What are the advantages of learning A Levels?
Why do we believe that it helps to maximise the advantages and potential of our pupils?
Is it true that only A Levels can only get pupils into UK universities?
When looking closely into the multiple pathways through high school, sixth form or senior school, we can find that each is with their own merits and distinctive features. However, understanding the complexity of A Level and IB Diploma courses can be challenging and often full of misconceptions for parents. This article will briefly compare A Level and IB diplomas, provide answers to the above questions and set out the aim for pupils joining Wellington College Hangzhou.
We offer the A Level curriculum as this is more suited to our pupils’ strengths. The A Level is the qualification taken by eighteen-year-old students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the most common qualification in international schools worldwide. It is also the most popular international curriculum in China (the number of pupils in China studying A Levels is far more than those studying IB and other international curricula). Pupils typically study A Levels in three subjects. Some pupils may be tempted to study four or more subjects, however, it is worth bearing in mind that almost all universities will give offers based on three subjects, where the quality of the grades is given far more importance than the quantity of subjects taken. This allows pupils to specialise and study subjects deeply and genuinely prepare for the transition to university. For instance, pupils seeking to read medicine would typically study biology, chemistry, and one other subject, most commonly mathematics.,. The wide range of subjects on offer at A Level is designed to allow for the personalisation of learning, especially as there are no compulsory subjects.
The A Level course has engaging subject content and specialist skills development. It allows pupils to specialise in their chosen fields from an early age and focus on gaining the depth of knowledge invaluable as a foundation for university education and for pupils to flourish in the future.
I enjoy learning A Levels as it allows me to focus on the subjects I most enjoy - Maths, Art and Economics.
Lydia
a sixth form student
at Wellington College Hangzhou
The International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma was developed as an authentically international qualification. IB diploma students take six subjects, which must include a mix of science, languages and humanities, plus three other elements: theory of knowledge, which looks at how we know what we know; creativity, activity, service, which involves artistic, sporting and voluntary work, and an extended essay. The IB diploma aims to establish a broad foundation for further learning and promote an approach to learning that develops the pupil as an individual.
Both A Level and IB diplomas are two-year programmes acclaimed for their rigour, and both serve as to provide high-value entry to universities worldwide.
When deep diving into each course, other differences are apparent. The IB diploma is assessed using a 1 to 7 scale for each subject studied, and a total score out of 45 is used to judge the overall performance. Alternatively, A Level uses a system of grades, with A* the highest. Furthermore, A Levels are distinctly academic and emphasise the subject matter, whilst IB promotes a way of learning that encourages application, reasoning and engaging with content from multiple perspectives.
In conclusion, it may be summarised that the IB diploma is global in outlook, promotes critical reasoning and emphasises breadth of study. A Levels offer greater depth and specialisation. Both are rigorous and valued by leading universities around the world.
At Wellington College Hangzhou, we also offer EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification, for outstanding pupils who want to stretch their learning. It is an independent research project highly recommended by reputed higher education institutions. The EPQ is designed to develop pupils’ skills of independent learning, research and project work that are transferrable to other subjects at A Level and the demands of university and the professional world.
Click the picture below to learn more about the EPQ offered at Wellington College Hangzhou.
Throughout the Wellington College Hangzhou campus, the focus is for pupils to develop their identity: inspired, intellectual, independent, individual and inclusive. The development of the five aspects of the Wellington identity is not a consequence of a specific programme or qualification. Instead, it is the product of a Wellington education and the learning and development opportunities that it affords. Preparing pupils for success in life at college, university and beyond means that the excellent qualifications achieved at 18 are only a part of the product of education at Wellington College Hangzhou and not the only measure used to gauge success.
Excellent examination results are an expectation at Wellington College Hangzhou. The rigorous course offered at the school will help the pupils to walk towards success in their future. The start of A Level studies may be challenging, but all our experienced staff are here to support pupils and help them build their independence in preparation for university and beyond.
Click the picture below to learn more about the university pathway support offered at Wellington College Hangzhou.
In 2022, pupils at Wellington College Tianjin obtained impressive university offers from Oxbridge and Ivy League schools. 64% of their pupils achieved A* or A in A Level exams. We are also confident that our pupils at Wellington College Hangzhou campus will achieve academic excellence in the near future.
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