Should my child take A Levels or the IB?

The decision on the best educational path for students post GCSE can vary, the choice between A Levels and English Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a discussion for many parents and students. The two qualifications offer exclusive methods to learning and present prospects for students to excel academically at school and after.

This article aims to provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision on the right educational qualification for you, regardless on if you are a student considering your options or a parent seeking guidance.

What is the IB Diploma?

The IB formerly known as The International Baccalaureate Organization or IBO was founded in 1968 and offers international recognised qualifications for students from 3 to 18.

The objectives of The Diploma Programme are aimed at students between the ages of 16-18, which was devised to “provide an internationally acceptable university admissions qualification suitable for the growing mobile population of young people whose parents were part of the world of diplomacy, international and multinational organizations.”

Despite A Levels being typically sat by most sixth formers at UK schools, some schools may offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) either alongside or instead of A Levels.

The IBDP is only currently available in 23 state and 27 independent schools. However, it offers students and their parents a choice when it comes to their sixth form study options.

How is the IB structured?

It is obligatory that IB students are required to select six subjects’ courses to study.

Students select their six subject courses from the following groups:

1. Studies in Language and Literature
2. Language Acquisition
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. Arts

Students must study a minimum of one subject from groups of 1 to 5, however they can opt to study an additional Sciences Individuals and Societies, or Language Acquisition course instead of a course in the Arts.

At a Standard Level (SL), three subjects will be studied and three at a Higher Level (HL). SL courses require up to 150 hours of teaching, although HL courses formulate of 250 teaching hours. Subsequently, HL study require students to exhibit a greater level of subject understanding and skill.

In addition to the six subjects IB students must complete and pass the DP Core which is composed of 3 parts:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
• Extended Essay (EE): Students must present an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
• Creativity, activity and Service (CAS): Students complete a project related to those three concepts.

How is the IB graded?

Students who are studying the DP receive grades between 7 and 1 for their six subject courses with 7 being the highest score and 1 being the lowest score. In addition, theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE) components are awarded individual grades and, communally, can contribute a further 3 additional points towards the overall diploma score. Therefore, the IB is out of 45 overall and students have to score 24 or more to pass.

How are the IB subjects assessed?

Each subject will have a combination of externally marked examinations and internally marked assessments, often called IAs. The percentage which is significant to each of these components depends on the subject. The type of internal assessments means that students are often working on assignments throughout the two years. 

What are A Levels?

A Level also known as Advanced Level and they were introduced in 1951.

A Levels are the nationally standardised qualification most UK educated students complete in Years 12 and 13 which are known as the final two years of school. There are International A Levels offered by exam boards for students studying outside of the UK.

How are A Levels structured?

Generally, students select 3 or 4 A Levels to focus on during their sixth form (Years 12 and 13). A Levels offer over 80+ subjects to study and no one subject is compulsory. Each A Level course is discrete and the breadth of subjects on offer will vary from school to school.

Students will be able to choose from:

• Those subjects they have studied before (e.g. Biology)
• Variations of subjects they have studied before (e.g. Further Maths)
• Completely new subjects (e.g. Psychology)
• Entry grades of the subjects they want to study

Students will often select A Level subjects which relate to or prepare them for what they wish to study at university.

How are A Levels graded?

A Levels are graded A* to E, although it is possible to receive a U, which stands for ungraded or unclassified. Although grade boundaries are liable to move year on year the correlation between % mark and overall is approximately as follows:

A* – 90%+

A – 80% -89%

B – 70% – 79%

C – 60% – 69%

D – 50% – 59%

E – 40% – 49%

How are A Levels assessed?

A Levels are assessed by externally set examinations at the end of the two-year course which are known as linear assessments. Some subjects will also have coursework components and the percentage weighting will vary by subject. This tends to be higher for practical subjects such as Art or Design and Technology whereas for subjects like Maths and English, the final exams will account for 100% of the grade.

What are the differences between the IB and A Levels?

• A Levels offer students the prospects to choose the 3 or 4 subjects they wish to study without restriction.
• The IB Diploma offers students a broader education than A Levels requiring them to study 6 subjects from across the subject range (Language and literature, Language acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, Arts).
• The IB’s more holistic approach also requires students to complete the DP core (Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service) alongside their chosen subjects.
• Studying A Levels does not require this of students, although they may wish to complete an Extended Project Qualification.

Do universities prefer A-Levels or IB?

UK universities recognise both A Levels and IB qualifications with the same importance.

Whilst the A Level may be more common in UK schools, UK universities appreciate the depth of study, expansion of independent research skills and academic rigor of the IB Diploma.