International A Level vs International Baccalaureate for Sixth Form Study

When deciding between A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), students and parents often weigh the pros and cons of each system to determine which is best suited to their goals and learning preferences. Both qualifications are globally respected, academically rigorous, and can pave the way to prestigious universities. However, for students who value flexibility, specialisation, and a streamlined pathway to higher education, International A Levels emerge as the better choice for students. At The EIC, we choose to follow the International A Level program for our Sixth Form students as it provides them with the best preparation for university entry and success in undergraduate programmes around the world.

A Levels Allow for More Specialisation

A Levels Give More Flexibility

The EIC Gives More Extra-curricular Content

A Levels Have More Flexible Assessment Structures

A Levels Give Access to Universities Around the World

Conclusion

A Levels Allow for More Specialisation

1. Specialization vs. Breadth: A Key Difference

• International A Levels focus on depth and specialisation, allowing students to study three or four subjects aligned with their strengths and career aspirations.
• This approach is ideal for students with clear academic interests. For example:
  • Aspiring doctors can concentrate on Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
  • Future lawyers can focus on History, Politics, and English Literature.
• The IB requires students to study six subjects across diverse disciplines, including mathematics, science, literature, and a second language, regardless of future plans.
• The IB fosters a well-rounded education and encourages intellectual curiosity, benefiting students who are undecided about their specialisation.
• For students with specific career goals, the IB’s broad subject requirements may dilute their ability to deeply engage with key subjects.
• International A Levels enable students to dive deeply into their chosen fields, making it a logical choice for those with focused ambitions.
• Many former A Level students report that the depth of A Level preparation eases their transition to university, as they often encounter familiar topics during their first year.

A Levels Give More Flexibility

2. Flexibility and Personalization

• International A Levels offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and strengths.
• Students can mix and match subjects across disciplines, such as combining:
  • Physics with Art
  • Economics with Biology
• Students decide how many A Levels to take:
  • Typically, four subjects are taken in Year 12.
  • Most students reduce to three in Year 13, but taking four or even five subjects is an option for high achievers.
• The IB is less flexible, requiring students to choose one subject from each of six groups, including mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages.
• The IB’s approach compels students to study subjects they may be less interested in or weaker at, impacting enjoyment and performance.
• International A Levels excel in giving students the freedom to design a curriculum aligned with their passions and future goals.

The EIC Gives More Extra-curricular Content

3. Extra Curricular Content

• The IB includes extracurricular components alongside six subjects:
  • Extended Essay (EE)
  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
  • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
• At The EIC, these IB aspects are replicated through:
  • Horizons Programme, which includes:
    • Topics similar to the Theory of Knowledge course.
    • Opportunities for debating.
    • Extra qualifications in public speaking and performing via LAMDA, recognized by universities as valuable for applications.
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, offering:
    • Community service opportunities.
    • Skill development in areas like languages, performing, or music.
    • Teamwork, leadership, and resilience-building through the Adventurous Journey.
  • Independent Project Qualification (IPQ), which:
    • Allows students to research a chosen topic and produce an investigative report.
    • Provides an additional qualification equivalent to half an International A Level.
    • Develops research, referencing, and report-writing skills essential for undergraduate study.
• Studying International A Levels at The EIC offers the extracurricular benefits of the IB while also allowing students to study their chosen subjects in much greater depth than they would in the IB.
• This combination ensures the best preparation for undergraduate work.

A Levels Have More Flexible Assessment Structures

4. Assessment Structure

• Assessment in International A Levels:
  • Based on exams, which are sat at various points through Year 12 and 13.
  • A straightforward system that rewards strong exam performance.
  • Offers a focused timeline for assessment.
  • Modular structure allows for multiple exam windows across Year 12 and Year 13, providing flexibility in managing workload.
• Assessment in the IB:
  • Examined only at the end of Year 13.
  • No assessment at the end of Year 12 to help gauge student performance and university suitability.
  • Holistic but more complex, requiring students to excel across multiple formats.
• Overall Comparison:
  • International A Levels’ modular examination structure is ideal for students who prefer clear and concentrated evaluation methods.
  • International A Levels allow students to complete half their assessment at the end of Year 12, giving universities a clear picture of their likely final performance when the student submits their application.

A Levels Give Access to Universities Around the World

5. University Admissions and Career Alignment

• Global Recognition:
  • Both International A Levels and the IB are recognized by universities worldwide.
  • International A Levels are well-aligned not only with UK university admissions, but with universities in Europe and around the world.
  • Recent EIC graduates have attended universities in countries such as:
    • Ireland, USA, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Singapore, and the UK.
• Preparation for University:
  • International A Levels provide students with a deeper knowledge base compared to other Sixth Form systems.
  • Many EIC alumni report that topics covered in Year 13 A Levels overlapped with their first-year university material, easing their transition to higher education.
• Subject Specialism:
  • A Levels allow students to specialise in subjects matching their career aspirations from the beginning of Year 12.
  • Students can focus on subjects they enjoy, are passionate about, and are directly relevant to their future goals.

Conclusion

While both International A Levels and the IB offer exceptional educational opportunities, International A Levels are often the better choice for students who value specialisation, flexibility, and a more focused academic experience. Their emphasis on depth over breadth allows students to excel in their chosen fields, while the manageable workload and straightforward assessment structure provide a clear path to university readiness.

Studying International A Levels at The EIC allows students the academic benefit of this depth of study coupled with the well-rounded skills development provided by the Horizons Programme, the IPQ and the Duke of Edinburgh Award; it really is the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, the decision between International A Levels and the IB depends on individual preferences, strengths, and future goals. For students with clear academic interests and career aspirations, International A Levels remain the most practical and effective choice.

External Links:

Pearson - Why a British education? - Read their series of myth-busting factsheets explaining how International A levels compare to the IB curriculum