In the UK A levels have traditionally been the most common post 16+ pathway for most students.
The reason these qualifications have been so popular is due to the fact that they allow students to study the subjects they enjoy at a much greater depth. This allows them to favour subjects they enjoy more or feel more confident in. The study is specialist and of a more in-depth nature, as a result giving students a much greater understanding of the subject matter and the chance, if they choose, to study it further at university.
A levels tend to be more universally understood by both parents and students when deciding what to study in sixth form or college. Students choose three or four academic subjects which they will study in depth over two years. They also have the opportunity to study subjects that weren't available to them at GCSE, such as psychology, sociology, law and politics. Some schools expect students to also take an Extended Project Qualification (EPD if they are taking three A levels though it would be optional for those students studying for four A levels. The EPQ requires students to complete a 5,000-word self-directed piece of research work that encourages more critical, reflective and independent learning. They also have to deliver a 10-minute presentation on their research work. A large number of schools offer extracurricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award to help develop extra skills.
Students who are now entering the competitive 21st Century workplace are facing increasingly complex expectations from employers that the traditional academic route is leaving them unprepared for. The world that is rapidly digitizing, especially with the emergence of Al, is creating opportunity and uncertainty. Students from both schools and universities must be able to adapt and know how to apply the skills that they have learnt to real-world, work-related challenges.
To help counteract this discrepancy the International Baccalaureate Career (related) Programme was launched in January 2016. This new qualification aimed to create well-rounded, career-ready learners by experiencing a more holistic educational experience. The IBCP is a 2-year course the same as 'A' levels. Students must take a minimum of two subjects from the traditional IB Diploma Programme, a core which consists of four components and one vocational subject. The core is made up of the: following components:
• Personal and professional skills: This focuses on developing students attitudes and interpersonal skills in readiness for the
workplace
• Service learning: A research-based module where students apply what they've learnt to a community need.
• Reflective project: An in-depth piece of work to help students analyse and reflect their career-based learning. They base this around identifying and analysing an ethical issue which has arisen during the course.
• Language development This, Module requires students to learn an additional language producing a portfolio of evidence of their developing language skills.
The programme enables the students to develop the academic strength, international perspective and research skills required for university and lifelong learning, along with professional, transferable stalls to ensure they are successful in their careers.
When it comes to deciding which route to take the final decision is guided by what the student wants to achieve, both academically and in life. Both courses are accepted by Universities worldwide. They may be graded differently, the IB programme uses a points system and 'A' levels are graded by letters, but when it comes to applying for University both of them are converted into points.