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How to Compare IB International Baccalaureate with Other Global Curricula
As the local expands to global, every parent wants their children to enrol in a curriculum that prepares them for the future. From revolutionary technical advances to an increasingly interconnected world, choosing a global curriculum that trains students to adapt to the changing global trends is of utmost importance. Often, the International Baccalaureate board tends to be the perfect choice, but there are other options too.
There are various global curricula, with each having its own philosophy, structure, and benefits. While there is no right or wrong choice, there is certainly a way to make the most optimal decision for your child. In this guide, we will be offering a comparison between the International Baccalaureate and other global curricula to ease the selection process for you.
What is the International Baccalaureate Board?
The International Baccalaureate board is often considered the best choice for parents who want their children to develop holistically and acquire important skills to become forward-thinking individuals. Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate is a non-profit educational foundation. It has various programs, the most popular being the IB Primary Years Programme, which is designed to develop inquiring, caring, and knowledgeable young people with the motivation to succeed.
The International Baccalaureate encourages students to direct their learning journey while fostering the skills and confidence needed to thrive in future. The core of the International Baccalaureate is its Learner Profile, which highlights the following qualities.
- Inquirers
- Caring
- Knowledgeable
- Open-minded
- Principled
- Thinkers
- Communicators
- Reflective
- Courageous
- Balanced
Other Popular Global Curricula
While the International Baccalaureate board seems like an obvious choice, there are well-regarded curricula offered in international schools as well. The most popular ones are the British A-Levels and the American Advanced Placement (AP) system. Here is a brief overview of them below.
A-Levels (British Curriculum)
The A-Level qualification was first introduced in 1951 as a standard for students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It is an internationally recognised curriculum widely accepted by universities all over the globe. The A-Levels are highly specialised, where students typically choose three to four subjects related to their future field of study and focus on them exclusively.
Advanced Placement (American Curriculum)
The AP is a specialised program designed to be pursued alongside the standard US high school curriculum. It allows students to take college-level courses in specific subjects. It offers a pick-and-choose approach to advanced subjects. Students can pick subjects that are curated to help them prepare for university. The program is especially relevant for those who want to be admitted to US universities.
Comparison Between the IB Board, A-Levels and AP
The major differences between the International Baccalaureate board, A-Levels, and AP can be broken down into three key areas: educational philosophy, core requirements, and assessment methods. Here is a table that summarises the differences between these global curricula.
| Feature | International Baccalaureate | A-Levels | Advanced Placement |
| Philosophy | Holistic and well-rounded, develop critical thinking and global-mindedness. | Specialised and in-depth, focused on deep knowledge in specific subjects. | Flexible and preparatory; offers college-level courses to supplement a diploma. |
| Subject Choices | 6 subjects across different disciplines (languages, humanities, sciences, maths, arts). | 3-4 subjects of the student’s choice, typically within a similar field. | A la carte selection of individual advanced courses. |
| Core Requirements | Mandatory: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and CAS. | No mandatory core elements; the focus is solely on the chosen subjects. | No mandatory core requirements. |
| Assessment | A mix of internal assessments (coursework) and final external exams. | Primarily based on the final written examinations at the end of the course. | Primarily based on a final exam for each course. |
| Suitable For | For all-rounder students who value interdisciplinary connections and those seeking a globally-minded education. | For students who have a clear career path and wish to specialise early. | For students wanting to demonstrate excellence in specific subjects, especially for US university applications. |
What is the Best Curriculum for Your Child?
Now that you know the differences, here is a breakdown of what each program is best for!
- The International Baccalaureate is ideal for students who revel in their curiosity and are all-rounders. The IB curriculum lays emphasis on making connections between different fields of knowledge and values personal development alongside academic excellence. It promotes research, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare students for university. In fact, students enrolled in the IB board are 18% more likely to get admitted into an Ivy League University.
- A-Levels are a great choice for students who have already chosen their line of study. This is for students who have already identified their passion and want to dive deeper into their chosen subjects. A-levels help prepare students for a specific university degree.
- AP courses are excellent for students looking for a flexible curriculum and syllabus. It allows students to challenge themselves in their areas of strength. It also helps improve their university applications and offers a wider set of choices.
To Sum Up
There are certainly many choices for parents and students who are interested in pursuing a global curriculum. It is important to be mindful when deciding which board to invest in, to ensure that students can gain the maximum advantage.
At OWIS India, one of the top International Baccalaureate schools in Bangalore, we ensure flawless execution of the International Baccalaureate board curriculum. To learn more about how we contribute to your child’s growth and development, get in touch with us today!
