A-Levels vs IB

A-Level

IB

• AS Levels are a one-year standalone qualification. 
• A Levels are a two-year standalone qualification. 

• 2 Years

• Typically 3 subjects studied at A Level and 1 at AS Level. 

• 6 subjects are chosen alongside a set of 3 course modules. These are Theory of Knowledge (ToK), an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). There is no academic equivalent to these at A Level.

• At AS or A Level the number of subjects, or what they are, is not prescribed. However, subject choice not endless and is normally bound by time timetabling constraints.

• The AS & A Level pathway allows students a free choice of subjects, although students are likely to be guided as to the sensible combinations of subjects appropriate to their proposed university studies.

• AS and A-level syllabuses have been designed to be 'co-teachable'. This means that students who have opted to take the AS-level will have covered the necessary material to continue on to A-level in Year 13 if they so wish.

• IB students must study 6 subjects from the following groups:

  • English,

  • another language,

  • a humanities subject,

  • a science,

  • a maths course

  • and a creative arts subject (only group 6, creative arts is optional).

• Three are studied in depth as Higher Level subjects, and three at Standard Level.

• Students may choose whether to study a subject at Higher or Standard Level.

• Exams are now linear and are only sat in the summer term of each year.

• AS assessments will typically take place after 1 year’s study and A levels after 2.

• The IB examinations are at the end of the course.

• The A* - E grading system applies to both AS and A Levels.

• AS Levels earning 40% of the UCAS points awarded for an A-level.

• Each IB subject is graded 1(low) – 7 (high), with up to a further 3 points for the core modules.

• Maximum points available are 45, with 24 being required for the award of a diploma.

• Universities are very familiar with the A Level.

• University offers are normally based on 3 subjects and typical offers from prestigious universities are in the range A*AA to AAB. 

• Universities have become very familiar with the IB and offers from good universities will be in the range of 32-40 points.

• Offers may stipulate a 6 or a 7 in the subject to be studied at university.

• The majority of British Sixth Formers sit them and university admissions tutors and employers understand the system.

• Students are presented with a broader choice of subjects at AS and A Level.

• AS & A levels allow students to specialise in subject areas that are relevant to chosen Higher Education courses.

• Students are able to drop subjects that they are weaker in, with permission.  

• The majority of A level courses examine subjects in a lot of detail, which is a definite advantage prior to studying specialist academic subjects at university.

• A useful avenue for students who are unsure which subjects to specialise in.

• Only one set of public examinations, at the end of the two year course.

• Universities find it easier to differentiate between students, therefore offers can be favourable.