thursday 25th april 2013
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‘A’ Levels or IB? The arguments. Thursday 25th April 2013. IGCSE? A Levels? IB? What are they?. IGCSE qualifications are widely used as a preparation for ‘A’ levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) and other pre-university examination courses. Years 12 & 13 IB and ‘A’ Levels. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Thursday 25th April 2013
‘A’ Levels or IB?
The arguments
IGCSE?A Levels?
IB?
What are they?
IGCSE qualifications are widely used as a preparation for ‘A’ levels and the
International Baccalaureate (IB) and other pre-university examination courses.
Years 12 & 13IB and ‘A’ Levels
Are for children aged 16 – 18 years
old
The popularity of IB
So what subjects can students take?You choose one subject from each of six groups.3 at Higher level and 3 at Standard.
Group 1Studies in Language and Literature
English or another first language
Group 2
Language Acquisition
English, French, Spanish, etc(these are for students who can already speak/write the language)
ORChinese, Italian, etc..
Ab initio (start from zero)
Group 3Individuals and Societies
GeographyEconomicsHistoryBusiness StudiesEnvironmental Systems
and Societies
Group 4
Experimental Sciences
BiologyDesign TechnologyPhysicsChemistryEnvironmental Systems
and Societies
Group 5Mathematics
Choice of 3 levelsHigherStandardStudies
Group 6
The Arts
Music, Art, Drama, or…..1 more subject from the previous 5 groups.
In addition……
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) The Extended Essay
How is the IB graded?Each of the six subjects is awarded a grade on a scale of 1 - 7, with 7 being the highest grade.
An additional 3 bonus points may be gained from a candidate’s combined Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge grades.
Maximum number of points to be obtained:(6 subjects x 7 points) + 3 bonus points = 45 points
Note: A candidate must gain a minimum of 24 points in order to pass the full Diploma
IB – the advantagesIB has a broad curriculum based on six subject areas
and three additional elements
Students do not specialise until later, enabling them to take time to choose a career path
These subjects are broadly similar in content to A levels, particularly at higher level
The philosophy also includes international mindedness – the IB is not connected to any national system – this is seen as beneficial in an era of globalisation, cultural diversity and awareness
IB – the advantagesThe IB has a stronger overall philosophy than the A
levels, as separate subjects, may lack – the IB is a ‘package’
These are educating the whole person through TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and CAS (creativity, action and service) and the extended essay
It also includes coursework for all elements – an advantage to some students
Years 12 & 13IB (International Baccalaureate)
http://www.ibo.org/diploma/
‘A’ Levels
Are very British
Years 12 & 13A Levels
Year 12
Choose 4 Subjects
Example:MathematicsChemistryBiologyPhysics
Choose 3 Subjects
Example:MathematicsChemistryPhysics
Year 13
AS A2
Examined at the end of Year 12
Examined at the end of Year 13
Years 12 & 13A Levels
Year 12
Choose 4 Subjects
Example:GeographyHistoryEnglishSpanish
Choose 3 Subjects
Example:GeographyEnglishSpanish
Year 13
AS A2
Examined at the end of Year 12
Examined at the end of Year 13
AQA BaccalaureateThe AQA Baccalaureate (AQA Bacc) gives
students an edge in the highly competitive process of moving from school to employment or Higher Education.
By combining core A-level subjects with wider learning and enrichment activities, the AQA Bacc enables students to display the necessary personal skills and academic abilities.
AQA Baccalaureate comprises:Three A-levels subjects (a student's main
subject choices) Independent learning through the
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Skills development through Enrichment
activities: work related learning, community participation and personal development
Breadth through an AS level in Critical Thinking.
AQA Baccalaureate How is it awarded?
Students meet the criteria by achieving at least grade E in each of their A-levels
The pass (E or above) in a broader study AS-level subject e.g critical thinking
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
A minimum of 100 hours of enrichment activities.
AQA Baccalaureate grading
The AQA Bacc can be based on A-levels awarded by any awarding body.
Students achieve a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The level is determined by the student's
A-level and EPQ grades.
This will give you…..The AQA Baccalaureate which includes:
3 Full A levels 2 AS levels (one being critical thinking) Knowledge of researching and writing an
extended essay for the extended project qualification.
100+ hours of community service.
A levels – the advantages
Students can take subjects that they are good at and interest them
Suits students who are not good ‘all rounders’
Suits those students who definitely know what university course they want to take
Enables students to further specialise in Year 13
A levels – the advantages
The AS and A2 are better suited for those students who may only be staying 1 year in a school
Students do get self-study time
How are ‘A’ levels graded?Students are awarded a grade from A* - E for
each individual subject.
A grade ‘U’ (unclassified) will be awarded to those students who do not meet the necessary standards.
University Application
The application process starts approximately 1 year prior to the start of the university course.
IB and A levels are recognised and welcomed globally by universities.
We will be supporting your son/daughter every step of the way
Thank you for listening
I hope this information has helped
Any questions?