MYP (IB) versus GCSE

[Mumto2two]

I am looking for information on how these compare, particularly with science & maths. I understand GCSE has a predefined curriculum, whereas MYP is less structured..more a pedagogy than a curriculum as such, however how does this translate in terms of what children actually learn. I’ve been quite surprised at how little time is spent doing practical lab based work for GCSE science, state schools in particular...whereas the IB school seemed much more lab focused. With regards to maths, would you say the MYP covers the same syllabus content as GCSE, and could a child easily progress from the MYP to A level for this? Would really appreciate any feedback or experience with IB..good or bad! Thank you.

I think the majority of people in the UK who have experience with IB is the last two years. Only the few who have been in international schools have experienced MYP and potential to move to A Levels. If you don't get many responses here it's probably best to reach out to a British expat forum.

As you say it is just a framework rather than curriculum so all will depend on what each particular school choses to do.You will need to speak to the school and find out what they use as their starting point. In Alberta, canada, they had to study the Alberta curriculum so just slotted the IB framework around that.

With regards to maths, would you say the MYP covers the same syllabus content as GCSE, and could a child easily progress from the MYP to A level for this?

IB Maths at 6th form is tough, so there must be something useful taught at MYP!

DS did IBDP (ie for 6th form), but since he was at a State school in the UK he did GCSEs, a state school would not be able to avoid doing GCSEs.

Yes the choice for humanity type subjects, does seem quite demographically dependant, and history choice for example, seems largely driven by teacher interest, and is delivered from a more global perspective. However I wondered whether more ‘uniform’ subjects such as Science & Maths, were more similar in terms of what both systems cover, and whether MYP is rigorous enough to prepare a child for A level in these subjects. Thank you for your replies.

We think of core subjects such as Maths and Science as being 'uniform' as we are used to GCSEs and a fairly standard curriculum across the country but international schools offering IB can teach anything. The american system isn't standardized across each state let alone the country so a US IB school will offer wildly different courses at MYP from both each other or a french / australian / UK based international school. If you are seriously wanting your child to do A levels, then the simplest thing to do is have them study GCSEs. If you are unsure of sixth form choice or are able to help them if there are gaps at sixth form, then let them do the MYP and just deal with the outcome.