International Baccalaureate (IB) vs. Cambridge Education How do you choose

 As parents we want the best for our children and in today’s world of ‘connected world community’ we definitely want to give them the start to life that can help them adapt to life anywhere. That starts with the choice of school and education framework that is truly global. 


Two of the most respected such frameworks are the International Baccalaureate (or IB as it is commonly known) and the Cambridge curriculum. Rigorous and internationally accepted, these programmes differ in structure, approach and their objectives. 


How their core philosophies differ


International Baccalaureate (IB):


  • Designed to develop students with not only strong academic, personal, emotional and social skills; but also encourages inquiry-based learning along critical thinking guidelines.

  •  Preparing students for their future as global citizens through international outlook, multi-cultural sensitivity and active lifelong learning.

  • The wide range of subjects including languages, sciences, mathematics, art and humanities without any early specialisation

Cambridge Curriculum:


  • With flexibility to choose from a wide range of subjects, this curriculum allows students to tailor their education based on their focus of interest

  • Known for its rigorous assessment and examination structure, Cambridge curriculum prepares students from early in life for the later success in further education or professional life

  •  Along with the breadth of education at earlier stages, this framework allows for in-depth study in the chosen subjects at advanced levels, especially in the AS and A levels


Course structure differences between the two study frameworks

International Baccalaureate (IB):

  • Programmes they offer:

The course is structured into four programmes - Primary Years Programme or PYP (3-1o yrs old), Middle Years Programme or MYP (11-16 yrs old), Diploma Programme (16-19 yrs old) and the Career-related Programme or CP (16-19 yrs old)

  • Assessment criteria:

In IB, this includes internal assessments, coursework and external examinations. While the Diploma Programme culminated with final external examinations, there is a strong emphasis all year round on extended essays and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays

  • Core components:

The Diploma Programme stage is where core components are fostered based on creativity, activity, service (CAS), extended essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). These components nurture the students to aim beyond academic achievements


Cambridge Curriculum:

  • Programmes they offer:

This includes Cambridge Primary (5-11 yrs old), Cambridge Lower Secondary (11-14 yrs old), Cambridge Upper Secondary (14-16 yrs old) and Cambridge Advanced or AS and A Levels (16+ yrs old).

  • Assessment criteria:

These are primarily examination based. Students in this programme take the IGCSEs at the end of the lower secondary and AS & A levels at the end of the upper secondary.

  • Core components:

The choice of subjects is offered to students based on their interests and career aspirations. This allows for specialisation in areas like sciences, humanities, languages or arts.

Can we truly gauge which programme is better - IB or Cambridge?

Both these programmes have long standing acceptance worldwide, with some differences.

Academics-  the rigour and recognition

  • International Baccalaureate diploma is widely regarded for its academic rigour and structured comprehensive assessments that prepare students for broad, balance higher education after

  • Cambridge qualifications (after the A levels) are globally recognised and value deeply for their depth of subject knowledge and strong preparation for further studies at University level


Skill development for life 

  • IB places great emphasis on critical thinking, research skills and cultural sensibility, with the aim to mentor students who are inquirers, knowledge seekers, thinkers, communicators even as they are principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective in their approach to life.

  • Cambridge on the other hand focuses on developing analytical and problem-solving skills through a well structured, exam-focused approach that prepares students for specialised academic and professional paths in their lives beyond school.

Flexibility and Personalisation of their academic experiences at school

  • IB offers a structured and yet all-rounded approach to the academic journey, ideal for students seeking emphasis on personal development along with global awareness

  • Cambridge offers far more flexibility in choice of subjects at an early age, thereby making it suitable for those with clear academic interests and career aspirations


Future readiness comparison between IB and Cambridge programmes

What is the takeaway from this comparative reading between the two curricula?

To be fair to either programme, choosing between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge programmes is wholly dependent on the student’s learning style, personality, approach to learning and academic goals. Both programmes offer excellent opportunities for higher education and future career prospects. 

Understanding what each of them have to offer can go a long way in helping parents make an informed long- reaching decision for their child, one that aligns with their educational aspirations. 

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