IB or A-levels?

[izzyale]

Hi, I'm having difficulties deciding which programme I should take.

I've heard that A-levels is a lot more exam-based and focuses on academics. Likewise, IB is more well-rounded but stressful.

Currently, I have yet to decide what I'm interested in/to do in my life, so is it better to take A-levels or IB?

My parents want me to take A-levels as it is only 1 and 1/2 year as compared to IB which takes 2 years.

And does anyone know if there're any January intakes for IB?


thanks,
izzyale

[senksiang90]

Just so you know, Cambridge A Level of 1 1/2 year is very stressful. It is meant to be a 2 year programme. I took 4 subjects and got 3A 1B but I must say it is really stressful. Most important thing you should know is that First sem will be studying AS level. Then 2nd sem, you'll be studying your A2 syllabus for 3 months, then have AS trial exam. After AS trial, you'll sit for your AS exam for 6 weeks, then rest 2 weeks holiday before the new term begins. When the new term begins, you'll continue your A2 study for about 2 months plus before sitting for a trial then go off for a holiday. After the trial, 2 weeks of class and that's it, the finals. So, compiled Cambridge A Level is not really a good idea for me. I won't really recommend it for those who plan to take 4 subjects. 3 is still achievable though I guess. Just bear in mind that if you plan to do A levels, AS, score the 4A's you need in the 4 subjects you plan to take. If you fail, resit the exam the next time round.

*Just so u know, I got a 'd' for my AS law then I resit it and got an 'A' then int he end overall 'A'. yipee

**but of course the wait for the result is really really killing. LOL.

[izzyale]

Wow, that is stressful. But would it be wise to do A-levels if I don't know what to do as a career?

[senksiang90]

Wow, that is stressful. But would it be wise to do A-levels if I don't know what to do as a career?

Yes. It is a pre-u where it keeps your options open. So I reckon you take Science subjects if you plan to study A Level. I'm under sponsorship so I had to study wad my sponsor require me to. Just know that frm Science A lvl, you can still switch to art career path in the future but if you take art now, you cannot switch to science later on. Science can go to science and art. Cuz stuffs like accounting, economics, business studies etc.a re said to be general subjects and that any subject combinations will enable you to join the first year after pre-u.

[Glassylicious]

Many people do A levels without knowing what they want to do in university, so it's fine.

Also, to be honest, stress is everywhere no matter what course you take. =/ But IB will definitely be a lot more stressful than A levels, simply due to the sheer amount of "other stuff" you have to do [CAS component, TOK, etc]. Also, it's a lot harder to get a perfect 7 for some subjects than it is to get an A for the subject's A level counterpart.

In short: If you want a well-rounded education, go with IB. But if you want to achieve the same type of grades with less work [bare necessities: just exams], go with A levels.

[izzyale]

Ohh, I see. But I read from somewhere saying that Oxbridge prefers students that took IB than A-levels and I'm aiming to go to Cambridge

[senksiang90]

If you are good. Doesn't matter what you do, you'll get it. IB and CAL I really don't really know what's the difference except I only know CAL is more exam-orientated while IB is more to a 50 coursework and 50 exam. It is hard to say which is harder as different people shall draw to different conclusions. In terms of recognition, don't worry. It's nearly the same. Like I say, I don't know where you read your souce but I read from Times magazine stating Cambridge A Level to be much more recognised than IB. So, it doesn't matter in the end. If you are good, no one can take that away from you.

[izzyale]

Oh, wow, thanks so much senksiang 90! :) I guess I'll just stick with my parents' decision to do A-levels then.

[senksiang90]

** juz so u knw, my fren(Bank Negara scholar) applied for Cambridge with his AS result and got in after the interview.

**One more fren also Bank Negara scholar, she got to harvard with A level. So as I say, If you are awesome, no one can take those awesomeness out of you! :)

[izzyale]

Woah, but it's hard to get a scholarship from Bank Negara right?

[slappyfin3]

Woah, but it's hard to get a scholarship from Bank Negara right?

If you have a good academic record (more than 8A1s in your SPM) and some outstanding co-curricular achievements you have a good shot at getting it.

However, In the end any scholarship isn't easy to get but it never hurts to try!

[izzyale]

Ooh, okay. thanks a bunch :)

[slappyfin3]

No problem. FYI most IB intakes are in June/July. I myself was very keen on taking it but I realized I'd be one year behind all my friends taking A levels if I were to go through with it.

Anyway, the course has its own special charms I guess :) I quite like the option of mixing the arts and sciences in IB as well as their Extra Language component. However, I just bought a Nintendo DS along with a game called "My French Coach". It serves the same purpose as french classes in IB I suppose, so that's how I comfort myself haha

[izzyale]

However, I just bought a Nintendo DS along with a game called "My French Coach". It serves the same purpose as french classes in IB I suppose, so that's how I comfort myself haha

lol, cool. So I reckon that you took A-levels as well?

[slappyfin3]

Yeah I'm taking A levels :) It's the "surest route for the undecided" as a friend of mine put it haha

[izzyale]

lol, okay. Thanks again. Hopefully I'll decide what to do soon.

Oh, what are the 4 subjects you took at A-levels by the way?

[slappyfin3]

Well, my sponsor hasn't given me any of my options yet but I'm pretty sure I'll take Phy/Chem/Math. The last Subject is the one I'm pondering on now haha ^^ But I'll probably just take Bio because I love it!

[izzyale]

Well, good luck with your A-levels and thanks a bunch again! :)

[Nicholasng925]

If you have a good academic record (more than 8A1s in your SPM) and some outstanding co-curricular achievements you have a good shot at getting it.

However, In the end any scholarship isn't easy to get but it never hurts to try!

hey Reza, just to let you know that two of my friends that scored less than 8A1 in their trials went for the interview and got selected as Bank Negara scholar and the sense of fury and a little portion of envy just simply overwhelming me. I just can't really figure out how the panel selected their scholars. Well, as what i thought, there were more candidates that suit the scholarships better with their stupendous results and great performances in their interview, yet they failed to secure the scholarships.

[izzyale]

so it's kinda based on your luck...?

[Nicholasng925]

so it's kinda based on your luck...?

Maybe... :(

[Young]

If you are good. Doesn't matter what you do, you'll get it. IB and CAL I really don't really know what's the difference except I only know CAL is more exam-orientated while IB is more to a 50 coursework and 50 exam. It is hard to say which is harder as different people shall draw to different conclusions. In terms of recognition, don't worry. It's nearly the same. Like I say, I don't know where you read your souce but I read from Times magazine stating Cambridge A Level to be much more recognised than IB. So, it doesn't matter in the end. If you are good, no one can take that away from you.

Don't mind if I question the validity of that statement. From what I know, many universities and tertiary institutions don't fancy Cambridge A Levels because of the grade inflation. I mean, a good 15-20% of students get an A per subject. In Talyors College alone, over 300 students scored 3As or above. With so many strings of As floating around, it's obviously tricky for top institutions to select the most academically able of the lot.

IB, on the other hand, is more precise with their scoring and their curriculum is well-rounded and rigorous. Cambridge and Oxford have openly stated that they prefer IB to A levels.

In my humble opinion, if you're aiming for a higher-end/good university, it doesn't matter what you take. Both courses are well recognised and widely accepted.

However, if you're gunning for the super top universities and have some academic calibre in you, I'd recommend taking IB to give you that extra edge because frankly, if you can get 45/45 in IB, you'd be much better off than having 5As in A levels.

[izzyale]

thanks for the info! well, I don't consider myself really smart academically so I suppose it's better if I pick A-levels? Or should I give IB a shot? I'm very indecisive :S

[Glassylicious]

Ohh, I see. But I read from somewhere saying that Oxbridge prefers students that took IB than A-levels and I'm aiming to go to Cambridge

That's not true. I'm in Oxford and I can vouch that the admissions tutors have no preference whatsoever. IB students will be more well-rounded and as a result, will have more to boast about in their list of achievements, but honestly, A level students can do the same if they have initiative.

Also, Oxbridge's conditional offers for IB students are a lot harder to achieve. You get offers asking for 40-42 points with 7's in certain HL subjects. While for A levels they'll just ask for 3 or 4A's, which frankly isn't all that hard to achieve.

[izzyale]

I see. So what pre-U programme did you do Glassylicious?

[Glassylicious]

I did A levels. Taylor's.

I know there's always the issue of "grade inflation" and how every student gets A's easily, but the point I'm trying to make is, in the eyes of the Oxbridge admissions tutors, IB is placed on the same level as A levels in terms of difficulty, so they ask for stuff like 42 points with 7 points in HL Maths/Chem/killer subject. And that's so much harder to achieve than getting an A in Maths/Chemistry in A levels, which is the standard requirement for A levels students.

What I'm trying to say is: You're going to have a much harder time actually fulfilling the requirements of your offer.

[izzyale]

Ahh, alright then. I guss it's A-levels. Thanks so much for your help! :)

[Young]

Hmm, Glassy does have a point there. Maybe I'm a bit misinformed myself. A thousand pardons, folks. :)

[BattleBoyz]

I thought A-levels are well standardised. Does grade inflation happens frequently in Malaysia? :notrust

[Young]

I thought A-levels are well standardised. Does grade inflation happens frequently in Malaysia? :notrust

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/6063012/A-level-results-grade-inflation-is-just-a-cruel-confidence-trick.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/grade-inflation-has-made-alevels-easier-says-report-663829.html

http://safle.org/wordpress/category/a-levels

I think the inflation is pandemic.

[slappyfin3]

Maybe... :(

How did you know my name lol XD

Anyway man, In the end these things are beyond our control and we never know what happens in the interview room (or in the assessors minds)

[Nicholasng925]

How did you know my name lol XD

Anyway man, In the end these things are beyond our control and we never know what happens in the interview room (or in the assessors minds)

Of course i know your name and it is clearly stated in your profile page. yeah i agree with you... you would never ever know what is in the interviewers' mind.

[Reonadawn]

I can see this thread is heavily biased on A-levels XD

Well, IMO, IB is a MUCH better program in terms of the education you can get from it. The CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) requirement encourages students to be active in all fields instead of just being academically-inclined. Yes, it is stressful, but most of my friends who have taken the program have said it was the most fun that they have had in their lives, and those two years were worth it. I heard IB also prepares students better for university, in terms of thinking and learning.

A-Levels very exam-oriented, and it's actually not that easy to get straight A's at all. Many of my A-level friends spent sleepless nights just mugging over chapters and chapters of Physics and Further Maths and whatnot, and only a few of them got straight A's.

I think Malaysian students are more encouraged to take A-levels because we are used to the exam-oriented system. IB is a very different program, and frankly not many people here have actually heard of it. However, more and more private colleges here are starting to offer the IB program, because they're beginning to recognize that IB is one of the best pre-uni programs out there. The downside is its VERY expensive, like 3x the amount for A-levels. But don't let that deter you, there's plenty of scholarships available, usually from the college or international school itself. I think that there's also MARA/JPA scholarships for IB, but it depends on the field you choose.

In the end, it all really depends on you. If you're not very academically-inclined, and are interested in exploring your creative side, then IB is for you. If you still want to stick with the mugging for exams, or want to save money, then go with A-levels.

[speckboyz]

Firstly i would like to introduce myself that i am an IB student.. I also have a roommate who taking A level for engineering.. So basically, i know how IB program is all about and i can see the differences between these two program as clear possible..:)) Generally, IB program is tougher than A-level. But this is just my opinion, so everyone has the right to object it at the first place. But please allow me to explain why i said it so.

IB program is not based on examination only and i think everyone knows about this. We learn not only academic but also the life skills that most of malaysian student don't have. May be some A-lvl student said, they learnt more than IB students do. But actually it's just almost the same. the difference is that, A-lvl academic content is split up into two real exam (AS and A2) if they scored in AS they don't need to study back for A2 exam. With thousands of A-lvl books in store, I don't see the problem to get prepared. Everything is there inside the book. They just need to memorize. However in IB, we compressed everything we learnt for 2 years in one exam at the end of the program. The main problem comes up as we don't have any specific book to be bought. No books? what to refer?

As what Reonadawn said, yes. we have CAS (creative, Action, and Service) and its compulsory for each of us to finish this thing called CAS for 150 hours in 2 years time. And for those who taking science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, we're going to do some lab experiments with reports fully written by us. but when i said 'some', it means a lot. Report i mention before is not like what we had done in school, but generally it consist of 4-5 pages minimum with those graphs and complicated tables. So just imagine, u have classes until 2.30 pm, u need to do lab report, do daily assignment, and do CAS activity. so when the night comes u already half dead, when to study?

Whatever i said above are just a piece of my opinion. So correct me if i'm wrong. Even though IB is tougher than A lvl, frankly speaking many overseas university tends to have IB graduated student compare to A lvl.

[BattleBoyz]

IB program is not based on examination only and i think everyone knows about this. We learn not only academic but also the life skills that most of malaysian student don't have. May be some A-lvl student said, they learnt more than IB students do. But actually it's just almost the same. the difference is that, A-lvl academic content is split up into two real exam (AS and A2) if they scored in AS they don't need to study back for A2 exam. With thousands of A-lvl books in store, I don't see the problem to get prepared. Everything is there inside the book. They just need to memorize. However in IB, we compressed everything we learnt for 2 years in one exam at the end of the program. The main problem comes up as we don't have any specific book to be bought. No books? what to refer?

I thought the school will provide students with the books. Anyway, if you can't get any books to refer, then where will you refer to? :huh

[starlover]

Firstly i would like to introduce myself that i am an IB student.. I also have a roommate who taking A level for engineering.. So basically, i know how IB program is all about and i can see the differences between these two program as clear possible..:)) Generally, IB program is tougher than A-level. But this is just my opinion, so everyone has the right to object it at the first place. But please allow me to explain why i said it so.

IB program is not based on examination only and i think everyone knows about this. We learn not only academic but also the life skills that most of malaysian student don't have. May be some A-lvl student said, they learnt more than IB students do. But actually it's just almost the same. the difference is that, A-lvl academic content is split up into two real exam (AS and A2) if they scored in AS they don't need to study back for A2 exam. With thousands of A-lvl books in store, I don't see the problem to get prepared. Everything is there inside the book. They just need to memorize. However in IB, we compressed everything we learnt for 2 years in one exam at the end of the program. The main problem comes up as we don't have any specific book to be bought. No books? what to refer?

As what Reonadawn said, yes. we have CAS (creative, Action, and Service) and its compulsory for each of us to finish this thing called CAS for 150 hours in 2 years time. And for those who taking science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, we're going to do some lab experiments with reports fully written by us. but when i said 'some', it means a lot. Report i mention before is not like what we had done in school, but generally it consist of 4-5 pages minimum with those graphs and complicated tables. So just imagine, u have classes until 2.30 pm, u need to do lab report, do daily assignment, and do CAS activity. so when the night comes u already half dead, when to study?

Whatever i said above are just a piece of my opinion. So correct me if i'm wrong. Even though IB is tougher than A lvl, frankly speaking many overseas university tends to have IB graduated student compare to A lvl.

First of all, what do you mean, if we scored in AS we don't have to study back for A2? Heck. AS is tough and it's only slightly at a higher level than SPM. Most of it, we learnt in SPM, but still we are struggling to get A. The standard of questions is nothing like SPM.

A2? It's getting far more tougher. And we rely on that to confirm the acceptance to the university.

And no, memorising doesn't work. A Level requires you to think. It's not easy to get an A. Just memorising doesn't work. It doesn't work. And 'everything is there inside the book' is so not true, seriously.

In my college, we have classes until 4.10 pm =/ And damn a lot of assignments and homework and tests and what not. Plus lots of co curricular activities and events that you need to handle and get involved in. It's so stressful, time needs to be managed wisely. Or else, study = no time.:cry

I thought the school will provide students with the books. Anyway, if you can't get any books to refer, then where will you refer to? :huh

You have to buy them yourselves, find your own materials to refer to. I'm sure there'll be at least a library in the college. :nod

[Glassylicious]

Whatever i said above are just a piece of my opinion. So correct me if i'm wrong. Even though IB is tougher than A lvl, frankly speaking many overseas university tends to have IB graduated student compare to A lvl.

Wrong. Do you have evidence/statistics to support your claim? o_O

I am under the impression that the 'A' levels program is still a lot more popular, despite the fact that IB is, objectively speaking, better in more ways than one. In my university, there's definitely a lot more people who did A levels here, compared to those who did the IB. There is no dispute which is the relatively 'better' program, but being 'better' doesn't necessarily make it more popular. At least not for now.

[speckboyz]

Wrong. Do you have evidence/statistics to support your claim? o_O

I am under the impression that the 'A' levels program is still a lot more popular, despite the fact that IB is, objectively speaking, better in more ways than one. In my university, there's definitely a lot more people who did A levels here, compared to those who did the IB. There is no dispute which is the relatively 'better' program, but being 'better' doesn't necessarily make it more popular. At least not for now.

I'm sorry, if what i said bfore were wrong. Like i said, it's just a matter of my opinion. Everyone does has their right to state their opinion.

But If u said ur university have a lot more people who did A lvl compare to IB, just think logically, IB still a new program compare to A lvl.. So there's a lot of student graduated from A lvl program far before IB program is being introduced. LOgic isn't?

Then, i don't remember who? said that his class end at 4.30.. again we use logic, are u not having lunch or afternoon break which at least consume 1 hours minimum? Especially for muslim they need to perfom their solat Zohor?

[woonmathic]

hello all,
would like to share some thoughts about: IB or A level?

It all depends on one's interest, personal desire and the future course or university that you would be in.

The differences are:

A level
1.5 years course
consists of 2 levels - AS and A2
widely taken because of its history
content is less because of its shorter duration
cheaper

IB
2 years' course
1 final exam and has internal assesments including CAS and projects
not as popular because it is still quite new
study more because of its longer duration
much more expensive


Hope the above comparisons help.

FYI:
To all taking A level (A2) of the CIE.
I have made some videos that shows step by step solutions to past CIE exams that you may access 24/7, anytime of the year.
To know more, join my facebook account,
search for:_
woonmathic@<hidden>

look for Boon Hoe Woon

Hv a nice day.

[starlover]

I'm sorry, if what i said bfore were wrong. Like i said, it's just a matter of my opinion. Everyone does has their right to state their opinion.

But If u said ur university have a lot more people who did A lvl compare to IB, just think logically, IB still a new program compare to A lvl.. So there's a lot of student graduated from A lvl program far before IB program is being introduced. LOgic isn't?

Then, i don't remember who? said that his class end at 4.30.. again we use logic, are u not having lunch or afternoon break which at least consume 1 hours minimum? Especially for muslim they need to perfom their solat Zohor?

But you said it yourself that overseas universities tend to have IB students rather than A Level students, didn't you? =/

Err I suppose it's me? I'm a she btw. And 4.10, not 4.30. Anyway, I don't get your point of saying, we use logic, having lunch, pray? Which means? :huh

Agree with Glassy, being better doesn't necessarily means it's more popular :nod

[Glassylicious]

I'm sorry, if what i said bfore were wrong. Like i said, it's just a matter of my opinion. Everyone does has their right to state their opinion.

But If u said ur university have a lot more people who did A lvl compare to IB, just think logically, IB still a new program compare to A lvl.. So there's a lot of student graduated from A lvl program far before IB program is being introduced. LOgic isn't?

Then, i don't remember who? said that his class end at 4.30.. again we use logic, are u not having lunch or afternoon break which at least consume 1 hours minimum? Especially for muslim they need to perfom their solat Zohor?

Yeah, but you used the words "frankly speaking" which kinda suggested you were stating a fact, as opposed to an opinion.

Well, I have a few additional reasons why the IB is not as popular as A levels, despite being the superior course [apart from the fact that it's newer]:
1. In the UK, the British government kinda monopolizes this and gives favour to A levels colleges.

2. In Malaysia, the average middle-class student's dilemma is "Should I do A levels or STPM?" and NOT "Should I do A levels or IB?" Remember that A levels itself is already an expensive program; most students won't even consider the IB due to its price.

3. Some people just aren't willing to work extra when they can achieve the same with less amount of work. To them, pre-uni is just a passage to university, and if 3 or 4 A's at A levels can already get you into some of the best universities in the world, why work twice/thrice as hard to get into the same university?

4. Some people are used to the exam-oriented system anyway, and would rather not change that.

----------

Again, I'm not saying IB is horrible. I'm saying it's better than A levels in many ways. But there are some pretty strong practical reasons why people still tend to favour A levels more, especially in Malaysia, just to show that people don't necessarily make a decision based on the 'better' program.

[lonewolf5999]

A-Levels very exam-oriented, and it's actually not that easy to get straight A's at all.

From what I understand, not much material covered in the AS papers is examined again in the A2 papers. Wouldn?t you agree then that the IB system ? which has only one final exam instead of two separate graded exams during the schooling term ? is more exam-oriented than the A-levels?

Regarding the claim about straight A?s ? if we consider the May 2009 IB results (http://www.ibo.org/facts/statbulletin/dpstats/documents/May2009Statisticalbulletin.pdf) and June 2009 Cambridge A Level results (http://www.cie.org.uk/docs/qualifications/alevel/June%202009%20A%20Level.pdf), treating a 7 under the IB system as equivalent to an A, we see that there is a significantly higher percentage of students achieving A?s in the A level system than students achieving 7?s in the IB system ? at least for Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. I would therefore claim it is significantly easier for a science student to achieve straight A?s in the A-Level system than it is to achieve a perfect score in the IB system, and I suspect this holds true for all the other A level subjects with an equivalent HL subject in the IB system as well.

I understand that because of this discrepancy in percentages of people attaining the highest grade in the two systems, some argue that a 7 represents a higher level of academic achievement than an A in an equivalent subject in the A levels. That might change as CIE introduces the A* grade though.

I am under the impression that the 'A' levels program is still a lot more popular, despite the fact that IB is, objectively speaking, better in more ways than one.Certainly which program is ?better? depends on the criteria by which you assess them, which I think are slightly different for every person and therefore not all that objective. So yeah I?m nitpicking, but I don?t think you can say that the IB is objectively better.

I understand that the IB program exposes students to a wider range of subjects than the A levels. I think this is good; exploring different subjects early on certainly broadens your mind. Others might not like having to take subjects they?re not interested in though.

[slappyfin3]

.....:)) Generally, IB program is tougher than A-level. But this is just my opinion, so everyone has the right to object it at the first place. But please allow me to explain why i said it so.

IB program is not based on examination only and i think everyone knows about this. We learn not only academic but also the life skills that most of malaysian student don't have .....

....And for those who taking science subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, we're going to do some lab experiments with reports fully written by us. but when i said 'some', it means a lot. ......

Whatever i said above are just a piece of my opinion. So correct me if i'm wrong. Even though IB is tougher than A lvl, frankly speaking many overseas university tends to have IB graduated student compare to A lvl.

Alrighty, I'm not here to confront but simply to correct some points I felt were quite suggestive of a certain programme's superiority over the other..

I think the only problem with IB here in Malaysia is that it starts really late, like in June/July. Private colleges probably do this to synchronize the intakes with the flooding of GCE O Level graduates. As most of us are SPM holders, the 7 month wait before starting on IB is 7 months lost. We'll apply for universities later than our peers who take A levels and graduate later too.

Sure, it is the better programme in terms of the learning experience but not in terms of the costs incurred and the time spent and like glassy said why work twice as hard and fork out twice as much (or more) cash if the quicker and cheaper programme (A levels in this case) can get you to the same places as IB. I'm speaking from the point of view of the Average Middle-Class student here of course.

Oh, but on the subject of "IB Teaches Life Skills Malaysian Students Don't Have" which was brought up, I'd like to point out here that it was a very over generalized statement made. Just because the IB programme requires you to perform community service and do an extended essay doesn't mean that any Malaysian student with the Initiative to do so can't do the same or more on his/her own too.

And on the subject of lab reports :) I've only made a few reports so far and yes I may not be in the position to say this yet but we also have our little share of pains making these reports and performing these experiments too.

You can't tag a person as "Life Skills" retarded or "Life Skills" superior (as you gently implied) just because of the programme they're taking. Please broaden your mindset, taking IB should have done that for you..

[Young]

Alrighty, I'm not here to confront but simply to correct some points I felt were quite suggestive of a certain programme's superiority over the other..

I think the only problem with IB here in Malaysia is that it starts really late, like in June/July. Private colleges probably do this to synchronize the intakes with the flooding of GCE O Level graduates. As most of us are SPM holders, the 7 month wait before starting on IB is 7 months lost. We'll apply for universities later than our peers who take A levels and graduate later too.

Sure, it is the better programme in terms of the learning experience but not in terms of the costs incurred and the time spent and like glassy said why work twice as hard and fork out twice as much (or more) cash if the quicker and cheaper programme (A levels in this case) can get you to the same places as IB. I'm speaking from the point of view of the Average Middle-Class student here of course.

Oh, but on the subject of "IB Teaches Life Skills Malaysian Students Don't Have" which was brought up, I'd like to point out here that it was a very over generalized statement made. Just because the IB programme requires you to perform community service and do an extended essay doesn't mean that any Malaysian student with the Initiative to do so can't do the same or more on his/her own too.

And on the subject of lab reports :) I've only made a few reports so far and yes I may not be in the position to say this yet but we also have our little share of pains making these reports and performing these experiments too.

You can't tag a person as "Life Skills" retarded or "Life Skills" superior (as you gently implied) just because of the programme they're taking. Please broaden your mindset, taking IB should have done that for you..

Correct correct correct. :D

[TaylorsPreU]

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[TaylorsPreU]

Still don't know the difference between IB and A-Levels?

Drop by our campuses (Taylor's College Subang Jaya and Sri Hartamas), our roadshows or our Open Day (19 & 20 March 2011) to get your answers!

While you are at it, join our Click, Tag & Win! Contest and win an iPod Touch. Refer to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taylors-Pre-U/114584115247149?sk=app_4949752878 for more details.

See you there!

[TaylorsPreU]

Unsure of your career path? Come on the 26th March for a Career Guidance Talk by Ms Carolyn Leong from Jobstreet. She will cover:
a. Your next pathway/options
b. Career options available
c. Job Market Trend of 2010 and first quarter of 2011

We have also extended our counselling hours:

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/189778_193590850679808_114584115247149_459583_3592956_n.jpg

See you there!

[TaylorsPreU]

ENROL NOW FOR THE JUNE/JULY 2011 INTAKES

Commencement intakes for Taylor’s Pre-University programmes

Students can enroll for the following programmes now.
For more information, please call our counsellors at Tel: 03-56362641 (Subang Jaya) or Tel: 03-62030168 (Sri Hartamas) or email: admissions@<hidden>

Intake Dates & Programmes:
27 June 2011
Cambridge A Levels, Taylor’s College Subang Jaya
Cambridge A Levels, Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas

4 July 2011
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas

18 July 2011
South Australian Matriculation, Taylor’s College Subang Jaya
Canadian Pre-University, Taylor’s College Subang Jaya

[Nicholas92]

Simply put, the IB is the better course from an educational point of view - while this doesn't mean that IB students are better students than A-level students, I think it means that it can do more for you than the A-levels can. Sure, there's nothing stopping the enterprising A-levels student to study TOK in his spare time, but honestly speaking it's a very small number of people that'd do something like that alongside the A-levels, which is stressful enough as it is. Going for IB basically forces you to work and perform consistently, and with the extra things they make you do I think it creates a more rounded education.

But if you're a good student, you're a good student, so taking A-levels doesn't mean you automatically are less superior than IB students. It's truly also about studying styles - as much as it's not a good thing, there are people more comfortable at doing a one-shot studying blitz before one big major final exam. It could also be that some people just take more time to really get into their subjects and reach the A standard. So for these people, IB wouldn't be too suitable for them. Then there are also people who just can't take doing everything at once for a final exam, and would rather go slow but consistent the whole course - then maybe IB's for them. Given that pre-U is frankly more about getting into uni than receiving the 'ideal education', it's just about playing smart when deciding what to take.

I don't believe unis give preference to IB. Grades are one criterion and there are other things in play - external activities, other qualifications, personality. If you're just good, people will know, and you'll have a spot. That said, if maybe there were two candidates who were really neck and neck, the IB student may have the slight edge, because the applications people may view its well-roundedness more favourably. But I do not believe it is an overriding factor. There is also the institutional bias towards A-levels in the UK - it IS still the major pre-U course after all.

My personal opinion is that if you can go through IB and do well, you'll be just fine everywhere - but then again, I believe people who can manage the A-levels well are just about as set for uni and life too, because it still IS very stressful. The compressed 1.5-year A-levels is no joke (if you're doing Singapore-Cambridge A-levels then it's just about as stressful if not worse, nevermind the extra 6 months). And the same goes for STPM. If you have the money and the time, and like the idea of a well-rounded education, go for IB and challenge yourself. But pragmatically-speaking, if you're also concerned about uni, and don't want to fork out more money and such, the A-levels is perfectly fine.

EITHER way, also bear in mind that the education these courses give you is also contingent on the work you put in for it. The extended essay and CAS and TOK are all fine things that may teach you a lot (what some may call 'Like Skills' haha) but it's really up to you to get something out of it. What I believe the course does is give you the incentive to go out there and do these things by integrating it into the syllabus, and in the end you still have to decide to put in the hours and try and learn from it. Alternatively, you could take the shortcut of just getting the grades and leaving it at that. Not everyone benefits from TOK and all. IB just gives you a reason to do it...education is honestly about your choices, in the end, so whatever you do there's no reason for you not to do well if you so choose.

[drvincentchian]

Dear Nicholas 92,

You have brought the interesting point that the cost is the issue alot of the time. However, when it comes to recognition, I think you have it wrong there. I have a document by HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency UK), an independent body who conducted research comparing IBDP students to A level students in the UK universities. The research is overwhelmingly in favour of IBDP students;

1) Getting into better universities (better=top 20)
2) scoring better (better = more first class honours)
3) getting better jobs after graduation
4) getting paid better at their jobs after graduation

I'm happy to send this research around, just email me.

I think the difference in the IB Diploma and the A levels is the teaching. The difference between good IB Diploma programmes and commercial IB Diploma programmes is also the teaching.

If you go to a commercial organization rolling out programmes en masse, then you'd pretty much get an off the shelf, repeatable, non-personalized product. Much like buying a computer from a supermarket; its flashy, looks pretty(it always looks pretty) and seems to tick the right boxes. Given a little time and the paint starts to peel. However if you want the real deal, you'd do some research, find the specs you want and go to a serious a shop who would customize the machine for you.

If you want to know your programme is good, there is an acid test question you can ask. And ask the tutors/lecturers this flatly,

"Can you describe to me how inquiry based learning works in your programme?"

This will really kill the administrators....:)... The difference that you are supposed to get from all that money is a special method of teaching called inquiry based learning. Learning from a well directed series of questions aimed at promoting curiosity, thought and a hunger for more knowledge. The direct opposite is our familiar rote learning, whereby you memorize facts or try to understand the explanation your lecturer blabs out. The difference between a real IB programme and a commercial one is that the real one uses inquiry based learning. The rest dont.

But customisation and good education costs alot of money.

As a parting note I will inform you that Fairview International School is the ONLY WORLD SCHOOL in Malaysia. That means we take the IB principles so seriously that we conduct IB style teaching all the way from kindergarden to pre-u level.

We are also giving out 20 scholarship places this year for the sept 2011 intake, 10 are filled already. This is the second batch of scholars we are inviting in, the first (last year) was 9 scholars. Thats a PURE batch of scholars. You're not going to find that anywhere else.

If anyone out there is interested at getting the IB Diploma free then apply online at

http://www.fairview.edu.my/fairducation/IB/DP/DP-scholarships



http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2011/6/26/education/8933450&sec=education