This post is brought to you in part by Epsom College.
Although every parent wants to help their child reach their full academic potential, it can be difficult deciding which school leaving qualification should be pursued.
There are arguments supporting the International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as A Levels, and because of this, it is hard to determine what approach will give the student the best competitive edge for entering their choice of university, as well as the most edifying educational experience.
To help clear up some of the confusion, it is first important to identify the main differences between IB and A Levels.
Overview of the International Baccalaureate and A-Level Curriculums
Students undertaking an IB curriculum typically study six subject groups. Three of these are at a high level (with more teaching hours devoted to them) and the other three at a standard level.
To complete the IB, the student must also complete a Theory of Knowledge Course (TOK), an extended essay, as well as a separate mandatory programme that emphasises Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).
In contrast, the A-Level approach can really benefit students who have a passion for a particular subject or a desired career trajectory. Students undertaking the A level curriculum typically have the option of choosing three to four subjects from a list of more than 40.
The A-Level study programme is divided into Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level) and A2, with 50% of the student’s final grades coming from each of these. Critical exams as well as coursework are carried out in both AS and A2, though there can also separate endorsements for practical skills and the option of an Extended Project Qualification.
Whereas IB is graded on levels ranging from 7 to 1, A-Levels follow the standard and more widely-recognised A-E format.
Although there is much to be said about the IB system (particularly that it can favour students with a wide spectrum of talents) there are numerous advantages to choosing A-Levels. Here are some of the major reasons for taking A-Levels.
Advantages of Taking A-Levels
Less stress
Unlike IB, taking A-Levels leaves students more time for co-curricular and recreational activity (not to mention family time). Though some may believe that a more rigorous schedule of study might create a better outcome, the added stress levels this entails can be detrimental. This is why A-Levels are ideal for students who feel that balancing their study time with other subjects that they enjoy is conducive to acquiring better grades and enjoying a more enriching pre-university education.
Flexible options
Developments within the A-Level programme over the past few decades has made it just as wide-reaching in scope, satisfactorily challenging and edifying as anything IB offers. Much like IB’s Extended Essay component, A-Level students have the choice of pursuing an Extended Project Qualification.
Worth half an A-Level, this qualification gives students the ability to write about their choice of topic and acquire study tools that will serve them very well throughout their university years.
Stellar success
UK research has determined that students who pursue A-Levels are more likely to get into their first or second choice of university than their peers undertaking IB. Statistics gathered in 2011 showed that the success rate for A-Level students was 81% compared to the 69% success rate for IB Students.
Wider recognition
Universities throughout the United Kingdom, Malaysia and beyond continue to highly value the academic currency of A-Levels and its traditional grading system. In both Malaysia and the UK, the majority of applicants pursued A-Levels.
Higher specialisation
As touched on earlier, A-Levels better allows students to choose the subjects they are really passionate about and focus on them. For example, a student passionate about getting into a science-related field can choose two or three other science subjects while specialising in Maths. IB, by comparison, makes it mandatory for students to undertake a broad range of subjects.
One of the main criticisms leveled at A-Levels was that, unlike IB, the programme did not differentiate between top performers. However, the introduction of the A* grade at A-Level in 2010 now means that the highest-performing students receive the recognition they deserve.
This post was contributed in part by Epsom College in Malaysia. You can find out more about Epsom at www.epsomcollege.edu.my.
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