IB vs A Level: what do university admissions officers think?
New research reveals the disparity between the qualities nurtured in A level students and those studying the IB. Whilst A levels develop in-depth expertise, IB students are more independent learners.
17 July 2017
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is considered an excellent alternative to A levels and other post-16 qualifications but how do curricula compare? In the latest annual survey of UK University Admissions Officers by ACS International Schools and the IB Schools and Colleges Association (IBSCA) participants were asked to compare the qualities that IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) students demonstrate against those of A level students.The report, conducted with 81 university admissions officers, highlighted considerable disparity between the two main study programmes.
One area where A levels are seen to be better, however, is developing ‘in-depth subject expertise’, with A levels cited by 94 per cent as developing this ‘well or very well’, compared to 56 per cent for the IBDP.The largest disparity between the two qualifications, especially given current events, was the question “How well do you think the exam system encourages a global outlook in students?”’ The IBDP received the top ‘well or very well’ rating from 97 per cent of officers. This compares to a woeful seven per cent for A levels. “In today’s increasingly fractious and challenging world, encouraging a global outlook and nurturing an open mind must surely take a greater significance in schools than ever before, and it’s interesting to see how highly the IB is considered in this respect,” said Jeremy Lewis, head of school, ACS Egham International School.
Nine in ten, 93 per cent, of admissions officers also consider that the IB helps ‘nurture an open mind’ well or very well, compared to just 24 per cent who think the same of A levels. “It is most pertinent this year to highlight [the IB’s] proven commitment to developing citizenship, open mindedness and communication skills as well as its intellectual rigour – qualities which [it] has long delivered on but which have taken on a greater significance in recent months,” said Sandra Morton, chief executive, IBSCA.
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Highlights of the IB vs A level report
While the IBDP is top for ‘encouraging independent inquiry’, with 94 per cent of admissions officers saying the qualification develops this ‘well or very well’ in its students, A levels lag behind considerably in this respect with just 49 per cent of officers giving them a similar rating.The IB also has the edge when considering how well the two qualifications prepare students to thrive at university but both perform well. The IB is given an outstanding 100 per cent ‘well or very well’ rating by admission officers, while A levels score 90 per cent.One area where A levels are seen to be better, however, is developing ‘in-depth subject expertise’, with A levels cited by 94 per cent as developing this ‘well or very well’, compared to 56 per cent for the IBDP.The largest disparity between the two qualifications, especially given current events, was the question “How well do you think the exam system encourages a global outlook in students?”’ The IBDP received the top ‘well or very well’ rating from 97 per cent of officers. This compares to a woeful seven per cent for A levels. “In today’s increasingly fractious and challenging world, encouraging a global outlook and nurturing an open mind must surely take a greater significance in schools than ever before, and it’s interesting to see how highly the IB is considered in this respect,” said Jeremy Lewis, head of school, ACS Egham International School.How well do the IB or A level develop qualities in students useful for higher education?
| How well do you think each of these exam systems, A levels, the IB Diploma, Scottish Highers and Advanced Scottish Highers develop the following qualities in students at present? Please use a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is does not develop the quality well at all and 5 is develops it extremely well. | ||
| Base: all who answered the question | A Levels | The IB Diploma |
| Score 4+5Develops skill well or very well | ||
| % | % | |
| Encouraging independent inquiry | 49 | 94 |
| Developing in-depth subject expertise | 94 | 56 |
| Developing workplace skills | 2 | 67 |
| Developing ability to cope with pressure | 62 | 66 |
| Nurturing an open mind | 24 | 93 |
| Developing self-management skills | 47 | 91 |
| Encouraging a global outlook | 7 | 97 |
| Nurturing communication skills | 37 | 44 |
| Encouraging creativity | 15 | 37 |
| Developing intercultural skills | 8 | 70 |
| Instilling a positive approach to risk taking | 4 | 24 |
| Propensity to complete their degree | 78 | 83 |
| Interest to study to MA or PHD level | 44 | 54 |
Relocate Global’s Guide to International Education & Schools 2017 contains a wealth of information for relocating families and for the professionals supporting them. Access your free digital copy here.
Infographic reveals the difficulties faced by students in the transition to university
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