DLF Phase 5 and the Golf Course Road sectors are home to many IB families, with students at IB schools across Gurgaon. IB maths is a very different subject from CBSE or ICSE maths – different courses, different papers, an internal assessment, and a strong focus on explaining reasoning. This guide covers what parents in Phase 5 most need to know, and what a good IB maths tutor should do.
AA or AI: the first decision
IB Diploma students take one of two maths courses, each at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). A student can study only one maths course in the Diploma.
- Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) is more algebraic and abstract, with a strong emphasis on constructing and justifying mathematical arguments. It suits students who enjoy pure maths, and those aiming for maths-heavy university courses.
- Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI) focuses on maths in context – modelling, statistics and technology. Every AI exam paper requires a graphic display calculator (GDC).
The right choice depends on your child's strengths and university plans, not on which course sounds "easier". A tutor should help you think this through with your child's school, using real work, not guesswork.
How the exams work (current course, May 2027 and 2028)
| Course | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 (HL only) | Exploration (IA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AA SL | 90 min, no calculator, 40% | 90 min, GDC, 40% | – | 20% |
| AA HL | 120 min, no calculator, 30% | 120 min, GDC, 30% | 60 min, GDC, 20% | 20% |
| AI SL | 90 min, GDC, 40% | 90 min, GDC, 40% | – | 20% |
| AI HL | 120 min, GDC, 30% | 120 min, GDC, 30% | 60 min, GDC, 20% | 20% |
Two things follow for preparation:
- AA students must be fluent without a calculator for Paper 1 – algebra, exact values, and calculus by hand.
- AI students must be fluent with the GDC – not just pressing buttons, but knowing which feature to use and how to write up the result.
A new IB DP maths syllabus starts teaching in August 2027, with first exams in May 2029. Current Year 1 and Year 2 students stay on the current course. Our post on the new IB DP maths syllabus explains what changes.
The exploration (IA): 20% that is often left too late
The mathematical exploration is a written piece of independent maths, marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB. It is worth 20% at both SL and HL. Students lose marks here for three common reasons:
- A topic that is too big or too vague. A focused question beats an ambitious one.
- Maths that is too simple for the level. HL explorations especially need maths at HL standard.
- Weak communication. The IA rewards clear explanation, correct notation and reflection – not just correct answers.
A good tutor helps your child choose and narrow a topic, check the maths, and improve clarity. A tutor must never write the exploration for the student – that breaks IB academic integrity rules.
What a good IB maths home tutor does differently
- Teaches the "why", not just the "how". IB questions often ask students to show that, explain or justify.
- Uses IB-style questions with multi-part structures and command terms, not just textbook drills.
- Plans around school deadlines – IA drafts, internal tests and mock exams.
- Builds paper-specific skills: non-calculator fluency for AA Paper 1, GDC fluency for AI and AA Paper 2, and extended problem-solving for HL Paper 3.
Our post on how Maths Bodhi tutors teach IB maths the IB way shows what this looks like in a session.
MYP students in Phase 5
IB MYP maths is assessed against four criteria (A–D) rather than just marks, and many schools offer Standard and Extended maths in MYP 4–5. Read MYP Standard vs Extended and the MYP maths report explained.
Maths Bodhi IB tutors in DLF Phase 5
Maths Bodhi tutors teach IB MYP and DP maths at home across DLF Phase 5 and Golf Course Road, and online. Course pages: AA SL, AA HL, AI SL and AI HL. Area pages: Golf Course Road IB maths home tutor and DLF Phase 5 maths home tutor. For general questions about home tuition in the area, see maths home tutor in DLF Phase 5 and Golf Course Road.
All our DLF guides in one place: maths home tutor in DLF Gurgaon – Phase 1, 2, 4 and 5.
Frequently asked questions
- Should my child take IB maths AA or AI?
- AA suits students who enjoy algebra, proof and pure maths, and those aiming for maths-heavy university courses. AI suits students who prefer modelling, statistics and technology. Decide with the school, based on your child's work and university plans.
- How much is the IB maths IA worth?
- The mathematical exploration is worth 20% of the final grade at both SL and HL in the current course. It is marked by the teacher and moderated by the IB.
- Is a calculator allowed in IB maths exams?
- AA Paper 1 does not allow any calculator; AA Papers 2 and 3 require a graphic display calculator. All AI papers require a graphic display calculator.
- Can an IB maths tutor in DLF Phase 5 teach at home?
- Yes. Maths Bodhi tutors teach IB MYP and DP maths at home across DLF Phase 5 and Golf Course Road, and online when needed.