The majority of Singaporean students aged 16 – 18 sit A-levels rather than the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). However, with recent years, an increasing number of schools and students are choosing to sit the IB Diploma. Here’s a guide on why the IB Diploma is gaining popularity over A-levels.
IB Diploma vs A-Levels Curriculum
GCE A-Levels are a two-year pre-university programme, born out of the British system. Students study three or four subjects in-depth over two years, which relate to their intended degree at university. The IBO is an international organisation which aims for its students to be globally aware, using international resources and content.
The following is a simple comparison between the IB Diploma and A-Levels curriculum.
| Curriculum | Typical Age Range | School Year | Number of subjects | Exams | Grading |
| International GCSEs and A-Levels | 14-18 | Year 11-Year 13 | 4-5 (minimum) with 1 contrasting subject | External, offered 2-3 times a year | 100% externally assessed based on papers |
| International Baccalaureate | 16-18 | Year 12 and Year 13 | 6 subjects plus 3 papers across 6 subject groups six subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. | A single cumulative external exam at the end of 2 years with some internal weighting | 15 – 25% based on internal assessment, remaining externally assessed on papers |
Because of the curriculum structure, the IB Diploma generally benefits students who are better at time management, independent study and research.
[You can read more about IB Diploma vs Singapore A-Level, or read the guide to IB Diploma in Singapore]
How Challenging is the IB Diploma vs A-Levels?
The IB Diploma programme focuses on developing a student’s ability to ask the right question, evaluate problems, develop critical thinking, acquire research fundamentals and participate in the community – be it locally or globally via partnership programmes. The process of education is more comprehensive, and aims to help students develop a global mindset with a keen sense of cultural identity.
Compared to A-Levels, the IB Diploma places less emphasis on individual subject knowledge. This means that for a student to excel in the IB Diploma, it is not enough to have mastery of the individual subjects, it’s also important to develop skills in social networking, collaboration and communication which contribute toward the other parts of the curriculum.
Which Curriculum Will Set Students Apart When Entering Top Universities?
Although both A-Levels and the IB Diploma are accepted globally in top universities, IB Diploma candidates tend to display additional skills that help them excel in university life. Some of those skills are:
- Independent and self-motivated – due to the nature of the IB curriculum, students are taught to be outcome-focused and pace their time according to what they need to achieve.
- Strong language capabilities – research and writing exercises are compulsory during the IB Diploma programme, which hones a student’s ability to understand and apply theoretical knowledge into practical situations.
- International exposure and global outlook – in IB schools like Westbourne College (Singapore), students are connected to international cultures and become acutely sensitive to the needs of a diverse community, which sets them up for success if they do want to move to top universities overseas.
