There has been a dramatic shift in the entire international education ecosystem. To thrive in today’s fast-paced world, education has stepped out of a closed-door and the learning has been taken out of class hours.
There have been significant changes in the education system in the past decade. To incorporate different skill sets among the students, different programmes all around the world have been developed and implemented.
One of the most important decisions as a student or even as a parent that you have to take is to choose which programmes to opt for.
The International Baccalaureate diploma program or an A level program are the options that you have during high school. Anybody above 16 years old can opt for these programmes.
People often get confused about these two programmes and there is a constant debate on which programme outcasts the other. Which one will really help you in getting into your favorite university?
Well to know that you will have to first know about both these programmes in detail.
What is IB Program?
● The IB Program basically consists of 6 subjects. In this, you basically can choose any subject that you want but they must adhere to the rule that each subject should be from different fields like first language, second language, mathematics, humanities, science and the last subject can be chosen from the field of art and humanities or from any other field that seems to interest you.
● You will have to be very careful when you choose these subjects. 3 out of all the subjects will be carried forward and you will have to study the same subjects next year as well.
● The grading system of IB goes from 1 to 7 in each subject and you are marked accordingly. Usually, the diploma is granted to students with 24 points but there are various other criteria as well that needs to be met in order to pass the program.
● When it comes to IB, apart from the academic core you also have something called EE and CAS which stands for extended essays and creativity, action and service accordingly.
● In order to stimulate service learning among the kids, the institutions have made it a part of the program. These also give students additional points that they can avail themselves of by volunteering in numerous service-learning and community services apart from the compulsory ones,
What is A-Levels Program?
● Unlike the International Baccalaureate, here the students have to choose subjects for the entire program but there is no limit to how many subjects they want to choose. They can choose as many subjects as they want to, depending on their own personal interest.
● When it comes to the A-level program, the entire program is split into two distinct phases. AS level and A2 level is what they call. In AS phase or level, the students are taught the basics and it serves as a base for the A2 level.
Here students are expected to finish as much coursework as possible. Also because it is the first year of students in this program, students tend to choose fewer subjects.
● After the first-year students can also drop some subjects if they want. They do not have to continue learning the same old subjects.
The only mandatory criteria are that they have to at least choose three subjects for their A2 level. A2 level subjects play a key role as these are the ones that will give you the final grade.
● So, you can experiment with subjects in the first year but you will have to be very careful about the subjects that you choose for your A2 level. When it comes to grading, the grades go from e to a and are marked in small letters (a-e).
Also Read: 13 Effective Study Techniques For Students
IB vs A LEVELS
Even before studying about the course, the one thing that parents and students worry about is which course will help them in getting into their Ivy League colleges.
That is also because getting into your favorite university is not an easy task and your high school program can definitely help you levitate one.
Do Universities Prefer IB or A Levels?
Well, the answer is both. In different countries, there is a difference in familiarity with the course and in some countries, IB program students are preferred whereas in some universities the A level programs are welcomed.
This is something that you will have to take care of beforehand and decide your high school program dispenses with the university you want to get into later on. This can be a tough call but you will have to choose wisely.
Which Course is Recognised Globally?
A-Levels as well as IB, both are globally recognised course, although, in some countries, A levels is less popular whereas in some IB is less popular.
IB (International Baccalaureate) Compared To A-Levels: Which is Harder?
There are a lot of misconceptions about IB, particularly that it’s harder than A Levels. The IB and A Levels are both extremely challenging and require a lot of hard work.
The only difference that makes IB program a tad challenging from A Levels is that IB emphasizes critical thinking skills and problem solving ability over theoretical knowledge.
How is the Grading System Different Between IB vs A Level?
Both the courses are graded very differently and have different criteria. When it comes to International Baccalaureate, each subject is scored out of 7 where 7 is the highest possible mark one can get.
Therefore at the end of the course, you will have an overall grading out of 45. Out of which 42 are attributed to academics. For Extended essays and service-learning, you will get points between 1-and 3.
Whereas in A-level programs, students appear for individual exams for each subject a couple of times in a single year. And each subject has a defined weighing structure as per the syllabus.
Now that you know how IB and A-level programs work, it will be easier for you to choose a program that fits your wants and needs. Choosing a perfect program for yourself can be the most tedious task that you will have to do together as parents and kids.
A Levels or IB: Choosing the Right Path for Your Career Goals
The choice between A Levels or IB isn’t just about academics. It’s about the kind of learner you are and where you see yourself heading after high school. If you already have a strong interest in a specific field like medicine, engineering, or economics, A Levels let you focus deeply on a few subjects, giving you an edge in specialised areas. On the other hand, IB offers a broader curriculum that builds critical thinking, research skills, and a global perspective, which can be beneficial if you’re still exploring your options.
When debating A Levels vs IB, think about how you learn best. A Levels follow a subject-specific, structure, which works well if you prefer in-depth study in a few key areas. IB, with its mix of coursework, research, and projects, challenges students to connect ideas across subjects, making it ideal for those who enjoy interdisciplinary learning.
Team GIIS
Team GIIS is a group of enthusiastic writers who bring the vibrant world of GIIS Singapore to life through engaging blog posts. Dedicated to highlighting the school’s teaching methodology, innovative learning environment, and diverse curriculum options like IB, Cambridge and CBSE, they aim to connect with parents, educators and students, sharing insights and stories that inspire and inform the school community.
