A Deep Dive into the World's Top 3 Curricula | IB, A-Level, AP: Which One is Right for You?

When considering educational relocation or study abroad to international schools in Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK, North America, and elsewhere, choosing the right curriculum is just as important as choosing the right school.

International schools around the world primarily adopt one of the following three curricula:

• IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme): Holistic and inquiry-based
• A-Level (British System): Specialized and focused
• AP (American System): Credit-based and flexible

For parents asking questions like, 'I hear IB is good, but it sounds very demanding,' or 'Is A-Level better for STEM subjects?', this guide provides a thorough breakdown of each curriculum's structure, how they are viewed by universities, and how to choose the best fit for your child's personality and learning style.

[Comparison Chart] The Structure of the World's Top Three Curricula

First, let's outline the fundamental differences in a comparison table. The biggest distinction lies in the 'breadth versus depth' of the subjects studied.

1. IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme)

A program originating in Switzerland. It aims to develop 'global citizens,' requiring students to take a wide range of subjects across both arts and sciences. A unique feature is the three mandatory core requirements in addition to the academic subjects: 'TOK (Theory of Knowledge),' 'EE (Extended Essay),' and 'CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).' Excellent time management skills are essential to handle this workload.

Learn More: Is the IB Programme Too Demanding? An Explanation of its Structure and How to Succeed

2. A-Level (General Certificate of Education Advanced Level)

Originating in the UK, the most significant feature of A-Levels is that you don't have to study subjects you dislike. For example, a student aiming for an engineering degree can focus solely on 'Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry' without taking any history or literature classes. In exchange, the content of each subject is extremely deep and requires a high degree of specialization.

Learn More: The Complete Guide to the British Curriculum (A-Level)

3. AP (Advanced Placement)

A program run by the College Board in the United States. It's less a full curriculum and more a collection of university-level courses and exams that high school students can take. It allows for flexibility, such as a student in an American school taking AP exams only in their strongest subjects to enhance their university applications.

University Admissions: Where Are You Aiming?

There's no single answer to 'Which curriculum is best?', but there is a 'best fit' depending on the country and faculty you are targeting.

Aiming for Top US Universities (Ivy League, etc.)

American universities use a 'Holistic Review' process, which means the holistic educational elements of the IB and the initiative shown by taking multiple AP courses are highly valued.

• Strength of AP: In the US, high scores (a 4 or 5) can earn university credits, potentially allowing for early graduation.
• IB/A-Level: These are also highly regarded, but extracurricular achievements like the IB's CAS are also heavily weighted.

Aiming for Top UK Universities (Oxbridge / Russell Group)

UK universities prioritize 'specialization.' Your grades in subjects relevant to your desired degree are paramount.

• Strength of A-Level: This is the most compatible curriculum. Oxford and Cambridge, in particular, often make offers conditional on achieving 'A*' grades in specific subjects.
• IB: While accepted for admission, the requirements can be very demanding, such as 'a 7 (the maximum score) in both Higher Level (HL) Mathematics and Physics.'

Top Asian Universities (National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong)

At these universities, where STEM standards are exceptionally high, A-Levels are held in very high regard. High scores in A-Level Mathematics and Sciences are a powerful asset, especially for students aiming for engineering or medicine.

A Comparison of 'Depth' in STEM Subjects

This is the point we at ELT English want to emphasize most. For students aspiring to STEM fields, the difficulty of Mathematics can be the deciding factor in choosing a curriculum.

• A-Level 'Further Mathematics' This is the most difficult. It delves deep into topics like 'differential equations,' advanced 'complex numbers,' and even 'Mechanics.' This is why A-Level is often called the strongest choice for STEM specialization.
• IB 'Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) HL' This is the second most difficult, after A-Level. It requires an understanding of pure mathematical proofs and theories, as well as writing a 'mathematical exploration report (IA).' It demands not just calculation skills but also strong writing abilities.
• AP 'Calculus BC' This is equivalent to a first-year university calculus course in the US. While challenging, its scope is more limited, making it comparatively easier to prepare for.

Which One is Right for My Child? A Personality-Based Guide

Choosing based on your child's personality and learning style is key to preventing them from dropping out or struggling.

Who is a good fit for the IB? (The Generalist)

• Students who don't mind studying all subjects to a good standard.
• Those who enjoy writing essays and giving presentations.
• Students who are good at time management and are actively involved in clubs and volunteer work.

Who is a good fit for A-Levels? (The Specialist)

• The focused student who thinks, 'I could do math all day, but I can't stand language arts or history.'
• Those who enjoy immersing themselves in a single interest, like reading or research.
• Students with a clear future career path (e.g., doctor, engineer, researcher).

Who is a good fit for APs? (The Flexible Learner)

• Students who want to learn at their own pace.
• Those who want to get ahead in their strongest subjects without being tied to a school's mandatory curriculum.
• Students whose primary goal is to attend a university in the United States.

A Common Challenge for Non-Native English Speakers: The 'English Wall' in STEM Subjects

Regardless of which curriculum you choose, families from non-English speaking backgrounds face a significant hurdle: the need to understand and articulate complex STEM concepts in English.

For example, in IB Math AA or A-Level Physics, simply being able to calculate the answer is not enough to earn high marks.

• Definitions: Describing scientific phenomena with precise English terminology.
• Justifications: Logically explaining the reasoning behind mathematical steps.
• Word Problems: Comprehending and extracting key information from long-form questions.

These are skills that typical 'English conversation schools' or a school's ESL (English as a Second Language) support program often cannot fully cover. We frequently see cases where students, after enrolling in an international school, lose confidence because they are 'fast at calculations but can't understand what the teacher is saying or read the problem statements.'

ELT's Curriculum-Specific Academic Support

At ELT, drawing on over 40 years of experience in London, UK, we provide English-language instruction for STEM subjects tailored to the specific demands of each curriculum.

• A-Level / IGCSE Prep: Tutors, including Cambridge University alumni, teach subjects like Further Maths and Physics according to the official syllabus.
• IB Support: We offer everything from consultations on choosing between Math AA/AI to proofreading support for the challenging IA (Internal Assessment) reports.
• AP Prep: Exam preparation for subjects like Calculus and Statistics.

Related Article: Why 'Learning in English (CLIL)' is More Important Than Just 'Learning English'

Choosing a curriculum isn't the finish line; it's the starting point. To ensure your child can perform at their best on their chosen path, we strongly recommend preparing their academic English (CALP) well in advance of starting the program.