A-Levels or International Baccalaureate?
The question here is - Coffee or Tea?
In the end, it all depends on what you prefer.
A-level: Depth
IB: Breadth
I am a SPM 2013 Leaver scoring a string of A+ recently.
I have my option with the KPM Bursary.
Now, what interests me is the option 4 in the Pre-U list, the IB.
Of course, anyone would prefer the mainstream, safe and popular pre-u programme, the A-level.
But, what about IB?
So far, the KPM has offered the IB as another option for excellent SPM achievers in Malaysia.
However, only 2 places are being offered namely, Sri KDU International School, Selangor and Taylor's College in Sri Hartamas.
I start researching about the IB when I first hear it in a roadshow back in school last year.
It sounded special and prestigious, yeah! BUT, what is it?
IB is an international pre-u qualification on par with the popular A-level programme. However, this programme is rather costly and only available in certain international schools and Taylor's College Sri Hartamas. These factors have made the programme not much of a preference for many.
"IB is not popular in this part of the world but not in European Union countries," a wise man in Taylor's booth at the Mid Valley Education Fair told me. Reason? Malaysia is part of the Commonwealth countries. I truly agree. Thus, A-level seemed to be the perfect or rather better fit.
I'd say this programme is a holistic one and is integrated with 6 groups of components; Best Language, Additional Language, Societies and Individuals, Experimental Sciences and The Arts (optional). These are the list of subjects. (These are the only college and international school listed by the KPM for the Bursary for SPM 2013 Leavers)
If you are preferring a 'not so exam-oriented' style of learning, I'd say go for IB.
If you are preferring a 'I want to learn subjects for my future course', go for A-level.
I have just submitted my application in Taylor's for the IB programme by the way.
Tough? Probably yea. Hectic? A big YES too. Stress? Studying with peers in a college life, hmmm... I don't think so especially I don't have to be stressing about the major exams like A-level where exam is everything.
Love challenge? Passionate? Why not consider IB?
A-level and IB are both pre-u programmes. In the end, students from both of them will be finishing their programme earning an international qualification entitling them to any part of the world.
The question is, who will be more all-rounded and more prepared for the uni life?
I forgot to mention that the IB comprises the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creative, Action, Service (CAS).
The former leads to preparation of a university life where research papers will be written and the latter leads to community involvement (the people person).
And here is the IB Myths Answered!
Probably after reading this PDF, all your scary thoughts about IB will not be there at the first place. Haha! I, too, found this link yesterday while sealing my thoughts between A-level or IB.
All these are just my point of view.
I would not say which is the best and the worst. In the end, the power of decision-making is in your hand. Go for what suits you and what you prefer to acquire after going through your pre-u life! Hope this would help!
