The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is an educational programme aimed at pupils aged from 16-19.
It was originally designed in 1968 to provide an international standard of education for children of diplomats and other mobile professionals. However, over the past 50 years it has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, with schools offering IB now found in over 150 countries.
For pupils hoping to attend university, especially overseas, the IB Diploma Programme offers an exciting alternative to A levels. But what exactly does it involve? This blog post outlines the key features of the IB curriculum and how it differs from other qualifications you might be familiar with.
What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma?
The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme primarily aimed at 16-18 year olds. It has a reputation for its academic rigour and thoroughly prepares pupils for university and life beyond.
The Diploma Programme curriculum model aims to develop pupils who are: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.
The IB curriculum consists of six subject groups and core components. These comprise Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and an extended essay. This broad range of subjects encourages students to make links between academic disciplines and real-world issues.
How Do You Pass the International Baccalaureate?
To achieve the IB diploma, pupils must study six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Higher Level courses represent 240 teaching hours while Standard Level courses cover 150 hours.
The six subjects come from the following groups:
- Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Pupils also complete three core requirements: TOK, CAS and a 4,000 word extended essay exploring a topic of special interest.
The IB subjects are marked on a scale of one to seven. Pupils receive a subject grade for each course and can achieve up to three bonus points for combined performance in TOK and the Extended Essay.
The IB diploma is awarded to pupils who gain at least 24 points in total, subject to minimum levels of performance. This includes gaining at least 12 points or more in HL subjects.
Did you know? With programs running since 1992, Malvern College was amongst the first schools in the UK to offer IB. The college also sits in the league tables for both the top 15 UK IB Schools and the Top 50 Global IB Schools. In the last five years, 10 pupils have scored the full 45 points, and 103 candidates have achieved at least 40 points. Our staff’s longstanding experience at teaching the IB curriculum also allows us to offer a wider range of subject choices than many schools. Find the full list here.
What Programs are Part of the International Baccalaureate?
There are four programmes catering for pupils aged 3-19:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3-12
- Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11-16
- Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16-19
- Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16-19
The PYP, MYP and DP curricula all focus on international-mindedness and challenge pupils to consider both local and global contexts.
What is a Bilingual Diploma and How do you achieve it?
Pupils who complete two A language courses can be awarded a Bilingual IB Diploma. To achieve this, pupils must gain grade five or higher in two first languages.
Fluency in a second language is highly valued by top universities when assessing applications.
What are the Benefits of IB?
The IB encourages critical thinking by incorporating theory of knowledge into the core syllabus. Reflecting on the nature of knowledge and completing an independent research
project helps pupils to develop the problem-solving and analytical skills which universities look for.
Through their selected subjects, students study an academically broad, balanced education in IB. Pupils are tested on their whole course content understanding rather than just specific sections.
With increased globalisation, the IB prepares pupils well for the demands of living and working in an interconnected world. The focus on creativity, activity, and community service helps nurture caring, responsible individuals.
Are there any disadvantages of IB?
While offering many benefits, the IB isn’t ideal for every student. The IB syllabus covers material in greater depth than A levels, placing heavier demands on self-directed learning. Pupils who have difficulty managing their time or who prefer exams to coursework may not find it the best fit.
The extended essay takes an average of between 40 and 50 hours to complete. Many pupils find this a challenge unlike any they have faced before at school, in both energising and taxing ways.
Balancing different subjects and study modes can prove frustrating for students with extremely specialised talents wanting to focus intensely on one discipline. IB pupils also must take English, Maths, and a Language, which can feel like a disadvantage if their interests lie completely elsewhere. Aspiring Oxbridge or Ivy League candidates may still be advised to choose A levels in their key area of academic passion to maximise chances.
So, while advantageous for many, the IB diploma requires full commitment. Students should carefully reflect on whether they can thrive on the heavy study and self-discipline required to excel in this stimulating but demanding program.
How is IB Different than A Levels?
While A levels allow greater subject specialisation, IB students must study six subjects balancing sciences and humanities. This creates a broader learning experience.
The assessment process also differs – IB students take exams at the conclusion of the two-year course testing their overall syllabus knowledge.
The IB core elements also make it unique. Both the Extended Essay and TOK course aim to develop independent research skills and self-awareness when critically analysing knowledge.
Participating in CAS (creativity, activity, service) enables students to share their talents through artistic, sporting, and community service pursuits.
What Kind of Schools Offer International Baccalaureate?
The IB diploma was initially mainly offered in private international schools. However, over 1,500 schools across the UK now deliver IB programmes, including both private and state sixth form college.
Over 150 UK schools provide pupils with the choice between A levels, IB or both curriculum options to cater for different academic strengths and interests.
Malvern is considered one of the leading IB schools in the UK, with candidates achieving fantastic results. With our large, vibrant upper school and upcoming specialised sixth form centre, it’s an exciting time to join our school. Find out more about what we offer here.
Are IB Pupils Taught Alongside A Level Pupils?
In combined IB/A level schools, IB pupils tend to be taught separately but share communal spaces with A level peers. The IB timetable has standardised class times so course schedules align globally if students relocate. This consistency allows pupils moving schools to pick up the same curriculum content.
Standalone IB schools only admit pupils to the IB Diploma Programme. Pupils complete core components like TOK and the Extended Essay together, facilitating a shared experience.
Is IB Better Than A levels?
There is no definitive answer whether the IB diploma or A levels are “better” for pupils. Much depends on the pupil’s academic strengths, interests and which course/institution they apply to.
The International Baccalaureate generally offers a wider scope of subjects, which suits many pupils who want to keep their options open. Generally, global universities recognise the IB diploma as well as A levels. The holistic design prepares pupils thoroughly for undergraduate study in terms of self-motivation and time management.
The IB also excels at nurturing independent research and critical thinking proficiency. Many pupils also enjoy diving deep into areas of interest with their extended essay and expanding their minds through the balance of required subjects.
However, pupils who have a strong interest in a particular set of subjects can prefer the “pick and choose” nature of A levels.
Something else pupils may need to consider is that the IB is often thought of as a more demanding course of study than A Levels, leaving less time for extra curriculars. Because of this, pupils who spend a lot of time on passions such as sport or drama outside of school may find A levels suit them better.
For pupils considering their options, it’s well worth researching into both, considering your plans for higher education, and seeking out older students to learn about their experiences.
Do UK Universities Prefer IB or A Levels?
Leading Russell Group universities including Oxford and Cambridge view the IB diploma as equivalent to A level qualifications. Most specify either IB points or A level grades needed for course entry.
Some universities make lower IB offers compared to A level entry requirements. Imperial College accepts IB candidates with 38 points including 6,6,6 at Higher Level for courses such as Chemistry with Molecular Physics. For A Levels they require AAA demonstrating how strong IB performance is valued.
While not universally preferred, exceptional IB results showcase extended writing and analytical proficiencies developed through the core curriculum. This cements the qualification’s reputation at the most selective institutions.
Do Ivy League Colleges in the USA Prefer IB or A levels?
Ivy League colleges — including Harvard, Yale and Princeton — accept both IB and A level qualifications as satisfying standard academic entry benchmarks. We are an SAT Centre at Malvern and prepare pupils for entry to US universities.
According to the IB organisation, over 75 US colleges provide credit or advanced standing for IB diploma holders. Columbia University accepts the IB for admission and can award up to two semesters’ worth of credit.
The extended essay and TOK components make the IB diploma especially valued by Ivy League admission officers. These emphasise pupil passion and promote critical analysis abilities expected from candidates.
Conclusion
The rapid expansion of IB programmes globally reflects their burgeoning reputation for nurturing creative, ethically-minded graduates ready to thrive in an interconnected world.
Whilst not categorically preferred, outstanding IB performance meets standard entry requirements at the world’s best universities including Oxbridge and the Ivy League. The extended essay and theory of knowledge curriculum also distinguishes the IB diploma from A levels during admissions.
Therefore, for academically motivated pupils who relish harmonising sciences and humanities, the IB pathway represents an exciting alternative to more specialised A level study.
If you’re considering the international baccalaureate programme at Malvern College, you can find out more about what we offer and what our graduates achieve here, or find out more about our college community.