IB Economics

Both cover the same four units — introduction, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and the global economy — through diagrams and evaluative essays in Papers 1 and 2. HL adds Paper 3, a quantitative paper of calculations and policy analysis, and expects deeper application throughout. HL is usually preferred for economics, PPE, and finance degrees.

The ceiling for most students is evaluation, not knowledge. Grade 7 answers weigh short-run against long-run effects, consider different stakeholders, question the assumptions behind a model, and reach a justified conclusion. We teach structured evaluation frameworks and practise them against past Paper 1 and Paper 2 mark schemes until they become automatic.

Yes. The IA portfolio is three commentaries linking recent news articles to syllabus units, worth 20% at HL and 30% at SL. We help with article selection, matching the right theory and diagrams, and structuring each 800-word piece to satisfy every rubric criterion — including the key-concept link that students most often miss.

Paper 3 is entirely quantitative and policy-focused — tax and subsidy incidence, welfare loss, elasticity, the multiplier, and international trade figures. We drill each calculation type with a consistent method and heavy timed practice against the mark scheme, so small arithmetic slips don't cost cascading follow-on marks.

Starting in Year 1 (Grade 11) is ideal — building secure diagram technique and evaluation habits early makes Year 2 far less stressful and gives time to draft strong IA commentaries. That said, students who begin in the final semester can still make large gains, since much of the improvement comes from exam technique rather than new content.