Thursday 25th April 2013

‘A’ Levels or IB?

The arguments

IGCSE?A Levels?

IB?

What are they?

IGCSE qualifications are widely used as a preparation for ‘A’ levels and the

International Baccalaureate (IB) and other pre-university examination courses.

Years 12 & 13IB and ‘A’ Levels

Are for children aged 16 – 18 years

old

The popularity of IB

So what subjects can students take?You choose one subject from each of six groups.3 at Higher level and 3 at Standard.

Group 1Studies in Language and Literature

English or another first language

Group 2

Language Acquisition

English, French, Spanish, etc(these are for students who can already speak/write the language)

ORChinese, Italian, etc..

Ab initio (start from zero)

Group 3Individuals and Societies

GeographyEconomicsHistoryBusiness StudiesEnvironmental Systems

and Societies

Group 4

Experimental Sciences

BiologyDesign TechnologyPhysicsChemistryEnvironmental Systems

and Societies

Group 5Mathematics

Choice of 3 levelsHigherStandardStudies

Group 6

The Arts

Music, Art, Drama, or…..1 more subject from the previous 5 groups.

In addition……

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) The Extended Essay

How is the IB graded?Each of the six subjects is awarded a grade on a scale of 1 - 7, with 7 being the highest grade.

An additional 3 bonus points may be gained from a candidate’s combined Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge grades.

Maximum number of points to be obtained:(6 subjects x 7 points) + 3 bonus points = 45 points

Note: A candidate must gain a minimum of 24 points in order to pass the full Diploma

IB – the advantagesIB has a broad curriculum based on six subject areas

and three additional elements

Students do not specialise until later, enabling them to take time to choose a career path

These subjects are broadly similar in content to A levels, particularly at higher level

The philosophy also includes international mindedness – the IB is not connected to any national system – this is seen as beneficial in an era of globalisation, cultural diversity and awareness

IB – the advantagesThe IB has a stronger overall philosophy than the A

levels, as separate subjects, may lack – the IB is a ‘package’

These are educating the whole person through TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and CAS (creativity, action and service) and the extended essay

It also includes coursework for all elements – an advantage to some students

Years 12 & 13IB (International Baccalaureate)

http://www.ibo.org/diploma/

‘A’ Levels

Are very British

Years 12 & 13A Levels

Year 12

Choose 4 Subjects

Example:MathematicsChemistryBiologyPhysics

Choose 3 Subjects

Example:MathematicsChemistryPhysics

Year 13

AS A2

Examined at the end of Year 12

Examined at the end of Year 13

Years 12 & 13A Levels

Year 12

Choose 4 Subjects

Example:GeographyHistoryEnglishSpanish

Choose 3 Subjects

Example:GeographyEnglishSpanish

Year 13

AS A2

Examined at the end of Year 12

Examined at the end of Year 13

AQA BaccalaureateThe AQA Baccalaureate (AQA Bacc) gives

students an edge in the highly competitive process of moving from school to employment or Higher Education.

By combining core A-level subjects with wider learning and enrichment activities, the AQA Bacc enables students to display the necessary personal skills and academic abilities.

AQA Baccalaureate comprises:Three A-levels subjects (a student's main

subject choices) Independent learning through the

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Skills development through Enrichment

activities: work related learning, community participation and personal development

Breadth through an AS level in Critical Thinking.

AQA Baccalaureate How is it awarded?

Students meet the criteria by achieving at least grade E in each of their A-levels

The pass (E or above) in a broader study AS-level subject e.g critical thinking

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

A minimum of 100 hours of enrichment activities.

AQA Baccalaureate grading

The AQA Bacc can be based on A-levels awarded by any awarding body.

Students achieve a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.

The level is determined by the student's

A-level and EPQ grades.

This will give you…..The AQA Baccalaureate which includes:

3 Full A levels 2 AS levels (one being critical thinking) Knowledge of researching and writing an

extended essay for the extended project qualification.

100+ hours of community service.

A levels – the advantages

Students can take subjects that they are good at and interest them

Suits students who are not good ‘all rounders’

Suits those students who definitely know what university course they want to take

Enables students to further specialise in Year 13

A levels – the advantages

The AS and A2 are better suited for those students who may only be staying 1 year in a school

Students do get self-study time

How are ‘A’ levels graded?Students are awarded a grade from A* - E for

each individual subject.

A grade ‘U’ (unclassified) will be awarded to those students who do not meet the necessary standards.

University Application

The application process starts approximately 1 year prior to the start of the university course.

IB and A levels are recognised and welcomed globally by universities.

We will be supporting your son/daughter every step of the way

Thank you for listening

I hope this information has helped

Any questions?