Sixth Form Curriculum

The IB is harder than A Levels
This is not the case – with the IB you study six subjects instead of three subjects plus the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) at A Level. Three of the six subjects will be at Higher Level and three at Standard Level which does not involve the same depth of study required at A Level. So whilst you are studying more subjects it does not necessarily mean that they are harder than A Levels.

You have to study A Levels to do medicine
You can still apply for Medicine degrees if you study the IB Diploma. To apply for most Medicine degrees, you are required to study Chemistry as well as another Science (Biology or Physics) or Maths. Because of the way the IB Groups work, you are able to take 2 Science subjects and Maths.


You have no free time if you study the IB
The IB curriculum requires more classroom teaching than A Levels so there are fewer ‘private study periods’. However ‘private study periods’ for A Level students require a significant amount of self study, so if you prefer to be classroom led then the IB might be best for you. You have to be organised to study either option and students of both academic pathways have enjoyed taking part in all the co-curricular and social aspects of Felsted School life. We have had music and sports scholars complete the IB Diploma successfully; they have managed their time well and have been able to train and attend performances and matches during their two year course.
 

I can’t decide on only three subjects
Then the IB pathway might be for you! If you want to keep studying subjects you enjoy or you want to keep your options open as you are not sure what you want to do post school, then the IB might be the best route for you. However if you only want to study three subjects and can’t wait to drop others, then studying A Levels could be the answer.
 

You have to be a linguist to study the IB
This is not the case; yes, you do have to study an additional language to your own mother tongue, but this can be at ‘ab initio’ (beginner) level. So if you have not enjoyed learning French you could take up Spanish or Italian. You will also have to continue with English or your native language but this can be done at Standard or Higher Level.
 

Universities don’t understand the IB
In the early days of the IB Diploma being studied in the UK it is true to say that some universities did not appreciate the rigorous programme that it delivers and were not overly generous with their offers. However over the past few years this has changed and now most universities fully appreciate the IB learner; Felsted pupils have received some generous and even unconditional offers over recent years.

• Able to focus on subject areas and specialisms
• The syllabus and subject content is often much more defined
• There is a wealth of resources to support your learning, such as study guides, textbooks and online materials
• Fewer courses have a coursework element, which allows greater time to cover examination content and develop examination technique
• More of a teacher led approach
• Completing the Extended Project Qualification alongside your A Levels allows you to develop self-motivation and autonomy as well as giving you an opportunity to work independently on a topic of your choice
• Less classroom contact time allows you more time to complete assignments and ongoing independent work during the school day and helps you to develop good time management skills

• Limits the number of subjects more than the IB
• Most A Level subjects have no coursework and so there is greater pressure on students when undertaking their final exams in the Upper Sixth
• There is greater subject content and therefore more information to learn and recall
• Most A Level subjects involve extended writing in some form