IBDP vs A Levels: Discovering the best curriculum for your child

September 6, 2017

Picking the best pre-university course is important to meet your child’s academic needs. International schools in Malaysia provide a wide range of curricula, which can be overwhelming to both parents and high school graduates. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and Cambridge Advanced Level (A Levels) are two sought-after pre-university programmes in our country. Before you decide the next pre-university path for your child, here are the things to know about IBDP and A Levels.

What is the International Baccalaureate?

A pre Universioty course offered by the International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly known as the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and founded in 1968. To teach the IB Programmes, schools need to be authorised by IB.

What is Cambridge A Level?

A pre University course offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (or CAIE, formerly known as CIE – (University of) Cambridge International Examinations) a provider of International qualifications including International GCSEs.

What are the differences between IBDP and A Levels?

1. Syllabus and Assessment
IBDP students select a total of 6 subjects:two languages, one or two social sciences, one or two sciences, one mathematics and a possible arts subject. Aside from fulfilling their academic requirements, IBDP students must prepare a 4000-word essay based on an original research, sit for a compulsory Theory of Knowledge course, and participate in the Creative, Activity and Service (CAS) programme.

2. Duration
The duration for both IBDP and A Levels is two years.

3. Assessment
IB students are evaluated using both internal and external assessments. Internal assessment varies by subject: there may be oral presentations, practical work, or written work. External assessments are at the end of the two year programme usually consisting of two or three timed written tests. To pass the IB Diploma a student has to pass every element of the course. Up to 7 points are awarded for each subject plus up to 3 bonus points for the core components totally a possible 45 points overall. To pass the Diploma students need to achieve 24 points overall.

A levels are now taken as a set of terminal exams, and are no longer separated into units. There is less emphasis on coursework, and students must resit all exams if they wish to resit the qualification. Additionally, the A Level (after one year of study) is now a separate qualification and is not required for an A level award, although still encompasses the first year of the full A level content. Each subject for A levels are graded individually from A* to E.

4. Benefits
Based on the University Admissions Office Report 2017, the biggest benefits of the IBDP are in developing independent enquiry, self management skills, an open mind and a global outlook and work place skills.

In comparison the A Level programme provides learners with more in-depth subject expertise. Although in the UK The Guardian newspaper claims that the IBDP is “more academically challenging and broader than three or four A-levels”.

Recognition

Both qualifications are recognised by universities worldwide.

What does Nexus offer in IBDP?

Nexus International School Malaysia offers the IBDP to our learners at Year 12 and Year 13. Learners can choose from the broadest range of subjects available to students in Malaysia.

Learners initiate and participate in a wealth of CAS activities that develop their gifts and talents as well as develop their sense of responsibility and leadership skills. These include Model United Nations, debating, a range of arts and sports activities and community service.

Equipped with the best academic and life experiences, our IB graduates will receive an internationally recognised education that will guarantee their entry into the best colleges and universities around the world.

Every teacher at Nexus is IB qualified and In 2017, every Nexus learner passed the IBDP and overall the cohort achieved a record-smashing result of average 36 points, well above the world average of 30 points. Several learners achieved above 40 points making them some of the best in the world. The only student who achieved a perfect score of 45 points in Malaysia was a Nexus learner.

Boarding

IB learners who also board can retreat to the Nexus Boarding House. A living environment that promotes personal growth and builds crucial life skills, the boarding house gives our learners a wholesome life experience outside of the classrooms.