A key decision for students heading into Sixth Form is which route to take in order to have access to a wide range of opportunities at university and beyond. While A Levels are a common choice, the most popular alternative is the internationally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
It is widely understood that for the future workforce, knowledge-based skills alone will be of decreasing value. Instead, creativity, adaptability and communication skills must be an intrinsic part of education. The DP offers this and more: It prepares students for a successful transition to higher education, providing a global perspective by cultivating international-mindedness and developing key skills such as research, inquiry, independent study and critical analysis.
While A Level students typically take three or four subjects, DP students take six subjects, three at higher level, and three at a standard level: these must include maths, at least one science, one humanities subject, English language and literature (or the student’s own native language) and a foreign language. They also study Theory of Knowledge, looking at how we know what we know, write a research-based, 4000-word essay and carry out a series of activities relating to creativity, action and service, such as learning a musical instrument, trekking through Nepal or teaching at community partner schools.
The DP is recognised and respected by the world’s leading universities, and evidence suggests that higher rates of DP students go on to university and higher education study than non-IB students. The recent HESA Report compared DP and A Level students’ outcomes in higher education. It shows that DP students make excellent progress at university: among full-time first-year students enrolled at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the UK, previous enrollment in the DP significantly increases students’ likelihood of attending a top 20 HEI (by 57%). Further to that, DP students have a significantly greater likelihood of earning a first class honours degree and are notably more likely to engage in further study.
The University Admissions Officers Report 2017* invited university admissions officers to rate both qualifications on how they develop a range of different qualities in students. DP ranked highly in factors that best prepare students for university from self-management to intercultural skills, creativity and an ability to cope with pressure. All admissions officers agreed that being able to think and learn independently is the most important factor in students being ready and equipped to thrive at university, expressing a clear appreciation for the value of the all-round academic education that the DP offers.
Over the last 15 years, the percentage pass rate for A Levels has increased to almost 100%, meaning it is now very difficult to fail an A Level. While concern is being expressed about ‘grade inflation’ and the perception that the A Level is no longer the “gold standard” of education is growing, the percentage pass rate for the DP has remained constant at about 78% since 1987. Universities understand that the IBDP is just as challenging now as it was then, and recognise it as a first-class qualification which prepares students for university.
Regents International School Pattaya has offered the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) since 2002. Boasting a 95% pass rate and an average of 33 points in 2017 and with a predicted 100% pass rate for 2018, Regents consistently delivers top quality results well above the world average.
Don't just take our word for it, here is a link to further research on the benefits of studying the IBDP.
At Regents, our specialist staff are experts at creating personalised support programmes for students with additional educational needs. That’s why, throughout October we are celebrating Dyslexia and ADHD Awareness Month.
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