It’s easy to confuse IB for IGCSE and vice versa because the two program look quite similar in structure. However, there are differences between the two programs that you should learn.
For example, the IB diploma isn’t a curriculum but an education framework that deals in a variety of subjects, with the inclusion of an Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge. The IGCSE, on the other hand, focuses on a single unique subject for a specific country.
In this IB vs IGCSE guide, you’ll learn about the differences between the two programs. In the end, you should be able to determine which option would be the most suitable for you depending on your demography and academic goals.
IB and IGCSE Program Overview
Before we look at the differences between IB and IGCSE, it’s important to look at a summary of what they are and the programs offered.
The International Baccalaureate is a non-profit organization established in 1968 to cater for youngsters aged between three and nineteen. IB doesn’t have official exams in this program, but it awards diplomas to students who meet their requirements.
IB offers the following programs:
- Primary Year Program (PYP) taught to children aged 3 to 12 years
- Middle Year Program (MYP) taught to children aged 11 to 16 years
- IB Diploma taught to children aged 16-19 years and
- Career-related taught to kids aged 16-19 years old
IGCSE, or International General Certificate of Secondary Education, is a system administered by Cambridge International Examinations in up to 160 countries. IGCSE is currently the counterpart of the British GCSE qualification, and it’s responsible for preparing students for advanced levels such as the BTEC level 3 and the IB Diploma Program.
IGCSE offers the following programs:
- Primary for 5-11 years old
- Secondary for 11-14 years old
- Secondary 2 for 14-16 years old
What are the Differences between IB and IGCSE?
The following is a side-by-side comparison between IB and IGCSE programs:
IB Vs IGCSE: Global Presence and Popularity
The International Baccalaureate has a larger worldwide presence than the IGCSE. The IGCSE is mostly in the United Kingdom, although it is becoming more popular in the United States. It also has a little presence in Singapore and India.
The IB, unlike the IGCSE, is widely accepted across the world. Countries such as Zimbabwe, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Czech Republic, Germany, and Poland are among the countries that participate in the IB program.
IB Vs IGCSE: Education Level
The IGCSE is suitable for students who’re who are in their tenth year of study preparing for the final IB program and will be taking final exams at the end of their.
The International Baccalaureate, on the other hand, offers four distinct educational programs for children aged 3 to 19. These are as follows:
- IB Primary Years Program for children between 3 and 12 years of age
- IB Middle Year Program for children between 11 and 16 years of age
- IB Diploma Program for children aged between 16 and 19 years.
IB’s Career-Related Program is an alternate option for students aged 16–19 who have a better sense of what they want to do with their lives.
The theory of knowledge class, extended essay, creativity activity and service, language and literature studies, language acquisition, persons and societies, sciences, mathematics, and arts are all included in the Diploma Program’s curriculum framework.
IB Vs IGCSE: Grading
The IGCSE uses an 8-point scale for grading, with a U signifying that the student or class was not graded. This grading system is comparable to the GCSE, which is the United Kingdom’s version of this curriculum. Students may take up to 14 IGCSE topics, but they must pass five core subjects with a grade of C or above to achieve the minimum requirement.
There are no formal examinations required or marked by the IB in the IB curriculum. Instead, the IB verifies final-year students’ grades and awards certificates to those who fulfill the specified requirements.
IB uses external examinations with a range of question formats and internal evaluations as the principal mechanism of assessment for the Diploma.
Students receive a grade from 7 to 1 for the six courses they take from the topic categories, with 7 being the highest mark. IB then combines these marks to provide an overall score ranging from 6 to 42.
Students receive a maximum combined score of 3 for completing Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay, bringing the highest possible diploma score to 45 points. Although the CAS project does not receive a formal grade, it is essential in order to receive the diploma.
IB Vs IGCSE: Governance
Cambridge International Examinations is directly responsible for IGCSE monitoring, and the certifications given by this organization are gaining international reputation. The IGCSE continues to increase in popularity in the United Kingdom, with over 200 state-run schools and 438 private institutions offering the exam.
The governing structure of the International Baccalaureate program is substantially stricter. A Board of Governors and six specific committees address all access and advancement, audit, education, finance, human resources, and governance. The Board of Governors will have between 15 and 25 members, including some nominations from the Heads Council, Regional Councils, and the Board.
How Does IB Compare to the A-Levels?
The IB Diploma is less specialized than A-levels.
Students typically take three to four A-levels, whereas IB Diploma students take six courses in at least five areas. Less specialization might mean more effort, and some students find the IB program to be quite hard.
While A-levels allow for specialization, some students believe that the IB Diploma’s broader reach provides better university preparation.
Final Thoughts
Students reaching the conclusion of secondary school can select between A-levels and the IB Diploma, which is an international alternative to the traditional GCSE. Although A-levels are currently more popular in Singapore, the IB Diploma is becoming more popular, with more schools offering it and more students preferring to pursue it.