Parents of students ACS(I) - R U Happy with the IP program

[leow]

Which is a better path ? A levels vs International Beaculerette ?


A levels has been around for the longest time, but IB is very new, at least in Spore. Are the prospects of the child for admission to University different for the 2, are there any constraints for IB ?

Also what are the differences in the curiculum and the character development ?

How do we choose between the 2 ?

[leow]

I heard below feedback on O level vs IP program, pls provide your views for those who has or is going thru and your advice for us.

1) IP program, no fallback if the child fail to make the cut. Hence some parents had to scramble and move the kids back to O level if he did not make the cut during the IP program. or the kids will not have any certificate to show if they fall out the race near or at A levels.
As these kids are still growing, there is no assurance that they’d be consistent academically in their teen years even if they do very well in PSLE. This I see is the risk of the IP program.
2) Heard that some IP programs are grilling, altho no major exams (O levels), every qtr they are being assessed and must continuous make the cut, otherwise out (heard TJC). Therefore very stressful. On the other hand, there are some other IP schools where it is heard that the child is enjoying it thoroughly (heard ACSI) since there is no major exam until 6yr later.

Please provide views.

[SAplayer]

IB is better recognised by top universities around the world like Oxbridge when compared to A-levels… ^_^

[Faun]

leow:

Which is a better path ? A levels vs International Beaculerette ?


A levels has been around for the longest time, but IB is very new, at least in Spore. Are the prospects of the child for admission to University different for the 2, are there any constraints for IB ?

Also what are the differences in the curiculum and the character development ?

How do we choose between the 2 ?

In 2006 MOE tweaked the SingPore Cambridge o and a level to model after the IB. Program which has been around since the sixties. This was done because they realized that the IB is mor holistic. If you look at the way the a level grouping is, it is a copy of IB. According to a principal who was involved in developing the ip for the top schools, the IB was recommended instead of the Cambridge but due to political reason, the government chose IB.

IB is criteria based. You marks don't get tweaked to fit into the Bell curve.

[Faun]

Also, for A level, if you fail one subject you redo all but IB you can retake the subject you are not happy with the grades again over 2 times I think. they have 2 exam time available a year.

[oliveminx]

Faun:

According to a principal who was involved in developing the ip for the top schools, the IB was recommended instead of the Cambridge but due to political reason, the government chose IB.

Do you mean Cambridge?

[Faun]

oliveminx:

Do you mean Cambridge?

Sorry, I was not clear. I meant Cambridge 'A' Level.

[contact12]

I am not a parent of ACS (I) but I hope to add on to the discussion about whether IB or ‘A’ levels is better. Yes, IB has greater recognition because of the long history and the insitutions across the world take the exams. However, the academic rigour is less compared to the ‘A’ levels. The ‘A’ levels is well espected in the universities abroad and some universities give exemptions the ‘A’ level students for their basic modules. Feedback by university admission officers and professors has been that the ‘A’ levels prepares the students adequately for the university courses. But IB is more holistic and has advantage of greater creativity through the varied projects.

[phtthp]

so far has MOE taken in IB graduates to become trainee teachers ? or only recognise GCE A level cert ?

[blackvelvette]

Hello! I know this is a very old post but I came across it... so I just wanna ask whether anybody here knows about the admission test to ACS independent year 5? I wanted to apply, but I need some details from people who have experienced it. Thank you