Discussion on the choice between GCE A-Level & IB Diploma

KT-mom

very interesting indeed.  as a parent newly joining an ESF, I didn't notice there is alternative to IB.

pls do send me the link on the discussion.  Thanks.

wskwok

wskwok

Hi christf,

I would certainly opt for A-level in GSIS.

wskwok

Hi christf,

I can't agree with you more.  Nowadays,  the curriculum of IB becomes the selling point for most of the ISs and new independence schools.  Even most of the parents also look for IB curriculum as their criteria for selecting schools for their children. (No offence to those who opt for IB).

After attending a lot of talks/forums about the IB curriculum, I can't persuade myself to opt for IB without figuring out a single strong point of IB is better than the present system.  In my opinion, the IB curriculum is not really suitable to the environment of Hong Kong.

Kycmc

To me, Mary Peart's paper is more a "defense of status quo".  

A more objective and balanced anaysis of the pros, cons and comparative advantages of IB and A-level will be more helpful to parents' making an informed choice.

I want to prepare my child not only for entrance to University but also for life. For this single reason, I am in favour of IB.

Kycmc

I said "my child", not  "a child". I have my own way of seeing the future of my child, which may or may not be shared by other parents.

There is no absolute right or wrong, just a matter of personal choice. There is more to life than academic achievements or a successful career. At least that's the way I see it.

When it comes to a big change to an existing system, there is bound to be resistance, for good reasons or not. Parents should make sure that they are provided with full information and understand the underlying implications.

xenonlit

I agree with Kycmc.

It appears (to me) that you try to hinder parents from choosing IB. IB may not be the only way to “prepare a child for life”, but I do not think it cannot, so why reject it. Besides, one main difference between IB and GCE/GCSE is that the subjects of IB are transdisciplinary. On the other hand, I have seen students under traditional system who specialize or good at a few subjects but know nothing else.

Kycmc

I know of a friend teaching in an IS. She appreciates very much the strengths of IB but she voted no on adopting IB in her school. Why? Because she doesn't want to learn a new trade at her age ( late 40)! Academic decisions are sometimes driven by non-academic considerations.

As long as a parent is satisfied that he/she has got hold of all the information and his/her choice is a well-informed one and good for his/her child, that's good enough, be it A-Level or IB.

Xenonlit pointed out a unique feature of  IB  -- the interconnectivity of subjects. Compared with traditional curricula, where subjects are taught in isolation, IB better prepares students to appreciate the complexities of the real world.

Kycmc

Nice to have an exchange with people having different opinons, but very tiring indeed to deal with those who are hostile to dissenting views Tat least that's how they sound to me)

BK Forum is a good training ground for me to learn to be patient and tolerant, which is quite contrary to my nature.

Naoko

chrisf,

This is not the first time that, after you made your choice, you are criticising all other alternatives.  Well, may be "criticising" is too strong a word, but you really gave me this impression.

Like you said, you probably have no such intention, but every time I read your posts, I have a feeling that you are trying to persuade everyone to believe in what you are believing in. This time, you message is clear: IB is no good.

I appreciate your choice of school, your choice of syllabus. Afterall, the child is your son and you must know him best to make a choice.

But no 2 lives are the same. There are simply no unique solution that can benefit every single person.

I am sure that there must be limitations or disadvantages in IB like you said. But at the same time, there are probably the same "quantity" of limitations or disadvantages in other syllabus.

Like Kycmc said, as long as parents can get enough factual information, I am sure they can make the right choice.

BTW, I do enjoy reading your posts and thanks for sharing.