International A-Levels International Baccalaureate Diploma

Subjects Students select three to four subjects to specialise in. Depending on the chosen degree, these should be the course’s required subjects. If there are no subject requirements, students are encouraged to select any that they are interested in and wish to study in depth.

Students select a total of six subjects to study throughout the programme: three at Higher Level; three at Standard Level. The chosen subjects should include at least one from each of the subject groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts (this can be replaced by an additional subject from Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, or Sciences).

There are also three core elements that students are required to take: Theory of Knowledge (TOK); Extended Essay (EE); and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Examinations Subjects are assessed at two levels: AS (at the end of the first year) and A2 (at the end of the second year), and they will only be tested on content covered in that year.

Examination periods are in May/June and October/ November. Students have the flexibility to resit and retake modules if necessary.

Scoring Students are graded by letters A*-E, with A* being the highest grade. Universities usually look at a student’s top three subjects for admission.

Written examinations usually occur at the end of the two-year programme.

Coursework-based subjects or elements (e.g. TOK and EE) are assessed throughout the two years under teacher supervision. These are assessed in the form of essays, student-led exhibitions, extracurricular activities, and voluntary social work.

Students are graded through a points system ranging 1-7 (7 being the highest) for the six subjects they select.

Core elements (TOK, EE, CAS) are worth one point each.

This means that the highest possible score is 45. A student needs 24 points (on top of meeting the minimum requirements) to be awarded a diploma.

Some may feel that the IBDP offers a more well-rounded approach to education as every student needs to pass their core elements to receive a diploma. While this is true, many international schools that offer A-Levels in Singapore do include additional programmes and extracurricular activities to provide their students with a holistic education. This is possible given the lighter course load of the A-Levels, compared to the IBDP pathway.

An example is EtonHouse International School’s bespoke EtonCore and Lifeskills programmes. EtonCore allows High School students to create their own personalised learning journey with elective aspects that can develop their interests and nurture student agency. This includes:

• Community service projects through the EtonHouse Community Fund;

• The Extended Project Qualification (an accredited qualification that involves researching and producing an essay on a self-selected topic);

• Working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Award;

• Participating in partnerships, internships, and residential programmes; and

• Collaborating with overseas schools in the EtonHouse global network to develop international mindedness.

The Lifeskills programme, on the other hand, exposes students to a range of soft skills. This ranges from study skills, wellbeing, to finance, and even preparing for the world of work. You can book a tour to visit EtonHouse International School’s Orchard campus to learn more about how it provides a wholesome learning experience with the International A-Levels that runs from August to June. Its sister school, Middleton International School, also offers the International A-Levels programme running from January to December.

As you can see, each programme has its own merits. While the IBDP allows students to study a wide range of subjects, the A-Levels provide flexibility and the chance for specialisation. It all boils down to a child’s preference and strengths. If your child is stronger in certain subjects or has already made up their mind on the type of degree they want, then A-Levels is a more appropriate choice as your child can focus on equipping themselves with all the knowledge and skills required for it. On the other hand, if your child prefers a mix of written, coursework, and activities-based assessments, then the IBDP may be more suitable. So take some time to discuss with your child about the kind of learning experience they would like. This can really help you and your child decide on the right fit for them.