6th Form
Why A Levels and not the Ib?
T
here has been much debate in recent years about the differences between, and value of, the traditional A level examinations for Sixth Form students and the relative newcomer to the U.K. - the International Baccalaureate. There is perhaps a tendency in life to think that newer is more “up to date” and therefore “better”. However, this is not always the case. We have made the decision at Blackheath High School to stay with the A level curriculum after considering the the pros and cons of each course. We believe that the A level curriculum best meets the requirements of our students. So, what are the differences between the IB and A levels? A levels are an established commodity, with individual subjects being studied in a combination that suits individual students. (It is important to note here that, at Blackheath, we try very hard to build the timetable around the option choices of the students, so that most get the combination that they want). The IB is divided into six groups: Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Language, Second Language and the Arts. In addition, students complete an Extended Essay, follow a Theory of Knowledge Course and participate in the CAS program. The main drawbacks of the IB are: • The breadth of subjects would not suit most of our Sixth Formers as, at this stage, they prefer to specialise.
• The fact that all six subjects have to be studied means that the weaker subject can pull down the overall IB score. This is backed by the data showing the success rates of students gaining their first or second choice university: For A level applicants there is an 81% success rate, but for the IB it is only 69% • Studying the IB takes up a great deal of time. This can detract from time spent participating in sport, extra-curricular activities or gaining important work experience. Therefore, instead of the IB being a “broadening” curriculum, it can actually close down some important developmental experiences. • There is evidence to show that students who go on to study academically specific courses at university do less well if they come from an IB experience in the Sixth Form. For example, first year medical students, who took the IB route, are more likely to struggle due to the fact that they have not studied the sciences in as much detail as is required. The advantages of A levels are many and the changes in the A level curricula have proved to be positive. • The majority of British Sixth Formers sit A levels and university admissions tutors and employers understand the system as this is what they took. • A levels allow students to specialise in subject areas that are relevant to chosen Higher Education courses. They can also drop the subjects that they are weaker at. Year on year, the vast majority of our students at Blackheath High choose options that
16 Blackheath High School Autumn 2011
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