Among the internationally recognized high school diplomas, there are two systems that many students choose to choose between; The first system is the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is a recognized certificate among European universities, and is followed by most European and international schools. The second is the traditional British high school system called A-Levels, which is preferred by some British universities.
The two programs are branched at International High School, which students take during the last two years of their pre-university studies. But what is the difference between them? What is the widely accepted program by universities? Is one of them more difficult than the other? Can the student choose one system and change his mind later? This is what the following lines answer.
What is the International Baccalaureate System?
The International Baccalaureate System (IB) is attributed to the International Baccalaureate Organization, an international institution based in Geneva, Switzerland, that offers a number of educational programs for different academic levels, but the level that applies to students between the ages of 16 And 19 is the International Baccalaureate diploma.
The IB system provides students with more than education. It develops the queen of research and a passion for knowledge among students. There are many British schools that offer their students the choice of the baccalaureate instead of the English system.
What is IGCSE?
IGCSE - widely known as IG (short for International General Certificate of Secondary Education), is the official secondary qualification in England, and it is an international public certificate For secondary education, the curriculum was developed by the University of Cambridge, UK, and is part of an integrated curriculum covering all ages.
Students learn the IGCSE curriculum at the beginning of the tenth year, and are tested at the end of year 11, followed by the superior level "A Levels", and at this level the student is eligible to enter universities, according to the required grade and majors that he chooses.
What are the similarities between the two programs?
The main similarity between the A Levels program and the International Baccalaureate diploma is that both of them offer the same educational level, and both qualify the student to enter the university, but what matters most is the type of student and their willingness to make the effort and goals that they have.
The differences
At A Levels, parents are more aware of the learning process, as they rely on textbooks. The student chooses at least 3 subjects, and he has flexibility in choosing the subjects, and a good student in mathematics can choose mathematics, physics and another level of mathematics.
It relies on learning in the traditional way with a focus on textbooks, and evaluation is carried out by obtaining degrees of letters "AG" and "A *" is the highest grade a student may obtain, and this educational system is Theoretically large.
As for the IB program, students need to mix humanities, sciences and languages, regardless of the student’s interest, grades from 1 to 7, and the student must obtain 24 degrees to obtain a diploma.
The curriculum here is more practical, learning is inquiry-based, and students are required to be inclusive, and to participate in extra-curricular activities, which include physical, creative, humanitarian and personal work.
A Levels Advantages
Students enrolled in it often have a clear view of their future and what they wish to achieve during their academic career, and achieve an in-depth learning experience. This system includes a wide range of materials that students can choose from, and is thus more flexible than the "IP" system.
Features of the International Baccalaureate
Preparing the student for the university stage, as the "IB" system is considered as a preparatory program for the university, as it works to provide students with the skills and capabilities necessary to achieve success in the stage of higher education.
The possibility of development on a personal level, not only as a student but also as a human being, where one of the goals of the IB is to create a generation of socially conscious people who are able to make a tangible change in their societies.
Students are more open, flexible and capable, more social, and have diverse talents developed independently throughout the program.
Emphasis on time management and independence, meaning that students are expected to introduce themselves, to be able and willing to spend most of their time, and to make most of their decisions at their will.
Entrepreneurs often prefer people who join the IP system when choosing employees in their company, and see them more skilled than others.
Disadvantages of British High School
This system does not focus on the Arabic language, and most of the subjects are taught in English, and this represents a challenge for students who are not good enough in English, and those who have studied in this system from the beginning and wishing to enroll in Arab universities, they will face difficulties in understanding the subjects taught in Arabic.
Defects of the International Baccalaureate
The length of the study period . The international baccalaureate for the secondary stage requires two full years, which is a long period compared to the other different curricula, which usually takes one year.
The big curriculum , in addition to lessons and assignments, students must work to provide reports, presentations, and projects in each of the six compulsory subjects, which is a large load that many students cannot afford.
Inertia , students do not have much freedom to choose the subjects they wish to study.
Is it possible to study at the IB and enroll in A Levels?
Some schools offer "A Levels" in addition to the IB, but they are fully separate qualifications. When a student begins one of them, he cannot change in the middle of it, and will not confuse parts of one with parts of the other.
Any more reliable qualification?
Both programs are a reliable qualification, and a student who has obtained excellent results in the "A Levels" program is likely to obtain a place in a higher university, as is the case with a student with distinguished degrees in the International Baccalaureate diploma.
Do universities prefer the International Baccalaureate?
No university will ignore an excellent student regardless of the curriculum, but universities may prefer the balanced nature of the IB.
Which should you choose?
If you do not necessarily want to go to a university in the UK, the IB is probably the best option, as it has been recognized in many countries.
If you are not sure which college or university you want to enroll, the IB option will probably be better, as it will allow wider and more varied options.