East Kent options for DD and suggestions for IB or A'Level pls

[IBorAlevels]

I have been looking at options for DD who is predicted 10 GCSE at 7+ with a couple of 9's. She is currently interested in many subjects and this is why I am interested in knowing more about the IB and how it compares as everything online suggests similar to A Levels but just more breadth of learning and perhaps better critical thinking?

Bearing that in mind, we are in East Kent but DD doesn't want to stay at her current school, which only does A Levels anyway. When I look at leading IB schools Worthgate in Canterbury comes up. Has anyone got experience of this school; is it open to UK nationals as it looks like an international school? Or does anyone have other suggestions for us?

Thanks in advance.

Just DM you as a bit of an essay x

I know it’s a “marmite” school- but Simon Langton doesn’t do the IB but does find ways to allow kids to tink and work around their core subjects. Might be worth having a look?

This is impacting some of the state schools in West Kent, possibly TOGS.

I think she is keen to explore options that aren't just A Levels or at least look outside the box. I just looked up the subjects on offer at Simon Langton Girls and it looks as though they don't do Computer Science but only Computing, which DD would not be happy with.

Thanks for the thought though.

Pretty sure computing is computer science? Not aware that there is a computing A level apart from CS? just not being described properly see also “business studies” which has been business for several years).

Check the boy’s school-they take girls in the 6th form and have a different offer.

Computing is more IT whereas Computer Science is more algorithms and coding. I'm no expert though!
Thanks all.

Which board offers A level computing (as distinct from computer science)? It's not AQA, OCR, Pearson/Edexel or WJEC. No A level in ICT either.

Looking at A level detail from the school you mention @IBorAlevels it also references business studies which is also not what the A level is actually called, so I imagine they mean computer science tbh.

The IB sounds great in theory, because of the 6 subjects. Both my children did it at TGS a few years ago. However their experience was that universities did not appreciate the additional workload compared with a levels, and tended to give higher offers, based on the HL subjects, compared to a levels, as well as an overall points requirement. Most universities discounted the standard level subjects so having for example standard English was not counted for a course where 2 humanities were required. So the breadth of subjects is not that helpful if you decide you prefer your standard level subjects as the course progresses. The workload is very heavy and the student needs to be very well-organised - as does the school.

Re IB cuts, there is a petition on Change.org you can sign called reverse I B funding cut. In the blurb its says there was a coding error in DfE that underestimated pupil numbers leading to a funding shortfall and hence IB got the cut without any consultation, it’s really disgraceful and means IB is now an qualification for only the elite.

This is what I was wondering when I saw mainly private schools doing it. Is it more desirable in the way that IGCSEs are more recognised overseas? Is that why private schools are doing them increasingly?

Or as you say @Quincesorbet is it not worth it for UK universities as it doesn't give the edge of x4 A's because there are more subjects? Maybe the choice should be more about if they want to work or study overseas?

@IBorAlevels if as I infer the issue is that your DD wants to take multiple subjects post 16, I don't think Btecs are the way forward necessarily.

She can take four A levels if she is really keen. Or three and an EPQ – on a fourth topic. Can she not narrow it down to that extent? Even with the IB you have to choose three subjects for the higher level.

You mention science, computer science and politics. How about four A levels in (say) bio, chem, CS and politics? Altho CS without maths is a bit pointless in terms of uni (as many competitive CS degrees require maths A level rather than CS). But she would keep open doors to medicine, science degrees, and with politics, some humanities subjects too.

Or physics, maths, CS and economics? Another good combo which offers CS or engineering or econ at uni.

Dane court have publicly stated they are committed to the IB. Entry requirements 6x6 and 2x5 for the full diploma programme. Open evening at the end of the month. She could do a beginners language and SL maths. Computer science and politics both on offer at HL..check out the website x

My DD got a 5 in both maths and language at GCSE and managed the IB. She was young for her year and she definitely “academically matured “ over the last 2 years of school.
Her experience with university was she got a slightly lower offer for overall grades as she got top grades for the subject which she was applying to study.
The advantage /disadvantage of IB for university is you get your results in early July, if you don’t get the grades you have a horrible long summer waiting till clearing.

In many parts of the UK (including my own), IB is simply not an option in the state sector. However, with careful selection, it is perfectly possible to retain breadth at A level.

Psychology A level links to the physical sciences, has a statistical element and an essay element.

Maths A level has algorithmic and statistical aspects that feed into computer science (whether or not the latter is studied at A level).

If Maths A level is not on the cards (whether motivation or aptitude), then some settings offer Core Maths alongside A levels.

As mentioned above, an EPQ could be taken to extend the range. Also bear on mind that Geog, History and Eng Lit include an NEA (coursework) component, depending on exam board.

So Maths, Chemistry and Psychology plus EPQ or Maths, Chemistry and a humanity plus EPQ or Chemistry, Biology, a humanity plus Core Maths are examples of possible combinations.

My children did various combinations of Maths, a physical science and a humanity or social science (inc NEA). They also did FM with options in stats that would have supported CS routes even though CS was not taken. The mix worked for them and kept a lot of pathways open.