IB classes come in two forms: "higher level" and "standard level" (we will discuss this in more detail below). Some colleges only give credit for the higher-level classes (as Stanford does). Also, some colleges will completely waive general education requirements for students who have completed the full IB diploma.
In general, the A Level syllabus requires students to have an in-depth understanding of their various subjects. Conversely, the IB places greater importance on understanding a broader range of subjects and leans more towards independent learning.
To earn the IB Diploma, you need to score an average of 4 on each exam to get the minimum 24 needed points. You can learn more about IB exams on the IB website. What Are the 3 Core Requirements in the IB Program?
Facts about the International Baccalaureate: find out what's involved in studying the diploma programme and the career-related certificate. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an academic programme regarded as a good alternative to A levels, and appropriate if you are thinking about university.
However, both IB and AP classes are considered college-level courses that many students find challenging.
An IB score of 38 points out of a maximum of 45 is equivalent to five A grades at A-level. A score of 30 IB points reflects three and a half A's at A level, which is enough to gain admission to most good universities in the UK (Oxbridge would require higher results).
The maximum score for the IB is 45 points and was achieved by 213 candidates in 2019 – 0.13% of those sitting exams. This is the equivalent of 4A*s and an A at A-level. Similarly, the average IB score of 29.63 (with 5s in all subjects and a B in EE and ToK) is the equivalent of 2A*s and an A at A-level.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an academic programme regarded as a good alternative to A levels, and appropriate if you are thinking about university. It's taught in 143 countries around the world and has two levels of study for students aged 16-19.
The myth probably comes from the fact that many students feel they absolutely must get an A* for every subject at GCSE, or at least most of them – only the top grade will do! A Level and IB are both clearly a lot harder than GCSEs – aim high by all means but do realise what it all means!
Study the International Baccalaureate Diploma | UK. The International Baccalaureate Diploma, known as the IB, is a globally-recognised qualification that challenges, encourages and inspires you to become a creative problem-solver and lifelong independent thinker ready for university study and an international career.
The IB is considerably harder than A-levels. In the IB, students must study six subjects plus extras whereas with A-levels students study three subjects. With so much workload, it is no surprise that many students taking the IB end up with relatively low grades (24-30 points).
A baccalaureate (also known as an English Baccalaureate or EBacc) is a new performance indicator implemented by the UK government in 2010. It measures the percentage of students who achieve 5+ 5-9 (formerly, A*-C) grades in the traditional GCSE subjects: English. Maths.
There are three main types: BTEC Firsts (a Level 2 qualification), BTEC Nationals (a Level 3 qualification) and BTEC Higher Nationals (a Level 5 qualification). BTEC Nationals are the ones that are equivalent to A-levels, recommended for those who have achieved at least four A*-C grades at GCSE.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year educational programme primarily aimed at 16-to-19-year-olds in 140 countries around the world. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an assessed programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is respected by leading universities across the globe.
The IB, or International Baccalaureate, is a high school diploma that teaches critical and independent thought. It's an internationally recognized alternative to high school programs such as A-Levels or the Advanced Placement program.
IB exams are recognized for college credit in a way similar to how AP exams are used. You don’t have to earn the IB diploma to get credit for indiv...
One of the chief benefits of the IB program is that it provides academic preparation for college. IB courses are known for being interdisciplinary,...
To earn the full IB diploma, you have to take courses from six subjects, one each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from...
In addition to IB classes and exams, there are three more core requirements students must complete to earn an IB diploma. Read about them below:
We have a complete rundown of AP vs IB in this post, which includes a guide to deciding between the two programs. That being said, here are some of...
In this course, "students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know." Students are assessed in TOK through an oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay. You must complete this course to receive your diploma and may take it online.
The first group of IB Diploma courses are the language and literature ones . According to the IB, these classes hope to "develop a student's lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the richness of human expression."
The third group of IB Diploma courses spans various social science subjects, such as social studies, psychology, and politics. This group's goals are for students to develop "a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior" and learn more about cultural institutions and the different types of environments people inhabit.
This final group of IB classes focuses on creativity and a variety of artistic endeavors, including the visual arts (e.g., drawing and painting) and the performing arts (e.g., theatre and dance). If you do not want to take an arts course, you can substitute this requirement by taking an additional class from groups 1, 2, 3, or 4.
A world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation, and significance. Involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social, and cultural. No. HL and SL.
Yes, Spanish ab initio, Mandarin ab initio, and French ab initio. SL . Language B. For students with some previous experience of learning the language. Students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes, and texts.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, May 2021 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our 2021 IB COVID-19 FAQ article.
Designed in Switzerland in the 1960s, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging program of study, designed to prepare students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and life beyond.
Established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding, the DP offers countless benefits to students. According to IB, these include:
As any student with international ambitions knows, the requirements for university admissions and transferring credits from high school can be different from one country to the next.
In addition to university readiness, DP students are also more likely to persist at university (continue on to their second year).
The IB classes are unique from other advanced classes, like an honors-level class or Advanced Placement courses, because they fit into the educational ecosystem created by IB. The classes are part of the IB diploma and intentionally developed to promote interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking across different fields of study.
At ASP, where we teach an American curriculum for a diverse group of international students, and as such, we offer both individual IB classes, as well as the full, International Baccalaureate Diploma in our Upper School.
Megan joined Prep Zone after completing her undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, where she majored in English Language. During her time in university, she tutored high school and primary level students in English.
Megan joined Prep Zone after completing her undergraduate studies at the National University of Singapore, where she majored in English Language. During her time in university, she tutored high school and primary level students in English.
This is an academically challenging programme with final examinations that prepare students for university and working life. You choose one subject from each of five groups – including two languages, social sciences, experimental sciences, and mathematics.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an academic programme regarded as a good alternative to A levels, and appropriate if you are thinking about university. It's taught in 143 countries around ...
The PYP marks the start of a lifelong journey. It develops caring and culturally aware children aged 3 – 12 to become active participants in their own learning.
Building a solid academic foundation, the MYP develops students’ confidence in managing their own learning and making connections between their learning in the classroom and the real world.
A future-ready programme that builds students’ inquiring mindset, fosters their desire to learn, and prepares them to excel at their careers and lead meaningful lives.
A unique programme for students in their final school years. It equips them with future-ready skills and prepares them to follow their career pathways—combining academic subjects with their own professional interests.
Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. Students may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.
Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level. Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.
If you attend a high school within the U.S., you’ve probably heard the term “AP” or “Advanced Placement” at some point, but what does it actually refer to?
Unlike the AP Program, which is based solely in the U.S. (and whose exams are typically only offered to students attending American schools or American International Schools), the IB program is international. In fact, as of August 2021, 159 countries across the globe offer IB programs.
AP and IB courses differ from start to finish, having different eligibility requirements, curriculums, and exams. So, category by category, here are the differences between IB and AP classes:
Now that we’ve gone over all the basic differences between the AP and IB programs, it’s time to review their pros and cons. So, without further ado, here they are:
Generally, taking advanced courses in high school (whether AP, IB, or honors) looks good on one’s transcript. All of these courses will be impressive to colleges, as long as you perform well. But is there one type of class that is considered “more impressive” than another? Well, not really.
So, with all that in mind, should you choose to take IB or AP courses in high school? Well, it depends…
In the current year, more than 170,000 students participated in the IB from around 158 different countries. It has a standard operating process that attracts high-performing students looking to study in international universities.
Remember, as an internationally recognized degree, all subjects in IB require a considerable amount of hard work and dedication.
The five subjects mentioned above are some of the hardest subjects to study and achieve a good score. However, the list is not restricted to these options as each student has unique intellectual competence.