In the education system, different programmes have been formulated across the world, and all of these programmes have been implemented to assimilate things and skill sets in students that eventually help them become successful in their careers. Choosing the right and most appropriate curriculum, on the other hand, increases the chances and opens doors to a variety of opportunities for students.If you want to study the best curriculums in your high school, the two most popular curricula are the IB and the A-levels, which can be chosen by any student over the age of 16.Let’s understand the difference between the two.
Basic differences
It is important to assimilate the differences between the two and how it is going to be beneficial for the students as both the curriculum are acceptable and widely recognized by the global universities.
IB | A Levels |
Inquiry based learning and internal assessments. | Focuses on in-depth exercises and majorly exam oriented. |
It also focuses on the broad and balanced learning of the subjects that are usually included in the school curriculum. | It focuses on the fewer subjects that students have to study and it becomes easier to recognize their interest even at the university level. |
The IB curriculum is mostly student centric as it is based on assessments and research. | It involves parents as students are supposed to learn more from the textbooks. |
Subject differences
IB | A Levels |
Minimum subjects to be opted is 6 (3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level). The subjects they have to choose are-
| The AS level is the basic level of the A2 level and allows you to choose a minimum of 3 subjects in the end, based upon which you get the final grade. |
3 subjects from the above mentioned subjects would be carried forward in your year as well so choose it wisely. | The program is split into 2 levels.
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EE (Extended essay) and CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) are also added apart from academics to let students also be aware of service learning and volunteering. | At the AS level, students are allowed to choose as many subjects as it is the basic and students can choose to drop a few subjects in the later year. |
Grading is done from 1-7 and 24 in Diploma and 12 in the HL subjects. | Graded from A-E, A being the highest and E the lowest respectively. |
Which one is more globally recognised and preferred?
Both programmes are equally recognised and preferred by universities, with some universities preferring IB over vice versa.Although the IB programme is a bit challenging, it focuses more on critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities in students than theoretical, academic, or subject knowledge.
Admission into your desired universities is quite challenging if the choices are not made beforehand, as the high school programme choices can help students maximise the opportunities they get at the university level.
