The International Baccalaureate versus A levels
University admissions officers compare A levels to the International Baccalaureate on how they prepare students for 中国A片
- Student life
Seeta Bhardwa
Share
The International Baccalaureate diploma programme is better at encouraging a 鈥済lobal outlook鈥 in students, while A levels give students more 鈥渋n-depth鈥 expertise, according to the findings of the University Admissions Officers Report 2017.
UK university admissions officers were invited to rate both qualifications on how they develop a range of different qualities in students. The results found that there was a considerable difference in the two study programmes.听
The biggest difference was in 鈥渆ncouraging global outlook鈥 where 97 per cent of the admissions officers rated the IB as developing this 鈥渨ell or very well鈥. Only 7 per cent said the same about A levels.
The IB was also top for 鈥渆ncouraging independent inquiry鈥 with 94 per cent of the admissions officers saying that it did this 鈥渨ell or very well鈥, while only 49 per cent of officers gave the A levels a similar rating.听
However, A levels were considered to offer better 鈥渋n-depth subject expertise鈥 with 94 per cent stating that they developed this 鈥渨ell or very well鈥, compared to 56 per cent for the IB.听
A levels is a qualification offered in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, as an alternative qualification in Scotland and as an international school qualification worldwide. Students usually study three or four subjects in-depth over the course of two years.听
The International Baccalaureate is made up of four different study programmes, one of which is the diploma programme. Students must pick one subject from six subject groups including languages, sciences and the arts and then study three of these to a higher level. The International Baccalaureate is studied all over the world. 听听
This table shows the percentage of advisers who believed the two education programmes developed the listed skills 鈥渨ell or very well鈥.听
|
How well do you think A levels and the International Baccalaureate diploma develop the following qualities in students at present? |
||
|
听 |
A-levels听 |
IB听 |
|
Encouraging independent inquiry |
49 per cent |
94听per cent |
|
Developing in-depth subject expertise |
94听per cent |
56听per cent |
|
Developing workplace skills |
2听per cent |
67听per cent |
|
Developing ability to cope with pressure |
62听per cent |
66听per cent |
|
Nurturing an open mind |
24听per cent |
93听per cent |
|
Developing self-management skills |
47听per cent |
91听per cent |
|
Encouraging a global outlook |
7听per cent |
97听per cent |
|
Nurturing communication skills |
37听per cent |
44听per cent |
|
Encouraging creativity |
15听per cent |
37听per cent |
|
Developing intercultural skills |
8听per cent |
70听per cent |
|
Instilling a positive approach to risk taking |
4听per cent |
24听per cent |
|
Propensity to complete their degree |
78听per cent |
83听per cent |
|
Interest to study to MA or PhD level |
44听per cent |
54听per cent |
