IB DP Challenges in Hong Kong: The 5 Toughest Subjects and How Online Tutors Make Learning Easier

Top 5 IB DP Subjects Hong Kong Diploma Students Struggle With — And How Online Tuition can help

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year program which aims to build practical knowledge and skills among students. The pre- university curriculum aims to help students aged 16-19 and is accepted by universities across the globe.

The challenging curriculum demands dedication and commitment from students. Hong Kong is popular as the hub of IB students with about 46 international schools offering IB curriculum. Students usually look for IB tuition classes in Hong Kong for support and training.

Let us first understand how IB grading works and what students need to do in order to score well.

How IB Grading Works?

The IB diploma grading system uses an effective approach to score a student’s academic performance. The IB Diploma Programme grades students on a numeric scale from 1 to 7, where 7 is the highest and 1 is the lowest.

Usually, an IB student takes 6 subjects and for each subject, they get a grade from 1- 7. This includes three of these subjects, which must be studied at the Standard Level (SL) and the other three at Higher Level (HL). Overall, this results in a total of 42 points, with +3 points coming from the core components of the program, namely Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

To successfully obtain the diploma, students need a minimum of 24 points out of 45. Wherein, at least 12 points should come from HL subjects and 9 points from SL subjects. Also, no lower than D for TOK and EE and while CAS is not assessed, students should necessarily participate in the activities. Hiring a private IB tutor in Hong Kong based ease the complexities of the Diploma subjects through proper and strategic guidance and help students in scoring well.

Top 5 Most Difficult Subjects in IB (2026-27)

The top IB subjects (any level) as per the previous records are as follows:

* “HL” = Higher Level and “SL” = Standard Level

What Makes These Subjects Popular?

Now, let us understand what makes these subjects more popular than the others:

● Most are compulsory subjects: These subjects are considered core subjects and lie within mandatory groups within the IB framework. By default, they are highly considered by students who want to pursue higher studies in renowned universities.

● Considered easily accessible: Since they are highly regarded by students, their study material and guidance are easily available. Students can easily find an IB online tutor at Baccalaureate Classes for any of the Diploma subjects from all the six subject groups such as Math Analysis and Approaches or Physics higher level. They can also access trained teachers, study resources and past papers.

● Valued by Universities: These subjects are highly respected by universities across the globe. The sole reason is that they are important subjects if students want to pursue respectable careers and academic success. Also, highly relevant as they strengthen college applications.

● Highly Relevant: The subjects cater to a wide variety of fields such as medicine, engineering, media and communication. Thus, making them a practical choice for students planning their individual professional paths.

● Available in Most IB Schools: All IB schools do not offer niche subjects, but these subjects are widely offered across all schools. While the less popular subjects are not available at every school. Also, there are multiple centers for IB online tuition in Hong Kong that support the students, but Baccalaureate Classes is the top choice of students due to highly experienced team of qualified tutors.

● Preferred by Students: Subjects such as English, History and French are thoroughly enjoyed by students across the globe. The interest level makes them a valuable choice for many students.

How Online Tuition Can Help Students?

Since Hong Kong is known as one of the most competitive IB centers in the world. Below are the most effective ways how an IB maths tutor in Hong Kong helps students score well:

For Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches (HL) - The tutor helps with step-by-step concept breakdown, resolving problem-solving questions, support in practicing past papers and gives regular feedback for improvement.

For Physics (HL) - An IB Physics tutor in Hong Kong explains difficult concepts, simplifies formula sheets, builds exam confidence and provides IA guidance with data analysis and methodology.

For Chemistry (HL) - An online IB tutor in Hong Kong focused on Chemistry targets clear, structured lesson plans, concept mapping, common exam challenges and provides IA supervision.

English A: Language & Literature (HL) - A tutor helps offer personalised feedback on essays, perform text-by-text breakdowns and structure paragraph frameworks. Online tuition also provides support for examination preparation.

Economics (HL) - Economics is a graph heavy subject, thereby the IB tutor in Hong Kong needs to focus on real-world case studies, graph practice, past paper training and master examination timing.

How to Choose the Ideal Subject Level?

Selecting between HL (Higher Level) and SL (Standard Level) is one of the most important decisions that students make when progressing towards their academic goals in the IB diploma programme. Below are the major considerations to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the ideal subject level:

- Core Strength/ Area of Interest
Students are advised to choose subjects that align with their personal interests. Picking the right HL/SL subjects in the IB Diploma Programme can help boost confidence and secure career goals.

- Course/ Entrance Exam Requirements
It is necessary to check the University requirements and target courses. For instance, if a student wants to pursue Engineering, it is important to opt for Maths AA (HL) and Physics (HL). On the other hand, if the student wants to pursue Humanities, they must study English (HL) and History (HL).

- Alignment with Career Choices
The chosen HL subjects should support your future career path. Decide what career journey you want to pursue, whether you want to take up Medicine, Art/ Design or Law. On the basis of the interest level, pick subjects that strengthen your foundation, such as Chemistry (HL) or Biology (HL).

Note: Each subject requires a dedicated amount of time and commitment and it is very important to choose the right subject as per the availability and bandwidth.

Future Prospects for IB Students

Many students often wonder about the future map of their career after IB. The globally renowned curriculum allows students to learn practical skills. This enables them to choose from a wide range of career options, and here the guidance of the best IB Tutors is highly essential.

1) Liberal Arts: IB curriculum helps improve the creative thinking and activity in students. This allows them to pursue liberal arts, as the students perform well in the entrance tests and interviews if they want to pursue Literature, Political Science, Economics, etc.
2) Engineering: IB students can sit for entrance exams worldwide. The students are well-versed in problem-solving skills and have a deep interest in scientific thinking and knowledge.
3) MBBS: IB students are eligible to apply to Medical Science programmes abroad. Students can appear for entrance exams for considering medicine.
4) Professor/ Researcher: A career in research and teaching awaits IB students. However, students require 2-3 years of teaching experience before becoming an IB professor.
5) Mentor/ Career Counsellor: IB students can join peer-mentorship programmes and apply for the Certified Personnel Trainer Course to pursue a career in mentorship. Students are already well-equipped with connection-building skills.

Guide for Parents: How to Support Your Child At Home?

While an IB online tutor in Hong Kong can prove to be very helpful, parental involvement is key to success in the IB programme. It is a transitional phase for students who are switching from rote learning to self-development through key life- improving skills.

Understand the IB Curriculum: If you are looking for an IB Diploma tutor, before that to support your children you have to understand the IB curriculum. The philosophy of the IB curriculum is different from other disciplines and courses. The extensive course encourages students to open their minds to the real world. It is necessary for you to understand the concept of IB to support your child emotionally and mentally. Parents should also understand the complexities of IB Math HL & SL and other difficult subjects.

Foster Empathy for Children: As we mentioned, emotional support, guiding children and developing a healthy learning environment are essential. Practising empathy can ease their anxiety levels, and our IB MYP tutors help them perform better. It’s also necessary to create a healthy environment for students to transform into lifelong learners and learn to maintain balance.

Positive & Effective Involvement: A healthy commitment to help students with their assignments will bring positive results. The IB curriculum demands critical thinking and reflection skills. With effective parental involvement, students will be encouraged to solve real-life problems with confidence.

Conclusion

At Baccalaureate Classes, we understand the requirements of students. We have trained professionals at our academy to match the best expectations of your IB online tutor in Hong Kong. Your search for the best IB tuition classes in Hong Kong ends here. Contact us today.

FAQs

● What is the curriculum of the IB?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum focuses on concept-based, advanced learning skills that are divided into four categories:

- PYP (Primary Years Programme): Focuses on transdisciplinary themes and is designed for ages 3-12.
- MYP (Middle Years Programme): Heavy focus on interdisciplinary learning and designed for ages 11-16.
- DP (Diploma Programme): Students choose 6 subjects across language, social sciences, sciences, maths, arts and 3 core elements as stated below:

TOK (Theory of Knowledge): critical thinking about knowledge
EE (Extended Essay): 4,000-word independent research
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): experiential learning

- CP (Career-related Programme): For ages 16-19 and combines vocational and academic work that leads to personal and professional growth.

The IB curriculum focuses on global awareness, communication, research and critical thinking.

● Is IB better than CBSE?

Both curriculums serve different purposes and goals, thereby we cannot declare one better than the other. Here’s how both courses differ from each other:

The IB curriculum is globally recognised, encourages personal development and includes practical coursework such as oral exams, lab work and research. Suitable for students wanting global exposure, multidisciplinary learning and international university placements.

Benefits of CBSE include affordable education, less workload and best for Indian competitive exams. Suitable for students targeting Indian universities and exam-driven courses.

● Is IB good for students in Hong Kong?

Yes, absolutely. IB is good for students in Hong Kong if:

- Students want to study abroad in renowned universities.
- Prefer practical learning skills rather than rote learning.
- Want to focus on personal development through public speaking, writing, and team-building skills.

● What's the hardest IB subject?

While subject difficulty depends on your interest and learning abilities, here are the top 3 hardest subjects in IB:

- Mathematics AA HL : Involves heavy calculus concepts mixed with Functions and Trigonometry along with practical questions based on differential equations with complex problem-solving methodologies both in paper 1 as well as paper 2 at higher level analysis and approaches.

- Physics HL : Students need to attempt difficult application-based problems in paper 2 and highly conceptual tricky multiple-choice questions in paper 1 as well as lab report-based questions in paper 3 of diploma Physics higher level.

- Chemistry HL : Requires learning intense theory in detail to answer long response questions in paper 2 and ticklish multiple-choice questions in paper 1 and practical skills lab problems in paper 3 of chemistry higher level. HL chemistry also requires strong memory skills as the students are supposed to memorise lot of definitions and chemical equations.

● What is the lowest passing score for IB?

To receive the diploma by the IB education system, it is necessary to obtain at least 24 out of 45 points. This includes 12 points minimum across 3 HL subjects and CAS must be completed.

● Is IB the same as GCSE?

No, the IB programme is completely different from GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). While the IB offers programmes for students aged 3 to 19 years, the GCSE offers secondary education certification. A GCSE level certification is compulsory for enrolling in the IB Diploma Programme.

● What is the most popular IB subject overall?

The most popular IB subject is Mathematics: Application & Interpretation (SL) and next comes English A: Language and Literature (HL/ SL). The subjects are widely offered by IB schools and highly preferred by students, since the demand of IB math tutors in Hong Kong always on its peak.

● Are popular IB subjects more difficult?

Not necessarily. Usually, the difficulty level depends on personal interest and strengths. However, there are a few subjects, such as Mathematics and Physics, that are harder than other subjects.

● What is the hardest subject in IB?

Based on student reviews and past results, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Physics and Chemistry are considered difficult in terms of academic performance. The challenging subjects require building a strong conceptual foundation, and most students end up hiring an IB Math online tutor for support.

● Is IB harder than CBSE?

Yes, generally IB is considered more challenging than CBSE. This is because the IB exam structure requires developing research skills, critical thinking, internal assessments, an extended essay and project-based learning.

● What is the easiest subject in IB?

While easy depends on a student's personal skills and interests, Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), Business Management (SL), and Language Acquisition courses (SL) are considered more accessible and easier to score by IB students.

● What is the most common IB score?

On average, students score between 28 to 34 points. While the highest score is 45 points, an average performance is also considered good by most universities.