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IB or A Levels????

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Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 22:12

I'm sure Singapore Sling used to post here as someone else.....someone else who was doing educational research? Someone who started another forum here in Dubai? Could it have been RockChick?

648

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 04 April 2011 - 20:40

SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g. I'm obviously frightfully dim..............could you please translate all that jargon and buzz words into simple, plain, and understandable English? As an educational dinosaur, I'm afraid your phrases such as youth voice.....agency of the child etc etc really leave me holding my head in my hands. @ Trish - Yeah there is indeed progression in the world of education that other's are not keeping up with. Those who are involved and on the forefront of change are fully aware of the need to connect bridges. Hopefully people would be interested to read up about these perspectives :cool: @ Tally the IB was founded some 42 years ago. What is new about it are the schools that offer the curriculum in Dubai. I do agree with your other points, however we cannot deny the importance of school life. @ All - I always find it interesting the resistance against progressive education. More often than not it seems to be coming from specific regions/nations. Doesn't mean the national systems are wrong within their own context, but it also does not mean it is always the best option outside of that context, especially for people who are NOT of that nationality. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 04/04/2011</em>

11

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 23:39

i think that the best programme is the one that is delivered in the best way. there is not too much too choose between them regarding their standing in major US and UK universities, however the IB is a great programme if taught well but if the teachers are poorly trained then it can be a disaster. The same could be said of the British system but there is mcuh more of a developed curriculum to follow than with the PYP and MYP. BTW I think they both have good points - but am much more interested in how and by whom kids are taught.

648

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 22:57

What happened to parents raising inquisitive young minds that question and are thirsty for knowledge? Why does it have to be the schools job to offer this? My DD will be doing A levels as I personally think the IB is too new.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 22:01

I'm sure Singapore Sling used to post here as someone else.....someone else who was doing educational research? Someone who started another forum here in Dubai?

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 21:59

SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g. I'm obviously frightfully dim..............could you please translate all that jargon and buzz words into simple, plain, and understandable English? As an educational dinosaur, I'm afraid your phrases such as youth voice.....agency of the child etc etc really leave me holding my head in my hands. LOL

1

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 20:25

I'm a high school teacher with experience of both systems. A few thoughts.... In my experience, the students who do well at IB either need to be pretty able (ie Bs/As/A*s at GCSE) OR, if they're not so bright, they need to have an excellent work ethic (I know some students who have been quite average academically but have had excellent time management skills and were very independent and also did well, but they are in the minority). It's a hard, very demanding programme!! Of course, A levels are demanding too and academically rigorous - but with the IB, you have to remember that it's not only about the number of subjects (six, across a broad range of disciplines) as IB students also have to complete CAS (community action service) which is meant to take up at LEAST 3 hours per week, AND do an extended essay - basically an entirely independent research project! The Diploma takes up a HUGE amount of time. It's great, but a huge undertaking! Personally I'm a fan of the IB - I think it gives students a lot more flexibility when they get to university, and most students I teach do not know their exact career path at age 16 (and neither they should, in my humble opinion). If students can get through the IB, I honestly believe they will be able to handle anything that university throws at them. A levels are also very good of course. They are just two very different academic programmes....

1340

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 20:22

SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g. I'm obviously frightfully dim..............could you please translate all that jargon and buzz words into simple, plain, and understandable English? As an educational dinosaur, I'm afraid your phrases such as youth voice.....agency of the child etc etc really leave me holding my head in my hands.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 19:59

From my research, I would put IB candidates for university over A level ones any day. But UK universities don't. If I had the choice, I would put my child in for A levels as she is far more likely to do well in them, they're easier for her than the IB.[b'> That's not to say that A levels are a cinch, but they are[/b'> [b'>easier for most children to get good grades in than the IB. If you want to go to a North American university, the mere fact you are taking an IB diploma will get you accepted.[/b'> Not so in the UK, who for a reason I don't comprehend, require much higher grades from IB candidates than they do from A level students, despite the IB being a far more demanding course. Sorry but these comments are just wrong! The one about American Universities especially so!!!! If I recall properly this was one of your first questions on this Board, simpleas, less than one year ago. edited by spongemonkey on 03/04/2011 I'm sorry, I should have worded that better - North American universities are more likely to make relatively low conditional offers to IB diploma students than to A level students. Yes, SM, we're still in a massive dilemma about it. Knowing my daughter, I think she would probably do a lot better in the British Curriculum, though I prefer the rationale behind the IB myself and she has no option but to do the IB. So far, she has been unsuited to it. This could well just be laziness - I think she could get away with doing less for A levels, merely because there are fewer subjects to follow. She's also had to change from studying in French all her life to studying in English, which is no mean feat at her age, but as a proud parent, I have to be honest and admit she is not as academic as we had hoped and probably not as bright as we believed she was. Oh, well, she's pretty and wants to work for world peace, so there might be another path for her.. ;) Will let you know how it's gone in two and a bit years' time :) edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 It's all about the SATS with the USA.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:53

SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 I am not a fan of a kid taking Brit Cur all his student life and then switching to IB only in the final years. The principles and learning perspectives of the IB is grounded right within the PYP. The differences are evident already by the age group of 8-9 year olds and these differences inlcude the way of thinking, the way of learning, researching, what they are producing etc. Civic engagement, youth voice, agency of the child, children as meaning producing beings, photo-elicitation, photographic narrative, digital storytelling are a big part of the IB. All these provide an opportunity for internationally mobile students to design multimodal narratives symbolizing and characterizing their lives, interests and socio-cultural identities thus providing them an alternative opportunity to literacy learning in a completely different way to the Nat Cur of England and Wales for e.g.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:33

The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us Yes this is very true. But this is incidentally also what I meant when I said that this is the one argument highlighted by all, but it remains a small part of the differences. I would rather describe it this way: The average young person today will have numerous careers in his/her lifetime and the IB prepares the student very well to learn and work globally and be able to switch careers when needed. E.g. the case currently with the economic recession where professionals are forced to evolve, think out of the box and recognise alternatives to their current professions where they can still apply or their professional skills and knowledges. People are forced to look at career alternatives and some are better equipped than others to make that switch. Many universities and other learning institutions are right at this moment rewriting curricula in order to deal with the paradigm shift that is taking place due to the economic shock. A doctor is no longer just a doctor. Same goes for law, architecture and other professions. These people also need new business, media and ICT skills to keep up with life, especially a global one where there is continuous movement and demographic shifts. edited by Singapore Sling on 03/04/2011 It would be wrong to imply that following an A'level route does not offer or utilise these other skills you mention, they do. A levels prepare students for a life suited to the UK first and formost and then for life in Europe and lastly to a small extend for international/global life. The IB focusses on preparing students for an international career first and foremost and that includes being highly adaptable careerwise. I currently involve a group of both in a comparitive study for my thesis and can assure you that they produce very different students. It does not mean A-levels are inferior but you have to remember that there are a great number of non-British internationally minded expats for whom the the IB is most suitable and preferable. The lack of well established IB World schools in the UAE was one of the reasons we legged it outta there :) And no, we would not have considered UK Boarding School. We are not Brits :)

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 16:31

SS, I'm intrigued when you say that the IB and A level programmes "produce very different students". What would you say were the differences, and are those differences not already there before the student decides which course to take? IYSWIM? ETA: The post I'm answering has disappeared. edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011 ETAA: And it's back, but after mine :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011</em>

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 15:56

Please can anyone offer any advice? A Levels I get as I did them myself, MANY years ago, and I have a daughter who recently went down the A level route. The IB is another thing altogether!! Would you say it better suited the more able child or not? Is it fully appreciated by all universities in UK? Have tried researching online etc. but nothing beats parents experiences!! Thank you!! :) Univerisities in the UK will accept either IB or A'level, however the delivery and quality of the either course here should be your main concern rather than per say the exams themselves, choice is limited. A lot depends on your child and which direction they wish to follow, a good school should be able to direct you and your child on the right path based on your childs individual needs and ability. edited by Sticky Wicket on 03/04/2011 I know of one very good school in London which only allows their absolute brightest and best to enter the IB programme, as they believe it is a lot more difficult and more demanding than A levels and they do not want their academic standards to drop because they are offering the IB as well as A levels.

12

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 15:35

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the IB/ALevel question. I have carefully read every word and link. With my new knowledge I will sit my teenager down and between us we will re read your messages and hopefully arrive at an answer that is right for him. Thank you again, we have lots to think about! :)

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 13:36

The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us Yes this is very true. But this is incidentally also what I meant when I said that this is the one argument highlighted by all, but it remains a small part of the differences. I would rather describe it this way: The average young person today will have numerous careers in his/her lifetime and the IB prepares the student very well to learn and work globally and be able to switch careers when needed. E.g. the case currently with the economic recession where professionals are forced to evolve, think out of the box and recognise alternatives to their current professions where they can still apply or their professional skills and knowledges. People are forced to look at career alternatives and some are better equipped than others to make that switch. Many universities and other learning institutions are right at this moment rewriting curricula in order to deal with the paradigm shift that is taking place due to the economic shock. A doctor is no longer just a doctor. Same goes for law, architecture and other professions. These people also need new business, media and ICT skills to keep up with life, especially a global one where there is continuous movement and demographic shifts. edited by Singapore Sling on 03/04/2011 It would be wrong to imply that following an A'level route does not offer or utilise these other skills you mention, they do.

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:57

If a student is bilingual and good at math, then they are ahead for IB, and that would be a good choice, since they must take a foreign language aswell as their own. Some UK universities are giving preference for those with the IB, but are being careful about it, as quite simply the IB is a new 'thing' in the UK and they would not like to be seen as giving preference to overseas students. This is, I believe, one of the reasons why the British are reporting on the IB in a negative manner. What happened to the Blessed Tony's initiative that the IB would be brought in as an alternative choice, or was it a replacement, for A levels?

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:52

From my research, I would put IB candidates for university over A level ones any day. But UK universities don't. If I had the choice, I would put my child in for A levels as she is far more likely to do well in them, they're easier for her than the IB.[b'> That's not to say that A levels are a cinch, but they are[/b'> [b'>easier for most children to get good grades in than the IB. If you want to go to a North American university, the mere fact you are taking an IB diploma will get you accepted.[/b'> Not so in the UK, who for a reason I don't comprehend, require much higher grades from IB candidates than they do from A level students, despite the IB being a far more demanding course. Sorry but these comments are just wrong! The one about American Universities especially so!!!! If I recall properly this was one of your first questions on this Board, simpleas, less than one year ago. edited by spongemonkey on 03/04/2011 I'm sorry, I should have worded that better - North American universities are more likely to make relatively low conditional offers to IB diploma students than to A level students. Yes, SM, we're still in a massive dilemma about it. Knowing my daughter, I think she would probably do a lot better in the British Curriculum, though I prefer the rationale behind the IB myself and she has no option but to do the IB. So far, she has been unsuited to it. This could well just be laziness - I think she could get away with doing less for A levels, merely because there are fewer subjects to follow. She's also had to change from studying in French all her life to studying in English, which is no mean feat at her age, but as a proud parent, I have to be honest and admit she is not as academic as we had hoped and probably not as bright as we believed she was. Oh, well, she's pretty and wants to work for world peace, so there might be another path for her.. ;) Will let you know how it's gone in two and a bit years' time :) <em>edited by simpleasabc on 03/04/2011</em>

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 11:29

The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us Yes this is very true. But this is incidentally also what I meant when I said that this is the one argument highlighted by all, but it remains a small part of the differences. I would rather describe it this way: The average young person today will have numerous careers in his/her lifetime and the IB prepares the student very well to learn and work globally and be able to switch careers when needed. E.g. the case currently with the economic recession where professionals are forced to evolve, think out of the box and recognise alternatives to their current professions where they can still apply or their professional skills and knowledges. People are forced to look at career alternatives and some are better equipped than others to make that switch. Many universities and other learning institutions are right at this moment rewriting curricula in order to deal with the paradigm shift that is taking place due to the economic shock. A doctor is no longer just a doctor. Same goes for law, architecture and other professions. These people also need new business, media and ICT skills to keep up with life, especially a global one where there is continuous movement and demographic shifts. <em>edited by Singapore Sling on 03/04/2011</em>

vero possumus37927

876

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 10:29

If a student is bilingual and good at math, then they are ahead for IB, and that would be a good choice, since they must take a foreign language aswell as their own. Some UK universities are giving preference for those with the IB, but are being careful about it, as quite simply the IB is a new 'thing' in the UK and they would not like to be seen as giving preference to overseas students. This is, I believe, one of the reasons why the British are reporting on the IB in a negative manner.

845

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EW GURU

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 10:03

The article by the independent newspaper is an excellent read. He explains that if a person really knows what they wish to do at uni then A levels is possibly the way to go. If they have no idea (most don't ) then IB is better, as it gives them a broader range to choose from. DS is just choosing subjects for grade 10 at moment so won't be long till he has to decide which way to go BUT as we are from OZ and not sure if we are staying or even going to another Asian country where IB is in all International schools, IB seems better for us

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:56

It is expensive but it seems that it also depends on the country/city and the greed/non-greed of said place :) American schools seem to top fees irrespective of country anyway. PS: SW we have a boarding school (inependant villas) too.

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:45

Nope I cannot agree that the IB is all about money. It is ALL about holistic education for an internationally minded student who will continue to live and work a global life. PS: Our kids attend an IB world school (non-profit) at the low fee of AED25 000 a year!!!! Dubai eat your heart out ;-) There is nothing money making about that kind of fee. Many schools offer non-profit PYP/MYP/IB programmes. LOL, couldn't resist posting it! There are some concerns about regulation of IB and continued assessment of a school providing it though, it is an expensive program for schools. Keeping their staff up to date/qualified, resources all cost quite a bit.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:39

Nope I cannot agree that the IB is all about money. It is ALL about holistic education for an internationally minded student who will continue to live and work a global life. PS: Our kids attend an IB world school (non-profit) at the low fee of AED25 000 a year!!!! Dubai eat your heart out ;-) There is nothing money making about that kind of fee. Many schools offer non-profit PYP/MYP/IB programmes.

Sticky Wicket36659

1511

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EW EXPERT

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:35

http://truthaboutib.com/isibsuperior/ibvsalevels.html IB and A-Levels Compete in UK It never ceases to amaze some of us here at TAIB, that supporters of IB refuse to view the “IB programmes” as a product. IB is an “international” product seeking to gain market share in the more prosperous countries around the world. If anyone doesn’t think IBO is “following the money”, make no mistake about the strategy behind IBO’s recent conference in Dubai:

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:35

I would like to add something else that many posters would find interesting. OFSTED will now also inspect international schools and our school in Malaysia is one of the first of the schools who will be inspected by CFBT for OFSTED. Many IB World schools offer the PYP and IB but not the MYP and prefer to offer IGCSE's since there is a formal examination for those who follow the IGCSE an not so with the MYP if I understand correctly. This also paves the way for offering A-levels as well as IB and for being able to ask for the above inspections. In other words the inspections make it possible to compare various international schools to the same tunes as is possible in the UK.

Singapore Sling

243

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 April 2011 - 08:23

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/should-alevels-be-replaced-by-the-international-baccalaureate-2230674.html Our school has recently sent the above link to all parents. In the words of the headmaster " . . . a well balanced assessment of the relative merits of the A-level and IB diploma routes to university written by another British Principal for a change." I often hear the comments when people ask what the differences between the IB and Brit Cur are, that one is broad and the other narrow and more focussed. Whilst this is true, it is only a tiny part of the differences. The two systems are completely different and suit different needs, although a great number of students would perform very well on either. IMHO choosing either system should have absolutely nothing to do with ability since both cater for a broad range of abilities. The big differences lie in the learning [i'>systems[/i'>, how students take charge of their own learning, the content (IB is completely internationally minded whilst the A-levels remain Eurocentric) and the student's life experiences and how that is applied in either system. We have experienced the Brit Cur for 6 years before we moved over to the IB. All I can say is as a Human Development Professional who work with both adults and children, is that the PYP/MYP/IB blew my mind. It is phenomenal on so many levels that it will take pages and pages to write about it. I understand however that choices between the systems are influenced by local university requirements and that in some instances the A-level will remain preferable.

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Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

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Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

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UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

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Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

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Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

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Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

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Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

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Travel influencer academy in Dubai

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Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

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Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

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New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

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UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

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Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

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How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

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Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

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List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

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Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

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Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

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Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

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Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

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A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

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UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

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Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

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Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

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E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

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Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

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How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

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Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis