IP, IB vs A Levels
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I found a reply from University of Oxford
https://uni-of-oxford.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/549/~/what-qualification-do-oxford-prefer,-a-levels-or-the-international
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A-levels and the International Baccalaureate are both eligible qualifications for entry to our undergraduate degrees. We do not weight either of these qualifications as ‘better’ than the other, since both are eligible for entry, and all applications are considered very carefully on their individual merits.
In general, however, the IB could be considered a good grounding for multi-disciplinary Arts subjects who involve elements of many different subjects at school. On the other hand, students who wish to specialise in a particular Science at Oxford may find that the concentration of three subjects at A-level provides them more with the focus necessary for an intense subject-specific degree.
Please note these comments are intended to be general. The success rates for students applying with the IB and students applying with A-levels are broadly similar, and that the choice of qualification (as long as it is an eligible qualification as specified on our website) plays no part in the selection criteria for our courses. We would advise students to select the qualification which they feel best offers the teaching style from which they would most benefit.
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julialai:
Came across a news article about the IB:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/why-schools-love-the-international-baccalaureate-1784352.ht
Hi, Julialai.
Thanks for sharing the info... but I couldn't open the link tried on both iPhone and PC.... can you copy the text and paste here to share?
Thank you. :thankyou: -
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twilight:
Thanks Twilight!This link should work.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/schools/why-schools-love-the-international-baccalaureate-1784352.html -
When one reads this article by the Independent Post, one must bear in mind tt the UK A levels is of a much lower std than the A levels tt S’pore students sit for.
Whether to pursue IB or S’pore’s A levels (w/c is widely acknowledged by all leading unis as being v rigorous) depends on the student’s interest and talents. The A levels allows math n science inclined students to pursue these subjects at a deeper level at H3 level. At the top IP schools tt offer A levels, independent thinking and learning is also much cultivated through a myriad of schemes and courses eg philosophy, research work etc. Many of these students, being so well prepared for tertiary education, excel in the many top unis. -
Hello everybody!!!
Though I am unsure about foreign schools and the A levels, I assert that the IB might be a more rigorous course, for it will prove to be strenuous to students as they are engaged in a program that demands much discipline from them.
The IB places great emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and application, and within the context of Singapore, this course differs across schools! While ACS may yield many students with full scores, how are we to know that their curriculum is variant from one in SJI? Can we really gain knowledge of the IB curriculum from the empirical?
The media does not present us with such truths and as such we cannot justify it to be a valid claim that all students taking the IB in Singapore will yield the same results, for their learning processes are different. However, this should not mean that the two schools I have mentioned are to be judged as good or bad in their curriculum. It is true that we as outsiders cannot identify the mechanics of the program in the school, but by simply discerning the nature of the course, and understanding your child's potential, only then can we possibly assure ourselves that the course is suitable for the child who is taking it.
Another matter that remains poignant is the fact that schools offering the IB in Singapore don't provide the same courses for everyone. Though this is hearsay, a friend of mine told me of a relative who got into United World College (UWC), and was required to take Language B (Chinese) at a Higher Level, forcing her to drop one of her desired subjects to Standard. Though this example applies to an International school, it does reveal that the IB is indeed variant across all schools.
Though I don't have enough evidence to justify this claim, I think that most IB schools in Singapore will offer different Humanities and Science subjects (eg: Psychology / Philosophy and Design Technology) which will also affect the rigor of the course as certain subjects demand different expectations. Biology students have more content than Chemistry students, and are marked quite strictly during examinations for key phrases and precision in facts.
The Core topics [TOK, EE and CAS] may appear to be of less significance in comparison to the other 6 compulsory subjects, but they can prove to be equally distressing if not managed well. If poorly managed, these three subjects can create much disharmony to schedules, and plans for revision/work on other subjects.
Yet one must not regard the IB course with aversion as it is highly dependent on your child's potential. As aforementioned, I am unclear of the mechanics of the A-levels, but I believe that the IB is a much more well-rounded course as it engages the students to apply critical thinking (with the compulsory implementation of ToK) as opposed to the A-levels, where Knowledge Inquiry (KI) and other subjects are rendered optional, or placed into streams for students to pick.
Having a much more well-rounded course will benefit your child as they may eventually act upon their will to engage in higher order thinking, and discern what is suitable for their surroundings and themselves. A well-rounded course will ensure that they will gain heightened awareness to the disciplines that are advantageous to them. As cogs for the future of the organic structure of society, they will be able to function according to the values that they have learned and held strong during their education, ensuring the maintenance of society and its sustainability. This is a reason as to why I prefer the IB over the A levels, for I feel that the system of the A levels does not entirely encourage students to pursue critical thinking that will enable them to become more discerning, leaving them to treat such subjects with contempt or disinterest.
But nonetheless, these are my own thoughts of what the IB offers in comparison to my little knowledge of the A-levels. While I personally favor IB and regard it to be more challenging in workload and subject juggling, both are important courses that will determine your child's path in the future. I reiterate that the child's potential is key in deciding whether IB or the A-levels are suitable for them. -
As someone pointed out, there is an attempt in Singapore to make A level takes in some elements in IB such as contrasting subjects, PW, KI etc…
This is a separate subject and I admit that it is only a guess on my part…I’ll say that full score in IB of 45 is probably equivalent to 7 distinctions in A level ( 4 H2 level subjects and 3 H1 level subjects). -
What are the different between these two programs?There are not many school have IB program.
Thanks -
u may want to read abt some of the comments by Mrs Lim Lai Cheng (RI Principal) here:
http://www.edupoll.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=825&sid=405933db3c9e7ec5d164521338381858 -
I am very confused over the current system.
I read that one can get into the sec school via DSA but there are 2 kinds - one is academic (which is a through-train programe) and the other is via CCA (and must sit for O levels).
Do these 2 groups go through the same curriculum in the first 4 years?
if so, can one transfer from the “O” levels group to the IP programme?
Also, can the “O” levels group go to the same JC as the IP group with any cut-off discount?
when one uses DSA -CCA route to get in, does it mean that student must stick to that CCA throughout the 4 years? what happens if that student quits the CCA in the middle of the 4 years?
and the IP students are not guaranteed a place in JC or are they? regardless of their academic results?
I have so many questions and hope someone can enlighten me. thanks -
I am very confused over the current system.
I read that one can get into the sec school via DSA but there are 2 kinds - one is academic (which is a through-train programe) and the other is via CCA (and must sit for O levels).
Do these 2 groups go through the same curriculum in the first 4 years?
if so, can one transfer from the \"O\" levels group to the IP programme?
No. But if you are in the IP Programme and they find that you are not doing very well, you may be transferred to the O level programme.
Also, can the \"O\" levels group go to the same JC as the IP group with any cut-off discount?
It depends on whether the Secondary School they are in is affiliated to a JC. If the school is affiliated to a JC there would be a \"discount\"
when one uses DSA -CCA route to get in, does it mean that student must stick to that CCA throughout the 4 years? what happens if that student quits the CCA in the middle of the 4 years?
If i am not wrong they WOULD NOT be allowed to quit the CCA.
and the IP students are not guaranteed a place in JC or are they? regardless of their academic results?
Yes they are. Unless they get kicked out of the IP program.
I have so many questions and hope someone can enlighten me. thanks
You can find out more information on the MOE website: http://www.moe.gov.sg/
Hope the info helps
Please correct me if i have gotten any info wrong -
My comments in blue.
gelfish:
I am very confused over the current system.
I read that one can get into the sec school via DSA but there are 2 kinds - one is academic (which is a through-train programe) and the other is via CCA (and must sit for O levels).
Not necessarily. Some CCA DSA can be for thru train too. Depends on the school you're applying to.
Do these 2 groups go through the same curriculum in the first 4 years?
if so, can one transfer from the \"O\" levels group to the IP programme?
No. Generally there'll be some differentiation in the programme bec the O level track has to gear the students for the GCE O level exams. Some schools allow a transfer from O to IP if the student performs well. Similarly, a student can be transferred from IP to O if they don't do well.
Also, can the \"O\" levels group go to the same JC as the IP group with any cut-off discount?
Only if the school provides for this affiliation bonus point.
when one uses DSA -CCA route to get in, does it mean that student must stick to that CCA throughout the 4 years? what happens if that student quits the CCA in the middle of the 4 years?
It's a commitment thru which you entered the school, so you'll have to stick with it for 4 years.
and the IP students are not guaranteed a place in JC or are they? regardless of their academic results?
If they do not meet the promotion criteria they can be retained or asked to leave the programme.
I have so many questions and hope someone can enlighten me. thanks -
thanks so much …I would like to check SCGS DSA - I want my DD to try either ballet or gym, but she will need to prove her P5 results to qualify for the IP programme right?
I read that SCGS has a new JC only in 2018? this JC has no name yet huh?
can she actually go to ACS(I) after 4 years in SCGS under the IP programme? this is what I do not understand, can IP programme allow 4 years in a secondary school and then next 2 years in another non-affiliated school like ACS(I) or Hwa Chong?
our era was , after O levels, u can go to any JC… -
gelfish:
DSA via CCA to SCGS is for O level route only, not IP.thanks so much ...I would like to check SCGS DSA - I want my DD to try either ballet or gym, but she will need to prove her P5 results to qualify for the IP programme right?
I read that SCGS has a new JC only in 2018? this JC has no name yet huh?
can she actually go to ACS(I) after 4 years in SCGS under the IP programme? this is what I do not understand, can IP programme allow 4 years in a secondary school and then next 2 years in another non-affiliated school like ACS(I) or Hwa Chong?
our era was , after O levels, u can go to any JC..
No name yet. It's a joint IP JC with Catholic High and St Nick's. -
gelfish:
A student in an IP programme in one school can apply to switch schools at Yr 5, but it will be based on his Yr 4 results as he won't have 'O' levels. It can be done and I know some who have switched, but I think most will just go on to the affiliated JC or the Yr 5 of their current school as that is automatic (assuming they meet the school's promotion criteria).thanks so much ...I would like to check SCGS DSA - I want my DD to try either ballet or gym, but she will need to prove her P5 results to qualify for the IP programme right?
I read that SCGS has a new JC only in 2018? this JC has no name yet huh?
can she actually go to ACS(I) after 4 years in SCGS under the IP programme? this is what I do not understand, can IP programme allow 4 years in a secondary school and then next 2 years in another non-affiliated school like ACS(I) or Hwa Chong?
our era was , after O levels, u can go to any JC.. -
slmkhoo:
Is it true that if u dsa into an ip school, you are not allow to transfer to another ip school at year 3 or year 5?
A student in an IP programme in one school can apply to switch schools at Yr 5, but it will be based on his Yr 4 results as he won't have 'O' levels. It can be done and I know some who have switched, but I think most will just go on to the affiliated JC or the Yr 5 of their current school as that is automatic (assuming they meet the school's promotion criteria).gelfish:
thanks so much ...I would like to check SCGS DSA - I want my DD to try either ballet or gym, but she will need to prove her P5 results to qualify for the IP programme right?
I read that SCGS has a new JC only in 2018? this JC has no name yet huh?
can she actually go to ACS(I) after 4 years in SCGS under the IP programme? this is what I do not understand, can IP programme allow 4 years in a secondary school and then next 2 years in another non-affiliated school like ACS(I) or Hwa Chong?
our era was , after O levels, u can go to any JC.. -
Dreamgear:
I have no idea.slmkhoo:
A student in an IP programme in one school can apply to switch schools at Yr 5, but it will be based on his Yr 4 results as he won't have 'O' levels. It can be done and I know some who have switched, but I think most will just go on to the affiliated JC or the Yr 5 of their current school as that is automatic (assuming they meet the school's promotion criteria).
Is it true that if u dsa into an ip school, you are not allow to transfer to another ip school at year 3 or year 5? -
Dreamgear:
Is it true that if u dsa into an ip school, you are not allow to transfer to another ip school at year 3 or year 5?[/quote]It is possible, so long the child is doing well and has talents the other school wants. Some IP schools open up application for Sec 3s- RGS, NUS High etc. ACS(I) only Yr 5 for girls. You can check from the website of the schools you are interested.
A student in an IP programme in one school can apply to switch schools at Yr 5, but it will be based on his Yr 4 results as he won't have 'O' levels. It can be done and I know some who have switched, but I think most will just go on to the affiliated JC or the Yr 5 of their current school as that is automatic (assuming they meet the school's promotion criteria).slmkhoo:
[quote=\"gelfish\"]thanks so much ...I would like to check SCGS DSA - I want my DD to try either ballet or gym, but she will need to prove her P5 results to qualify for the IP programme right?
I read that SCGS has a new JC only in 2018? this JC has no name yet huh?
can she actually go to ACS(I) after 4 years in SCGS under the IP programme? this is what I do not understand, can IP programme allow 4 years in a secondary school and then next 2 years in another non-affiliated school like ACS(I) or Hwa Chong?
our era was , after O levels, u can go to any JC.. -
Dreamgear:
During the recent talk at acsi, the principal mentioned that dsa to ip means 6 years commitment.
Is it true that if u dsa into an ip school, you are not allow to transfer to another ip school at year 3 or year 5? -
zeemimi:
That's my understanding as well. No transfer once entry is via DSA.
During the recent talk at acsi, the principal mentioned that dsa to ip means 6 years commitment.Dreamgear:
Is it true that if u dsa into an ip school, you are not allow to transfer to another ip school at year 3 or year 5?