Top Marks for the International Baccalaureate?

November 17, 2015

Since its founding in 1968, the International Baccalaureate has been steadily growing in both popularity and in global esteem due to the consistently high-achieving students that it produces. The International Baccalaureate and A Levels are both key features of the best of a British education.

The IB’s aims are ambitious and clear: to create students who develop intellectually, personally, emotionally and with excellent social skills to flourish throughout the world. With over 4,000 schools worldwide now offering the IB programmes to over one million students (with this figure constantly rising), what does the IB offer?

Students of the IB are taught not only academic skills and knowledge to pass examinations, but also how to develop as inquiring and caring individuals. The IB emphasises the importance of balanced students who are as well-versed in mathematical equations – for example – as in global sensitivity and cultural awareness.
The IB praises independent thinking and critical thinking; skills that are crucial for successful University research and study, and for later life. Students are assessed on their knowledge of a subject matter but also their ability to effectively question this knowledge.
There are four IB programmes of study available: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for pupils ages 3-12; the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for pupils aged 11-16; the Diploma Programme (DP) for pupils aged 16-19 – the IB’s most popular programme – and; the IB Career-related Programme (CP) for pupils aged 16-19.
Pupils of the DP, which is an alternative to undertaking A-Levels, allows students to choose one module from each of six subject groups (three of which are then studied to a higher level) and three DP core subjects. The six subject groups are comprised of the “standard” style subjects (languages, science, mathematics etc). The core subjects are the subjects that give the IB DP its impressive breadth and global edge: theory of knowledge; creativity, action and service; and an independently researched 4,000 word extended essay.

IB or A-Levels?

Recent studies have suggested that those students who are enrolled in IB programmes lead higher-achieving and higher-earning lives, with A-Level students earning an average of £19,000 per year post-study, and IB students earning an average of £20,500 per year post-study. The IB is now recognised by University and higher-education institutions worldwide with students’ globally transferable skills and breadth of knowledge and ability being a major selling-point to employers.

Furthermore, the A-Level system has been criticised for its focus on achieving top grades by focusing mainly on techniques to pass examinations, whereas the IB is praised for its encouragement of lateral thinking and development of students personally as well as academically. Similarly, IB students are offered a far broader choice of subjects as well as the extended essay which can be on any topic; the extended essay is an empowering element to the IB which is vital in developing independent research skills and self-motivation.

Many have questioned whether the IB is worth the risk and consider sticking with what they know. Similarly, the IB has been criticised for the levels of stress that students are finding themselves under (for tips on how to cope with exam stress please read our blog!) However, for students who recently received their results at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, the risk has paid off. With an average score of 37 out of a maximum 45 points, their marks equate to receiving 3 A*s and 2 As at A Level; a truly remarkable achievement, and evidence that following the IB path may well be a risk worth taking.

Let us know at Kings Tutors your thoughts on IB or A-level?

Websites Consulted

International Baccalaureate Website

Jon Cartwright for the Telegraph- article on the IB

West Sussex County Times- Article on IB results at Sussex school

UCAS- IB points system

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