The International Baccalaureate versus A levels
University admissions officers compare A levels to the International Baccalaureate on how they prepare students for higher education
Seeta Bhardwa
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The International Baccalaureate diploma programme is better at encouraging a global outlook in students, while A levels give students more in-depth expertise, according to the findings of the University Admissions Officers Report 2017.
UK university admissions officers were invited to rate both qualifications on how they develop a range of different qualities in students. The results found that there was a considerable difference in the two study programmes.泭
The biggest difference was in encouraging global outlook where 97 per cent of the admissions officers rated the IB as developing this well or very well. Only 7 per cent said the same about A levels.
The IB was also top for encouraging independent inquiry with 94 per cent of the admissions officers saying that it did this well or very well, while only 49 per cent of officers gave the A levels a similar rating.泭
However, A levels were considered to offer better in-depth subject expertise with 94 per cent stating that they developed this well or very well, compared to 56 per cent for the IB.泭
A levels is a qualification offered in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, as an alternative qualification in Scotland and as an international school qualification worldwide. Students usually study three or four subjects in-depth over the course of two years.泭
The International Baccalaureate is made up of four different study programmes, one of which is the diploma programme. Students must pick one subject from six subject groups including languages, sciences and the arts and then study three of these to a higher level. The International Baccalaureate is studied all over the world. 泭泭
This table shows the percentage of advisers who believed the two education programmes developed the listed skills well or very well.泭
| How well do you think A levels and the International Baccalaureate diploma develop the following qualities in students at present? | ||
| 泭 | A-levels泭 | IB泭 |
| Encouraging independent inquiry | 49 per cent | 94泭per cent |
| Developing in-depth subject expertise | 94泭per cent | 56泭per cent |
| Developing workplace skills | 2泭per cent | 67泭per cent |
| Developing ability to cope with pressure | 62泭per cent | 66泭per cent |
| Nurturing an open mind | 24泭per cent | 93泭per cent |
| Developing self-management skills | 47泭per cent | 91泭per cent |
| Encouraging a global outlook | 7泭per cent | 97泭per cent |
| Nurturing communication skills | 37泭per cent | 44泭per cent |
| Encouraging creativity | 15泭per cent | 37泭per cent |
| Developing intercultural skills | 8泭per cent | 70泭per cent |
| Instilling a positive approach to risk taking | 4泭per cent | 24泭per cent |
| Propensity to complete their degree | 78泭per cent | 83泭per cent |
| Interest to study to MA or PhD level | 44泭per cent | 54泭per cent |
