The IB Diploma Timeline: Your Two-Year Roadmap

Hey there! Welcome to the IB Diploma Programme. Think of the next two years as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s a challenging journey, but an incredibly rewarding one. The key to finishing strong isn't just about working hard; it's about working smart and knowing what’s coming around the corner.

This timeline is your GPS for the entire IB journey. Use it to see the major milestones, plan ahead, and mentally prepare for the road ahead. Knowing that DP2 gets intense with deadlines means you'll understand why it's so important to get your EE research question nailed down in DP1!

By using this roadmap, you'll be able to:

Visualize your entire IB journey from start to finish.
Anticipate key pressure points and deadlines before they sneak up on you.
Pace yourself by understanding when to focus on coursework vs. exam prep.
Reduce stress by knowing what to expect and when.

DP1: Laying the Foundation

Your first year is all about building a solid base. You'll dive deep into your chosen subjects and get to grips with the three core components that make the IB unique: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS.

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

The starting pistol fires! It's all about making big choices and understanding the landscape.

Finalise Your Subjects: Lock in your three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. Choose wisely!
Meet the Core: You'll get formal introductions to CAS, TOK, and the EE. Pay attention here—these aren't side projects; they are central to your diploma.
CAS Kick-off: Start planning your Creativity, Activity, and Service projects. Remember, CAS is about consistent engagement over 18 months.

Mid-Year (Nov - March)

The initial excitement settles, and the real work begins. Momentum is your best friend now.

The Big Question: You'll start brainstorming and identifying your research question for the Extended Essay. This is a huge step.
Research Mode On: Once your question is approved, you'll begin the formal research for your EE.
IA First Look: Your teachers will start introducing the Internal Assessments (IAs) for various subjects.
First Test Run: Most schools hold mock or mid-year exams to check your progress. Use the feedback to guide your study.
TOK Exhibition: Finalise your three objects and ensure your TOK exhibition draft is properly formatted.

End of Year (April - June)

You're wrapping up the first half of the marathon. The focus is on consolidating your work and preparing for the summer.

EE Plan Formalised: You'll meet with your supervisor to finalize your research plan and set goals for your first draft.
Group 4 Project: Time for the sciences to collaborate! The interdisciplinary Group 4 project often takes place here.
Summer Mocks: One last set of internal exams to benchmark your knowledge before the break.
TOK Exhibition: Your TOK exhibition is scheduled to be completed by the end of DP1. Finalise your draft and be prepared for the exhibition.

The DP1 Lanterna Tip: Your Extended Essay topic is something you'll live with for over a year. Choose a subject you are genuinely curious about, not just one you think will score well. Your passion will be your biggest motivator when you're deep in the research and writing process.

DP2: The Final Ascent

This is where the intensity ramps up. DP2 is a balancing act between finishing major coursework, revising the entire syllabus, and preparing for university applications. Organisation is everything.

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

You hit the ground running. Juggling multiple major deadlines is the name of the game.

University Apps Go Live: For many, the university application process (like UCAS) begins now. Time management is crucial.
EE First Draft: This major deadline usually falls early in the term. Your supervisor's feedback here is gold.
IA Deadlines Appear: The first wave of final IA submissions begins, often for subjects like Maths or Geography.
TOK Essay: You will receive your TOK essay titles in the first week of September and will kickstart the process by choosing the title of your choice. Start planning and drafting your essay.

Mid-Year (Nov - Jan)

This is arguably the most demanding period of the entire diploma. Keep your head down and tick things off the list one by one.

The Big Mocks: This is your dress rehearsal for the final exams. Take them seriously—they are the best preparation you'll get.
Final IA Push: The deadlines for the rest of your IAs (e.g., Sciences, Languages) will fall in this window.
EE and TOK Essay Final Touches: Your final meetings with your EE and TOK supervisor will take place as you polish your essays.

The End Game (Feb - May)

The finish line is in sight! Coursework is submitted, and the focus shifts 100% to exam revision.

The 'Big External Assessment' Submissions: Your final Extended Essay, TOK Essay, Comparative Study (VA) and HLEs are submitted. A huge weight off your shoulders!
IA submission: Next, you will submit your IAs for all subjects, including your TOK exhibition.
Study Leave: Classes end, and you enter the final, focused period of revision before exams.
Final IB Exams: This is it! From late April to late May, you'll sit the exams that you've been working towards for two years.
Graduation: You did it. Time to celebrate!

The DP2 Lanterna Tip: Use a digital or physical planner religiously. Break down every huge task (like "write TOK essay") into tiny, 1-hour steps ("review prescribed titles," "create outline for PT #3," "find 2 RLS examples"). Ticking off small wins is the best way to fight procrastination and stay motivated when you feel overwhelmed.

Zubia Akbar
Hi, I’m Zubia Akbar, an experienced IB educator, programme leader, and examiner with over twenty years of teaching and leadership experience in international education. I currently serve as Head and Coordinator of the IB Diploma Programme and IB Career-related Programme and am actively involved with the IB as an examiner, workshop leader, and evaluation leader.

I hold a Master’s degree in English Literature, a Bachelor’s in Education, and a PGCE, and have taught across IB DP, IGCSE, O Levels, and A Levels, as well as at the university level. My teaching specialisms include IB English Language and Literature, English B, and Theory of Knowledge, with a consistent record of strong student outcomes that exceed global averages.

My approach to teaching and tutoring is grounded in clarity, inquiry, and confidence-building. I focus on helping students understand assessment expectations, develop strong analytical and writing skills, and apply effective exam strategies. I see myself as both a mentor and a guide, supporting learners academically while also nurturing independence and critical thinking.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy travelling, listening to semi-classical music and ghazals, and painting—creative pursuits that continually inspire my teaching and my appreciation for diverse perspectives.

DP1 focuses on building foundational knowledge and starting major projects like the Extended Essay (EE) and CAS. DP2 significantly increases in intensity, as you must complete all coursework (IAs, EE, TOK) and prepare for final exams. Proactive planning is key to managing the jump in workload.

A great strategy is to treat DP1 deadlines, especially for the EE draft and early IAs, with the same seriousness as final submissions. Building strong, consistent study habits from day one prevents a stressful catch-up situation in DP2. A free Lanterna IB consultation can help you map out a personalised two-year plan with an expert.

The most demanding period for most students is from September to February of DP2. This is when final drafts of the Extended Essay, the TOK essay, and numerous Internal Assessments are often due. This coincides with mock exams, making time management and strategic planning absolutely essential.

We specialise in helping students navigate the IB's demands. Our expert tutors, all high-achieving IB graduates, provide targeted support for any component, from structuring your EE to mastering IA criteria or creating an effective exam revision plan. This support helps you stay on track and submit work with confidence.

Lanterna’s IB consultation is a free, 20–30 minute online call with a Student Success Expert. It's a chance for students and parents to discuss specific IB challenges, academic goals, and create a personalised plan to improve grades and reduce stress.

Yes, it is completely free and comes with no obligation to purchase tutoring. Our primary goal is to provide genuine value and a clear roadmap for your IB journey. You'll leave the call with a better understanding of your priorities and next steps, whether you choose to work with us or not.

The consultation is for any IB student (DP1 or DP2) or parent seeking clarity and confidence. It's perfect if you're feeling overwhelmed by the timeline, unsure about how to prepare for exams, need help with IAs or the EE, or simply want to ensure your current study strategies are effective for achieving top marks.

While consistent review is important throughout the two years, dedicated exam preparation should intensify after your DP2 mock exams (typically Jan/Feb). The period known as \

Absolutely. The EE and IAs are common areas where students need expert guidance. Our tutors have excelled in these components themselves and can help you with everything from refining a research question and structuring your work to understanding the complex marking criteria for any of your SL or HL subjects.

Our Student Success Experts are IB specialists who are deeply familiar with the programme's timeline, subjects, and challenges. They are your first point of contact and are trained to listen to your unique situation. During the free consultation, they'll help you identify strengths and weaknesses and architect a clear plan for academic success.

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IB Diploma Timeline

The IB Diploma Timeline: Your Two-Year Roadmap

DP1: Laying the Foundation

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

Mid-Year (Nov - March)

End of Year (April - June)

DP2: The Final Ascent

Beginning of Year (Sept - Oct)

Mid-Year (Nov - Jan)

The End Game (Feb - May)

Why Lanterna?

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