Certified teachers for SSST languages

The School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST) course is a part of the IB Diploma Programme that allows students to study their mother tongue or heritage language as Language A: Literature on a self-taught basis. It is intended for students whose first language is not offered by their school as a taught course. Students follow the same curriculum and are assessed in the same way as those taking standard Language A: Literature, including written and oral components.

Because SSST students typically do not have a classroom teacher in their school for this subject, they are expected to study independently, and learn with limited guidance from a coordinator. This can be particularly challenging given the demands of the IB curriculum. Tutoring with TutorsPlus offers structure, expert support in literary analysis, and preparation for oral and written assessments.  As our tutors are professional IB teachers, and many are Examiners, they know just the support students need to succeed in their native language at a high academic level.

Our SSST tutoring programs are fully customised and usually include support in selecting appropriate literary works, developing textual analysis skills, structuring written assignments, preparing for the Individual Oral (IO), and building confidence in exam techniques. Lessons are structured around the IB syllabus, with regular feedback, progress tracking, and flexible scheduling to suit the student’s needs.

Yes. Text selection is a crucial part of the SSST process, as students must study a minimum of 10 works from different time periods, authors, and cultures, including translated texts. Our tutors guide students in choosing texts that are rich in literary features, align with IB criteria, and reflect personal or cultural relevance. We also ensure the combination of texts meets the IB’s prescribed requirements.

The IO is a major internal assessment for the SSST course, requiring students to compare a literary work with a non-literary body of work. TutorsPlus helps students choose strong global issues, plan their extracts, structure their oral commentary, and rehearse their delivery. Our tutors offer detailed feedback on timing, clarity, and use of literary terminology to ensure a confident and coherent presentation.

IB Language A: Literature School-Supported Self-Taught (SSST) course is available only at Standard Level (SL) — not at Higher Level (HL).

We offer online SSST tutoring to students worldwide, making it ideal for international families or students in remote locations. For students based in Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich, or Basel, we also provide in-person, one to one tutoring when a suitable tutor is available locally. All lessons, whether online or face-to-face – are fully interactive and tailored to the student’s pace and goals.

Yes. It’s common for students to feel overwhelmed by the independent nature of the SSST course. Whether you’re just starting, preparing for your IO, or behind on your reading list, we can help you get back on track with a structured plan, regular milestones, and targeted preparation. We also liaise with SSST coordinators when needed.

Simply contact us via our website or phone. We’ll discuss your language, level (SL or HL), text list (if available), and your current progress in the course. Based on this, we’ll match you with a native-speaking IB SSST tutor who understands the assessment criteria and can support you effectively. You can start with a trial session and build a schedule that fits your academic calendar.