I have gone through the IB programme. The way ACS (Indep) runs the IB programme is very pressuring towards students, seems to be run very much like ‘A’ levels. Class tests, exams, graded coursework, think of topics for graded coursework, focus camp, etc. I think the thinking of topics for graded coursework is the headache part. I don’t think a preuniversity course is worth the headaches of thinking of your own topics for graded coursework, and not only that, the topics must be relevant and allow one to fulfil the marking criteria. Singapore ‘A’ levels underwent a revamp a couple of years ago which shows changes can be made to the Singapore ‘A’ levels. As the ‘A’ levels is widely recognised locally and overseas, the ‘A’ levels is a fully viable option. Therefore, I would recommend the ‘A’ levels as I feel that the IB experience is not better. More expensive, and not better, so why waste money??

IB may not be as good as what schools may ‘sweet talk’ for local students in Singapore. Students pay $400 upwards of school fees per month which is not helping with the cost of education. The cost of education should not be raised as an expensive education is really not necessary for a pre-u qualification. The IB programme can be left to international schools, and students who intend to study overseas and whose parents are well able and willing to support them financially should they study overseas after completing IB.


The ‘A’ levels is still a well-recognised qualification in Singapore. Therefore, it is not necessary to do the IB. Local universities recognise the ‘A’ levels, and the Singapore workplace also recognise the ‘N’, ‘O’ and ‘A’ levels.

Also, the IB programme is not necessarily meant to be an elitist programme. Do not just listen to the ‘sweet talk’ of schools promoting the IB programme. The IB programme is meant for students who are average and above, and is meant to be a programme that international schools can run and most international students can do.

Running the IB programme as an elitist programme only increases the pressure on students to perform well. Thus, not only are students paying much much more (and emptying their parents’ bank accounts), they could also have additional goals set by the school to try to meet. For example, the school may set the target that all students should get at least 38 points (out of 45) for the IB diploma, and that all students should get either 6 or 7 (where 7 is the highest grade) for all their subjects. I seriously doubt that this is the right mindset to approach education because education should not be demanding and wanting results from students. Rather, education should be a positive experience where learning is enriching.