Should you choose A levels or the IB Diploma? Amelia Buckworth, Education Manager at Quintessentially Education, clears up common myths and misunderstandings surrounding this important sixth form choice
1. IB Diploma is harder
This is a pervasive myth, particularly in the UK. Certainly, the IBDP has a wider range of subjects to cover than the typical three or four within A levels – one of the reasons it has earned the reputation of being challenging. This is further perpetuated by student reports that some schools offering the IBDP hand select the students deemed ‘academically able’ to study the IB programme.
Both A levels and the IBDP are academically rigorous and demanding. So, the question should be which option best suits me. While some students prefer the breadth of the IBDP, others enjoy the depth and focus of A levels. This makes it important to consider the best fit for you when choosing between the two.
2. A levels narrow learning options
This is a common charge. By choosing only three or four subjects, students are forced to decide their academic direction too early. It’s true A levels are extremely focused, but the core skills learnt are transferable to a broad range of university subjects and career pathways. A focus on specific subjects in great depth helps students who might feel overwhelmed with a broader subject load and can be useful for candidates considering specific subject areas (medicine, veterinary science, engineering, computer science, for instance). By building an excellent foundational knowledge, well-chosen A levels provide building block towards continued learning.
Many schools offering A levels also offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). This large-scale independent project on a subject chosen by the student increases independent study skills and breadth of learning. It may also count towards UCAS points, although not all universities accept EPQs so do check.
3. The IB is too generalist
One of the greatstrengths of the IBDP is also considered by some to be a weakness. They argue that English Literature texts, for example, can only be covered superficially because there are so many, so students don’t develop the essay writing skills required by A level. Certainly, IBDP rewards pupils who are good at everything, so if you excel at Maths, say, but are weaker at English and foreign languages, A levels might be your better pathway to top results.
4. IB is better preparation for university
It is often said that the IBDP offers a more rounded approach to pre-university education. The breadth of subjects and the additional components within the IBDP foster skills such as critical thinking and interdisciplinary connections. Some say this sets students up better for the independent study that undergraduate courses require.
On the other hand, A levels also require critical thinking and are excellent at preparing for university because students typically have fewer timetabled hours than their IBDP counterparts. They are therefore encouraged to become independent learners and to organise their own time – essential skills for the approach to teaching and learning at university.
5. British universities prefer A levels
While it is true that A levels are the more traditional route to a UK university, the IBDP is a globally recognised qualification. Most British universities now recognise the IBDP as equal to A levels, as indicated by the fact entry requirements are listed on the main pages of their websites (other curricula are found under the ‘international student’ sections). The key element in any university application is a requirement to meet minimum criteria for a particular course of study – both IBDP and A-level pathways determine this.
6. International universities prefer the IBDP
One common misconception is that you must study the IBDP if you want to apply to international universities. The IBDP is certainly recognised the world over, and its breadth means it sits well with applicants considering a Liberal Arts degree in the US, for example. But A levels are well known and respected, too. In many instances, you have an equal chance of entering an international university. Just be sure to check for prerequisites, as breadth of subject matter may be more challenging for applications to certain regions.
7. The IB is just for international students at international schools
This is a complete myth. The last 20 years or so has seen many of the UK’s top schools adopt the IBDP, often alongside A levels. To give specifics, 200 of the 2,600 independent schools in the UK now offer the IBDP at sixth form. Those include London day schools such as Godolphin & Latymer and King’s College Wimbledon, alongside schools such as Rugby and Cheltenham Ladies’ College.
Quintessentially Education quintessentially.com/education
Further reading: QE on managing Sixth Form success
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