The IB Diploma covers a vast amount of content, and understanding alone isn't enough for retention. Effective notes act as a memory aid, helping you recall complex information, prepare for exams, and ensure the time you spend in class translates into useful revision material.

Good IB note-taking involves five key steps: Select (choosing what's important for exams), Condense (making notes efficient with short phrases, symbols, and your own words), Organise (keeping notes tidy and dated), Revisit (reviewing and clarifying notes soon after class), and Engrain (committing them to memory through repetition and explanation).

To condense your notes, focus on main ideas rather than recording everything. Use short phrases, reminder words, symbols, and abbreviations. Put information into your own words, except for formulas, definitions, and specific facts. Also, use indentations to show relationships between topics and avoid cramping your notes so they remain readable.

Organisation is key for revision. Keep all your notes for a subject in one place, ideally a folder. Always date your notes and number the pages. This systematic approach allows you to quickly find specific topics, track your progress, and easily put notes in order when preparing for exams.

You should revisit your notes soon after class to clarify any points and add detail. The next day, create a summary. For engraining, read through your summaries repeatedly, read them aloud, and try explaining them to someone else. Consistent engagement helps commit the information to long-term memory.

Absolutely. Our expert IB tutors and Student Success Experts can guide you on effective study strategies tailored to your learning style and specific IB subjects. We can help you refine your note-taking techniques, improve time management, and build a comprehensive revision plan to maximise your academic potential.

Lanterna's tutors are all high-achieving IB graduates (many scored 40+), experienced IB teachers (10+ years), or even IB examiners. They provide personalised 1-on-1 support, helping students understand complex concepts, master exam techniques, and develop crucial skills like effective note-taking, essay writing, and IA/EE guidance across all IB subjects at both SL and HL.

The Lanterna free IB consultation is a no-pressure, 20-30 minute chat with one of our expert IB Student Success Experts. It's designed to give you clarity on your IB journey, whether you're a student or a parent. You can ask any questions, clear up doubts, and walk away with a personalised plan for what to focus on next, without any obligation to book tutoring.

Yes, it is absolutely free, with no catch and no obligation to purchase tutoring. We offer this as a valuable resource to help IB students and parents navigate the programme. Our goal is to provide immediate, actionable advice and a clear plan, backed by our team's extensive experience supporting thousands of IB students.

Our Student Success Experts are highly knowledgeable individuals with deep experience in the IB Diploma Programme. They act as your first point of contact, offering guidance on subject choices, study strategies, university applications, and how to overcome common IB challenges. They can help you identify your priorities, understand where you might be struggling, and outline a path forward, including how Lanterna's tutoring could potentially support you.

You'll gain clarity on your current situation, a personalised plan outlining key priorities, and actionable next steps to improve your IB performance or reduce stress. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the IB, study techniques, or how Lanterna's support works, leaving with increased confidence and a clear direction.