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IB VS A Levels (Decision Soon)

I am currently in year 11 and have to choose between A Level and IB for the next 2 years. I am interested in maths and physics, and likely am thinking of doing something along those lines in university either in the UK or US, but not 100% sure yet. I currently have got straight 9s in my mock (I)GCSEs, so my teachers have advised me that I will do well in both IB or A levels. My school is also one of the top IB schools so has a really good average and teachers, and the structured nature of the course seems really good but I'm worried it's a lot of work. However, I also do like the idea of being more well rounded at the end, although I don't enjoy english.

If I do A levels, my subjects will be:
Maths, Further Maths, Physics and probably Economics for a 4th (not super sure)

If I do IB, my subjects will be
HL: Maths, Physics, Chemistry,
SL: English, French, Economics
(might swap around chem and econ as not super sure about those)

Would appreciate any advice as I'm super confused on what to do and my decision is really soon

Reply 1

Original post
by second-hand-news
I am currently in year 11 and have to choose between A Level and IB for the next 2 years. I am interested in maths and physics, and likely am thinking of doing something along those lines in university either in the UK or US, but not 100% sure yet. I currently have got straight 9s in my mock (I)GCSEs, so my teachers have advised me that I will do well in both IB or A levels. My school is also one of the top IB schools so has a really good average and teachers, and the structured nature of the course seems really good but I'm worried it's a lot of work. However, I also do like the idea of being more well rounded at the end, although I don't enjoy english.
If I do A levels, my subjects will be:
Maths, Further Maths, Physics and probably Economics for a 4th (not super sure)
If I do IB, my subjects will be
HL: Maths, Physics, Chemistry,
SL: English, French, Economics
(might swap around chem and econ as not super sure about those)
Would appreciate any advice as I'm super confused on what to do and my decision is really soon

Do Alevels- its more subject specific and you will be able to focus on your subjects better than with IB. The workload for the IB is genuinely ridiculous and you might get caught up with the coursework of your minor subjects. Although you will do well in both- to get top grades you’d be better off doing A-levels (but doing 4 as most top unis stick maths and further maths together)

Reply 2

Original post
by Jinglebells234
Do Alevels- its more subject specific and you will be able to focus on your subjects better than with IB. The workload for the IB is genuinely ridiculous and you might get caught up with the coursework of your minor subjects. Although you will do well in both- to get top grades you’d be better off doing A-levels (but doing 4 as most top unis stick maths and further maths together)

thx so much!

Reply 3

As a rule of thumb…
if you’re good at 3/4 main subjects - take a levels
if you’re all rounded and want to grow skills and a global mindset - take ib.

what you should never do is take ib if you’re not strong in subjects other than the ones your taking for higher levels. As an IB student i see students too often who should’ve taken a levels since they’re only really good at their HLs but not SL, bringing down their grade.

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