By ACS International Schools
Summary:
New survey examines UK admissions officers views of the post-16 qualifications on offer in the United Kingdom and highlights university application concerns
New survey examines UK admissions officers views of the post-16 qualifications on offer in the United Kingdom and highlights university application concerns.
- Pressure on pupils and teachers is forcing out independent thinking and creativity, the qualities most prized by universities.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is the most highly valued post-16 qualification and should be available in more state schools.
- IB scoring system is not fully understood by some universities and unfair demands may be made on IB students as a consequence.
- Quality of most careers advice for sixth formers is 'indifferent'.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma remains the most highly-regarded post 16-qualification among UK university admissions officers. The combination of qualities developed by the IB Diploma, including self management and creativity, are some of the factors which explain why the IB Diploma is considered an excellent preparation for university-style learning. In particular, 62 per cent of admissions officers claim that the IB develops self-management skills, as compared to just 39 per cent who feel that this is a quality nurtured by A levels (the qualification followed by the majority of post-16 students in the UK).
The fourth annual survey of university admissions officers, commissioned by ACS International Schools, found that almost three quarters, 73 per cent, of admissions officers want to see the IB on offer in more state schools, almost two years after state funding for this independent qualification was withdrawn.
University admissions officers recognise the academic rigour of the IB Diploma with just one per cent of IB students awarded the top score of 45 points each year: 78 per cent of admissions officers say that it is harder to achieve the top IB Diploma score than it is to achieve top scores in A levels.
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About the Author
ACS International Schools was founded in 1967 to serve international and local communities. The three schools are non-sectarian and co-educational (day and boarding), enrolling approximately 2,600 students aged 2 to 18 years. Each school offers a fully international curriculum including the International Baccalaureate. All schools have state-of-the-art facilities and an on-going programme of building investment with impressive grounds. The strong core academic programme and extensive arts, sports and cultural activities support the schools' student-centred philosophy.
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First Published: Aug 29, 2009
