Careers Advice Blog

IB or A Level: which should I choose?

No comments

What is the IB really about? Below Career Camel breaks down some typical myths and FAQs and gives you the low-down.

The IB is a lot more work than A Levels

In terms of the amount of workload, due to the “standard” and “higher” system, there is a balance between the different subject levels. Although there are a lot more contact hours and subjects, in terms of the amount of work, it is pretty much the same.

I cannot take the IB and have a part-time job

The key to surviving the IB is to be organised and to manage your time well; many in my class had jobs and still managed good grades in their exams. Anything is possible if you manage your time properly, and if you can do the IB and have a part-time job then universities look on it with considerable favour.

I cannot take the IB and then specialise at university

Universities are recognising the value of the IB more and more, and consider the breadth and range of subjects that are studied as favourable as the specificity and depth of A Levels. If you take the “higher” versions of the subjects that you think you might want to specialise in, these are also recognised as being the same difficulty as a full A Level. Universities may want you to take certain “higher” subjects if you want to specialise in certain areas, so be sure to check that out! The essential core subjects of the diploma are favourable in your UCAS application, and you can also use these to show your interests in a specific subject area, particularly with the “Extended Essay”. If you study the three sciences at A Level, then you still need the extra-curricular involvement and experience to prove that you are interested in medicine, it is the same for the IB.

My IB will not help me get into an apprenticeship

Despite the fact that schools separate applications for apprenticeships and universities, what they look for is very similar. More people are becoming aware of the IB and they understand that students now have to complete some form of post-16 education, so as long as you can prove your interest in the area of work, it doesn’t matter the type of education that you have under your belt, as long as you have good grades.

I don’t like Maths/English/sciences/languages – is this a problem?

It depends how much you hate them. I hated Maths and French at GCSE level, however I took them during the IB. Both subjects were totally manageable and I even began to like them. If you are unsure as to what A Levels you want to choose, or which career path you want to take, don’t let subjects that you didn’t like at GCSE stop you. As long as you have good grades in them, you can easily manage then at IB “standard” level.

What is the point of the core modules?

If you are considering taking an “Extended Project” A Level or will be completing community service throughout the two years then there is no other difference to taking the IB and its “Extended Essay” and “Creativity, Action and Service” modules, other than it actually counts towards your qualification. “Theory of Knowledge” however is something that is specific to the IB and is hard to replicate during your A Levels. It acts as an introduction to the level of critical thinking that you will be expected to have in further education. It is a challenging aspect of the course and builds an expectation in your mind as to what will be expected at university. If you wish to go to university, it acts as a great basis, however, if you are unsure, it is a good testing ground to see whether university would be for you, whether the type of thinking is something that is of interest or use to you.

Which is the right path for me?

Whatever course you choose, the truth is that post-16 qualifications are often a means to an end in that they get you to the next stage of life, so choose what you think you will enjoy the most. Ultimately, don’t worry about the choice. Schools and colleges are very understanding that this is a hard decision to make, read as much as you can, ask teachers and tutors for their advice. People want to help you make the right decision, so don’t be shy, it is important and no one can make a rational decision under stress.

Did you choose IB or A Level? Why? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo: Nomadic Lass / Flickr

Catherine LyonIB or A Level: which should I choose?

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *