International Baccalaureate as Universities see it…

We have known this for a while now, but Universities are taking steps to recognise the IB more.

A-level blow as Baccalaureate given same rating as 5 A gradesThe credibility of A-levels received a fresh blow after it emerged that an alternative sixth form qualification is academically superior. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) has developed a new tariff system which gives the International Baccalaureate an A-level equivalence for the first time.

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2 thoughts on “International Baccalaureate as Universities see it…”

  1. Whilst this is an interesting post I should point out that the article is 7 years old, and that the vast majority of universities do not really use tariff points, indeed UCAS is likely to scrap the tariff this year. I’d also point out that the world average IB score is 29 and that a score of 35 points is far from “modest” but is in fact excellent. One aspect the write conveniently ignores (or does not know) is that A level students also gain Tariff points for AS Courses and a typical student will do 3 x A levels in Yr13 and 4 x AS Levels in Yr12 – the total points for top grades in all 7 would be 660 which is roughly a 42/43 IB. What they don’t do is CAS and EE which makes a big difference going to uni….
    It is also not the most reliable source but the article did show the problem of using the tariff in isolation from broader understanding of educational curricula and also how poorly IB was understood back then – I am pleased to say that times have indeed changed. The reality is that any one who manages to complete an IB Diploma is well prepared for university. A-Levels are still a good option for some in the same way that IB is a good option for others. The trick is to identify which route best serves the individual’s learning style and goals.

    1. Thanks Rob for your response and clarification. To an extent I agree with you, it really depends on the individual’s learning style and goals,not to mention how a school implement their program. Any program can run aground if the rote learning is emphasised simply to pass exams.

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