The IB Diploma Programme is rigorous and covers a vast amount of content across multiple subjects. Effective note-taking is essential for managing this workload, deepening your understanding, and creating valuable resources for revision. It helps you consolidate information, identify key concepts, and ultimately save time and reduce stress during exam periods.

To make your notes truly effective, always rephrase information in your own words to ensure genuine understanding. Focus on the essentials: key concepts, formulas, methods, examples, and important quotes. Keep them brief and concise, treating them as 'messages to your future self' that you can easily recall and expand upon during revision. Organising them logically will also aid retrieval.

Yes, effective note-taking should be tailored to the subject. For Sciences and Mathematics, focus on formulas, methods, problem examples, and diagrams. For Humanities and Languages, prioritise key ideas, arguments, quotes, vocabulary, grammar rules, and potential essay structures. The goal is to capture information in a way that supports the specific type of understanding and application required by each subject.

Ideally, IB students should begin refining their note-taking skills from the very start of DP1. Developing strong habits early on helps manage the increasing workload and builds a solid foundation for DP2 and final exams. However, it's never too late to improve; even students preparing for mocks or final exams can benefit significantly from adopting more effective strategies.

Our expert IB tutors, many of whom scored 40+ in the IB themselves or have extensive teaching/examiner experience, can provide personalised guidance on proven study strategies. They'll help you develop active recall techniques, spaced repetition, mind mapping, and, crucially, effective note-taking methods tailored to your learning style and specific IB subjects. This support extends to preparing for IAs, EEs, and final exams.

Absolutely. Lanterna boasts over 600 expert IB tutors covering all subjects at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). Whether you need help with a challenging concept in Maths AA HL, structuring an essay for English Lit, or refining your Biology IA, our tutors provide tailored support to help you excel in your chosen subjects and achieve your academic goals.

The Lanterna IB consultation is a free, no-pressure 20-30 minute conversation with one of our expert IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to give you clarity on your current situation, address any concerns you have about the IB, and provide a simple, personalised plan for what to focus on next. There's absolutely no obligation to book tutoring afterwards.

Our Student Success Experts are experienced professionals with deep, insider knowledge of the IB Diploma Programme. They've guided thousands of IB students and parents through the complexities of the curriculum, offering strategic advice, helping set priorities, and ensuring students are on the right path to achieving their academic ambitions.

Yes, the consultation is 100% free, with zero obligation to purchase tutoring. After your 20-30 minute session, you'll walk away with a clear, personalised plan, actionable priorities, and a better understanding of your next steps. You can then decide, with complete freedom, if you wish to explore how Lanterna's tutoring could further support your IB journey.

If you're finding note-taking or other study techniques challenging, a free consultation is an excellent first step. Our Student Success Experts can help diagnose specific areas for improvement, offer initial strategies, and recommend resources. They can also advise on how Lanterna's expert tutors can provide targeted, ongoing support to help you master these essential IB skills and build confidence.