In the red corner, sits the popular and well respected A-level and in the blue corner is the slightly mysterious International Baccalaureate (IB). But who will win this bout? Lydia Fallon investigates

Who will win the battle of the qualifications?

First round: Difficulty

Anyone who ventures into higher education knows that whatever the qualification it is certainly no doddle, but there are those who argue that when it comes to difficulty the IB wins hands down.

A well-rounded qualification recognised world-wide, the IB is a system in which teenagers are assessed on a large variety of subjects, not all of which they will necessarily excel in. Designed for highly motivated students, the drive to succeed in a subject you may find difficult is an essential, as your route into further education can depend on it.

The course combines six subjects, three of which are taken at standard level and three at higher level. Students choose one from each of the following areas:

• Native language (normally your mother tongue)

• Second language (this could be a language you have already studied or a new one)

• Science (this could be biology, physics, chemistry or something such as design technology)

• Mathematics and computer science

• The arts (music, theatre, dance)

• Individuals and society (history, psychology, geography)

As well as these six subjects, students also complete a course in the theory of knowledge, take part in a community service programme and write an extended essay of 4000 words.

What the A-level involves is much more well known and if you want to study a particular subject in detail, it is often the way to go. Highly regarded by universities and employers, there is a huge range of subjects available including applied A-levels in work related subjects such as health and social care.

The A-level has come under much criticism in recent years amid claims it is ‘dumbing down’; an accusation that current students would whole-heartedly reject.

In comparison to six subjects, three or four does sound a little measly. Add on the fact that these are the three subjects you are best at, and then we are starting to get into easy-peasy territory.

Having taken A-levels myself, this does sound a tad harsh, knowing the effort and time I put into achieving my grades. But I realise that had I taken the IB, I probably would not have been accepted into the university that I was, because my marks would simply not have been good enough.

Second round: Respectability

It would be impossible to say if either qualifcation was more highly regarded than the other but A-levels are certainly more widely recognised, particularly amongst students. With many admitting they failed to realise that the international baccalaureate even exsists. However, the IB is recognised by universities in over 100 countries, so could be a wise choice for those wishing to study abroad.

Universities apparently “love” the IB, and are rumoured to be more likely to offer a place to someone with this qualification rather than the A-level, of course this is purely hearsay and there is little evidence this is actually the case, with thousands of A-levels students still getting places at university every year.

The IB can be seen to offer a broader knowledge base, rather than the in-depth subject knowledge A-levels clearly provide. Which is better in the long run, can be argued both ways.

For those with a clear career path, specialising in subjects specifically related to this, may be an opportunity too good to miss. But for the all-rounder who may want to be anything from a lawyer to a forensic scientist, the IB supports whatever path they choose to take.

Third round: Assessment

The IB assessment revolves around examinations and coursework, as do A-levels. For the IB you are awarded points out of a maximum of 45, up to seven points for the six optional subjects and up to three points for the three core subjects. To achieve a full diploma you must score over 24 points.

In terms of UCAS, an IB total of 24 points is worth 260 UCAS points which is the equivalent to one B and two C grades at A-level. The maximum score of 45 points earns 720 UCAS points which is the same as a massive six A-levels at grade A.

The IB points system is thought to make differentiating between candidates a lot easier. So many students are receiving top grades in the A-levels that it is becoming increasingly hard to set candidates apart. The newly introduced A* grade hopes to combat this.

Another positive of the IB is the extended essay, a research project students feel prepares them better for a dissertation which can come as a major shock.

However, despite all the positives, the number who fail IB is 20% compared to just 4% for A-levels. Something to consider maybe?

And the winner is… I am going to sit on the fence here and say that both the IB and A-level have their pros and cons, and the one chosen should be entirely down to the individual. How very diplomatic of me.