Choosing the right course
PARENTS always ask their children one important question after major school exams. It is whether to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or A-levels?
Both the IB Diploma and A Levels have their advocates and each qualification will, with the right grades and application, allow entry to top universities.
Oxford University for instance has been accepting IB students since the 1970’s.
In light of this, it is understandable that the decision over which to take is not easy, especially considering the growth of IB schools in the UK and South-east Asia over the last five years.
Greater choice, coupled with the growing recognition and understanding of the IB has meant that parents have an even harder choice of which academic programme will provide the best education.
Underpinning the IB Diploma is a mission to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who on entering the world of work help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Students study six subjects, three at a high level and three at a standard level.
The six subjects are drawn from the different IB groups, languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.
Subjects can vary from visual arts, film studies to biology, chemistry and economics.
Additional to the six subjects is the central part of the IB called the core.
In contrast, A Level students can take a more focused range of subjects. Students normally study four to five subjects in the first year (AS Level).
In the second year, they have the option to study three to four subjects. Students can focus on a specific field of study. Making the decision The decision of which route is best needs to be made carefully. Neither programme has an advantage over the other.
The IB Diploma and A-levels do not automatically guarantee students entry to top universities. In both cases, students need a high level of academic performance.
Parents need to look at the strengths and weaknesses of their child in consultation with teaching staff at both their present school and any prospective future school.
If a student demonstrates clear strengths in specific areas and weaknesses in others then A-levels would be preferable. This would allow students to focus on subjects they excel in and maximise their grades in key areas. The same can also be said of students who are passionate about specific areas and have limited interest in others.
Students who demonstrate a solid all-round ability with interests in a wider range of subjects would thus be more suited to the IB Diploma.
Students in this situation could develop fluency in a variety of disciplines, taking advantage of a globally focused education. This creates students who can enter a global economy with the multicultural skills needed to prosper within it.
Taking the IB Diploma means that a student needs to be highly organised and have strong time management skills as they must balance their six subjects alongside voluntary work, an extended essay and studying the theory of knowledge.
The growth of IB schools in the UK, the birthplace of A-levels does in itself show that the IB Diploma is a real alternative to the more traditional A-level option.
For parents, this means real choice between two academic programmes that allow students the opportunity of entry into top universities.
The best advice is to seek the opinions of teachers, prospective schools and of course the students themselves.
Speak to parents and students who have taken an IB or A Level programme and listen to their experience.
This will help give a balanced overview of the challenges of both programmes and allow for the right decision.
The article was contributed by EF International Academy (Asia-pacific) director of admissions James Heath. EF International Academy will be participating in British Council’s Education UK exhibitions in Kuala Lumpur on March 10 and 11 Penang on March, Kuching on March 15 and Kota Kinabalu on March 17.