The International Baccalaureate: Is It Right For Your Child?

 The international baccalaureate diploma(IB DP) is considered the gold standard in education sought after by universities worldwide.  Graduates of the IB DP are accepted at the best universities and colleges worldwide. Research has shown that students who graduate with the IB Diploma have a 57% higher chance of attending one of the top 20 UK universities, compared to students who study the British A Levels. They are also 21% more likely to be admitted to the most prestigious universities in America. The IB DP offers a balanced and broad education so students gain more than traditional academic knowledge. The curriculum hones investigative, research, and critical-thinking skills that are useful in university and the 22nd-century workplace. Students also have to study two subjects so they become capable players in the global economy who are respectful of different cultures.

An IB Diploma student will study subjects across six different groups as well as those in the core which may be more than what they are required to do in an A Level or AP course. Furthermore, the IB Diploma is a two-year programme of study, whereas some subjects at A-Level and AP can be completed in a year.

The content demands of the actual subjects of the three courses are similar. However, IB students are required to choose subjects from each group, while A Level or AP students can select only the subjects they would like to study. Therefore, a student in A-Level or AP, can, at age 16, decide to stop studying maths and sciences and just focus on literature and arts, whereas an IB student must continue to develop a holistic education until they are 18.

Seeing that the IB is an internationally focused curriculum, it strives to develop global citizens by ensuring that all Diploma graduates have studied two languages.

Why should students choose the IB Diploma?

A well organised and committed student can be successful at the IB Diploma, and access to the IB is not limited to an “elite”. The IB actively works to support students with learning needs and has developed programmes such as mother language to ensure that it is accessible. Students who study the IB Diploma cope well with transitioning to the university as they have developed investigative and research skills through the Extended Essay and critical thinking skills through Theory of Knowledge. Therefore, building their subject knowledge and skills to a high standard.

What are the benefits of the IB Diploma?

Students are accepted at the best universities, international schools and colleges worldwide. The depth and breadth of the Diploma enable students to offer that bit extra, not only in their university application but also within future their career. The structure of the course enables students to study a wide range of subjects, rather than narrowing their choices as they would in the A Level or AP programmes.

The core elements of the IB allows students to develop critical thinking, research skills, and to continue with sports or arts subjects as part of their course through CAS. These skills are essential to the 22nd-century workplace, as students are learning for jobs that do not yet exist.

The IB programme is academically rigorous, but it also goes beyond academic learning. Special components of the syllabus encourage reflection and experiential learning, such as the Theory of Knowledge course. Students are challenged to evaluate how they know, and also what they know.

Through the IB diploma programme, students learn to look at the world through different cultural perspectives. They study two languages, which provides an essential foundation for being genuinely engaged in the 22nd century.

As the only qualification which is truly international in its design, students can follow university or career options within a global market.

How does this help with my child’s university application?

Research has shown that students graduating with the IB Diploma have a 57% greater likelihood of attending one of the top 20 UK universities, compares (compared) to students who study the traditional A Levels. Studies show that IB students are 21% more likely to be admitted into the United States’ most prestigious universities.

IB students will also fare better after education, compared to students of similar prior attainment, and they will also earn more on average than their A-Level counterparts. The report, by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in the UK, too shows that an IB student is more likely to gain a first-class honours degree than an A-Level student (23% versus 19% respectively).

A simple Google search will provide a plethora of articles from respected UK newspapers such as The Independent, the Telegraph, the Guardian, which have all reached the same conclusion - when it comes to a pre-university course, the IB Diploma is the best there is. 

“IB is well known to us for excellent preparation. Success in an IB programme correlates well with success at Harvard. We are always pleased to see the credentials of the IB Diploma Programme on the transcript. GPA is not nearly as important a factor in university admission as the IB Diploma. If a student has to choose, choose the Diploma over protecting the GPA.” Marilyn McGrath Lewis, Director of Admissions, Harvard University

Why enrol your child in an EtonHouse High School?

We offer the IB DP at EtonHouse Orchard, the only international school in the heart of Orchard Road. The location is conveniently close to residential areas so students can cut back on travelling time, and have more time for learning and growing. Our High School students also get to enjoy the surrounding area, popping out for coffee and lunch to one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby. It’s great preparation for when they start university.