why we offer a-Levels and not Ib diploma.
Our organisation invested years in a careful study and review on the best system we could offer our students for the final years of schooling. While we fully appreciate the pros and benefits of the IB Diploma, our conclusion was that A-Levels offers more advantages, in particular when our focus is to ensure our students maximise their chances of gaining a placements in top universities.
same international recognition.
superior in the uk.
A-levels and the IBDP both command international recognition.
Universities in the USA and across the European Union recognise and accept A-Levels.
In some cases, US universities provide credits towards their undergraduate programmes with A-Level qualifications.
A-Levels are a traditional pathway to UK universities, a leading destination for the majority of our students.
focus on what you do best. give yourself the best chance.
Unlike IB, where students are required to take subjects they might not be good at or are passionate about, A-Levels allow students to pick the very best subjects for them and thus give them the very best chance to achieve the best results.
Great students will do well in both systems, but mainstream students will benefit from a more focused approach.
rich project-based programme and extra-curricular programme.
Contrary to popular belief, A-Levels offer just as much project-based learning as the IB Diploma, if not more. Our school, for instance, incorporates the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which allows students to undertake a self-directed project on a topic of their choice, a feature that is highly valued by universities. Additionally, A-Levels provide more flexibility in terms of offering high-quality extra-curricular programs, such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards, sports qualifications, and work experience opportunities. These types of experiences can give students an edge during the university application and interview process.
greater flexibility
While the IB program offers a wide range of options, it can limit flexibility in terms of customizing a student's academic path and development. A-Levels, on the other hand, allow for more strategic planning towards graduation. For example, a student might choose to take an exam for one subject a year early to alleviate the workload in their final year or opt to take more subjects if they are academically strong. Conversely, a student who may be struggling in some areas may choose to forgo the Extended Project Qualification or some optional extracurricular programs in order to focus on their core subjects.
teacher recruitment and training
Recruiting highly qualified and experienced educators is essential for any school, and after evaluating the current global job market, we determined that the pool of talented A-Level educators is larger than for the IB Diploma. Additionally, IB Diploma teachers typically require additional training, which can be costly for schools in terms of both time and money that could be invested in other school developments.
