the graph or table given
- โ Explanations that skip the physical reasoning between steps
- โ Uncertainty propagation and error bars in practical questions
- โ An investigation with a research question too broad to answer well
SL or HL?
HL adds extension content and longer papers, and many engineering and physics degrees expect HL Physics alongside HL Maths. Students who find algebra slow often do better at SL with strong grades elsewhere. We advise from a marked paper rather than guesswork.
IB Physics exams (first assessment 2025)
| Component | SL | HL | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (1A multiple choice + 1B data) | 1h 30m, 45 marks | 2h, 60 marks | 36% |
| Paper 2 (short and extended answers) | 1h 30m, 50 marks | 2h 30m, 90 marks | 44% |
| Scientific investigation (IA) | Teacher-marked, moderated | Teacher-marked, moderated | 20% |
A 10-week plan before IB Physics mocks
- 1
Weeks 1-2
Diagnostic paper and a maths-skills audit: rearranging, graphs, logarithms.
- 2
Weeks 3-5
Mechanics and fields rebuilt, with Paper 2-style questions each session.
- 3
Weeks 6-7
Data and uncertainty practice for Paper 1B.
- 4
Weeks 8-10
Timed full papers and review of every lost mark.
Tutors for this programme
Stephen Mc Cormack
PGCE Primary(3-11), Cardiff Metropolitan University
15 yrs experience
AP ยท IB ยท SAT
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Muhammad Mahmood Aslam Bhutta
PhD-qualified Mechanical Engineer, Graz University of technology, Graz , Austria
25 yrs experience
US school
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Abdi Musa
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, University of Washington Bothell
4 yrs experience
GCSE / A-Level (UK)
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What IB tutoring costs in Dubai and Hong Kong
IB, IGCSE and A-Level specialists in Dubai
AED 200-450+ an hour
Source: Bestimate: tutoring costs in Dubai, 2026Novice IB tutors in Hong Kong
HK$300-400 an hour
Source: GETUTOR (Hong Kong Tutors Association): IB tutoring pricesSenior IB tutors in Hong Kong
HK$600-800 an hour
Source: GETUTOR (Hong Kong Tutors Association): IB tutoring pricesEagleTeach, one-to-one online
From $12 a class
Billed in USD, converted at an approximate rate. Two free demo classes first.
Common questions
What changed in IB Physics in 2025?๏ผ
A new syllabus was first examined in May 2025, organised into themes, with Paper 1 split into 1A (multiple choice) and 1B (data-based questions) and a single scientific investigation as the internal assessment.
How much is the IB Physics IA worth?๏ผ
20% of the final grade at SL and HL. It is marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB.
How long are the IB Physics exams?๏ผ
At SL, Paper 1 and Paper 2 are 1 hour 30 minutes each. At HL, Paper 1 is 2 hours and Paper 2 is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Do I need HL Maths for HL Physics?๏ผ
It is not a formal requirement, but HL Physics leans heavily on algebra and graphs. Students taking Maths at SL often need extra support with the maths skills.
Can you help with Paper 1B?๏ผ
Yes. Paper 1B data questions reward careful reading of graphs and tables, which improves quickly with targeted practice.
Is HL Physics needed for engineering?๏ผ
Many engineering courses ask for HL Physics and HL Maths. Check each university's requirements.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 2026-10-02.
Helpful guides
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