The IB as well as the A- Levels are educational programs for students who want to be
equipped for their studies in the UK. They are both acceptable by the British
universities which have the right to select their own students, unlike in other
countries where the Ministry of Education dictate the regulations for admission. The
two qualifications are distinct from one another in numerous aspects. A-levels are
the national English High School credential, while the IB represents an international
credential with no specific geographic origin. The IB is an international qualification
that can be used by countries such as Greece as an alternative to their national
school qualification. The IB has a quite stringent curriculum that requires pupils to
study six courses over two-year period and the selection of courses is quite limited.
A-Level students typically select three courses to study and they have the
opportunity to choose whatever subjects they prefer for as long they desire. The
International Baccalaureate is exclusively an educational program, administered
within schools. This means that a student has to be enrolled in a school in order to
take the course. A- Levels are distinct from other tests. They are primarily final
exams that can be taken independently of school, similar to English proficiency
examinations. The IB program has a wider global recognition than A-Levels, however,
most students in Greece who choose the IB are primarily aiming to go to universities
in the UK. In contrast, while A- Levels may be accepted for admission to universities
in other countries, this discussion will be limited to those seeking admission to
universities in the UK.
Comparing the curriculum of the two programs. A-Levels offer more choices in
terms of particular subjects that can be studied and provide greater depth of
knowledge. For instance, in the IB curriculum, Literature or a Language is mandatory,
Mathematics is also required (with varying levels of difficulty) and at least one
science subject must be chosen. This could be a good idea only if you are not
concerned about the final grade, because this choice could affect the chances of
getting into university. If you take A-levels you can pick and choose which subject
you want to study or those that are necessary for the major you plan to pursue in
university. in university. For example, this gives medical applicants the choice to
pursue A-level courses in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, a route not available
through the International Baccalaureate program. The IB program has many benefits
such as providing students with the opportunity to develop their research skills
through project work including the completion of an extended essay. Completing
this project independently is an excellent way to prepare for self-directed learning in
college. A- levels are seen as one of the best qualifications for university entrance as
they give students a broad range of knowledge and are highly valued by universities.
You can simultaneously work towards obtaining your a levels and the Apolitirio from
Greek Lykeion. This will ensure that you are admitted to a university in the UK. In
conclusion A-levels are a more equitable form of assessment then the IB. Since a
levels students are given the opportunity to take up to six exams for a single subject
this broadens their chances of receiving an accurate grade.