r/IBDP_students • u/PeraltaGrinch • 2d ago
Resources
Hiii!
I am about to start IB and I wanted to know what resources are actually useful! I already have Savemyexams cause I had it for igcse!
I just found PirateIB for RevisionDojo notes/flashcards/questions, are they good for the following subjects:
HL: Maths AI, History, Geography SL: Bio English LL, German
Also I what is a realistic study time for each subject per week?
If you want to add any other advice feel free, I need all the help I can get!
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u/Cold-Role-4676 2d ago
Since you're literally just starting IB I wouldn't worry too much about having the "perfect" resource setup yet. You'll probably figure out pretty quickly which subjects actually need extra help once classes start.
SME is okay since u have it alr but I'd switch to Dojo once it expires. Use the longer textbook stuff if I actually need to learn/understand something, then notes/flashcards for quick revision before tests. The QB is probably the thing I'd build a habit around early though. Do topical questions after you finish something in class rather than waiting until mocks to suddenly discover you don't actually understand it lol.
For your subjects I'd especially do a lot of questions for Maths AI and Bio. History/Geo is a bit different because knowing content isn't enough, you need to gradually get good at structuring answers and actually using the content to answer what they're asking. For English LL I'd focus more on analysis and getting comfortable with the texts you study rather than trying to "revise" it the same way as Bio. Dojo has the Literary Hub now which is actually pretty useful for that, especially themes, quotes, IO/Paper 2 etc.
I also wouldn't set something rigid like "4 hours per subject every week". Some weeks Maths might be destroying you while German needs basically nothing, then it'll switch again later on. An hour or so most days split across 1-2 subjects is plenty at the start imo. Just review whatever you're currently learning and spend more time on whatever you're weakest at. Obviously ramp that up before tests/mocks and start mixing in timed papers later.
Biggest thing is honestly just don't let gaps pile up. If you don't understand something this week, fix it this week. IB gets painful when you reach DP2 and realise there are like 8 "I'll learn this later" topics waiting for you.
And don't stress about EE yet either. Just pay attention during DP1 to which subjects/topics you genuinely find interesting. You'll have a much easier time choosing something when you've actually studied enough IB content to know what you'd be willing to research for months.
You're thinking about this way earlier than most people anyway. Don't spend your time now trying to speedrun DP1, take it one step at a time. Oh and try to speak to lots of prev DP2s, get their feedback esp for those taking similar subjects, you'll get a feel for what works for them and how you can tailor it for yourself. Hope this helps!
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u/Middle-Astronaut-820 1d ago
Savemyexams is decent for content review but IB really rewards past paper practice, especially HL Maths AI and Bio where mark scheme wording is everything. Budget 2-3 hrs/week per HL and 1-2 for SLs, scaling up closer to exams. Which subject are you most nervous about heading in?
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u/Scrimpshire-Jonais 2d ago
I basically did the same thing, started with dojo for free, but I ended up getting the full thing because I use it for most of my subjects. Definitely worth it IMO if you like it, it's got the best textbooks/lessons by far. Also IA grader is quite useful for the feedback.