A lot of students in the UAE feel stuck when it comes to Math and Science in the IB Middle Years Programme. And honestly, it’s not always because they’re not studying enough. The IB Middle Years Curriculum is structured differently. It focuses more on understanding how & why things work rather than just memorizing formulas. Most students who have studied in more traditional systems before shifting to IB find it hard to adjust. But with the right approach, it’s possible to turn this around.

1. Understand What the Question is Really Asking

Every MYP assessment whether it’s a lab report or a math investigation is marked using a defined set of criteria. In MYP, command terms like “calculate,” “justify,” or “evaluate” aren’t random; they are directly tied to how your answers are graded. Many students lose marks not because they lack the knowledge, but because they don’t respond in the way the question expects.

Create a simple chart of common command terms along with the type of response each one requires & review it regularly. This small habit alone can lead to noticeable improvements in your scores.

2. Learn to Break Down Multi-Strand Questions

In MYP, a single question often combines different strands like geometry mixed with algebra, or chemistry linked with physics. Many UAE students transitioning from more traditional curriculums find this integration confusing.

What helps is mentally breaking the question into smaller parts. As you read, jot down quick margin notes such as: What concept is being tested? Which formula or law applies here? Is there a diagram or data I need to interpret first?

This habit improves clarity, reduces careless mistakes & makes long-response questions much more manageable.

3. Use Teacher Feedback as a Score-Booster, Not a Complaint Sheet

Students should track teacher feedback throughout the term. Comments such as “explain more clearly” or “method missing” reflect specific areas where marks were lost.

Improving even one of these points each week can lead to a 10-15% grade increase by the end of the term.

A useful approach is to create a “feedback tracker” in Google Sheets. Each time a graded task is returned, note the mistake and the action needed for improvement. This builds real progress over time, rather than relying on luck for better results.

4. Prepare Your Own Question Banks for Each Topic

This might sound time-consuming, but it’s gold. After you finish a topic, write your own 5–10 questions on it. Include both easy and challenging ones. Then solve them after a week.
This builds exam-level recall and helps you think like an examiner.

This is especially helpful in Math topics like linear equations or Science units like forces and motion. Many students in IB tuitions in Dubai are now encouraged to do this as part of active learning.

5. Use ATL Skills Like Study Tools

The IB talks a lot about ATL (Approaches to Learning), but most students ignore them. In reality, skills like time management, critical thinking & research can directly help you perform better. If you’re struggling with Math word problems, maybe you need to improve how you break down a question logically. These are things that can be learned with practice.

What Makes NowClasses a Trusted Choice for IB MYP Support

Students studying under the IB Middle Years Curriculum in the UAE often need some time & support to adjust, especially in Math and Science. Many parents also struggle to help because the system is very different from what they experienced in school.

At NowClasses, we work closely with MYP learners to simplify these challenges. Our IB tutoring in Dubai is structured, flexible, and focused on long-term understanding. Whether a student is learning in-person or online, we ensure they have access to teachers who genuinely understand the IB style of questioning, assessment & grading.

And it’s not just for IB. We support students across curriculums including British, American and more offering help in subjects like Math, Science, English, Economics etc from middle school to high school. Our goal is to provide academic support that fits each learner’s pace.

Many families across the UAE already trust us for consistent academic help and we keep growing through their recommendations. If structured learning, reliable teachers, and steady academic improvement matter, we’re here to make sure that support is always within reach.