GCSEs vs IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)

Jennifer Montague, IBMYP Coordinator at ACS International School Egham, discusses the core differences between traditional GCSE’s and the IBMYP programme.

Are National Exams Still Relevant?

The value of national exams are beginning to be questioned both in the UK and other countries around the world. Key to the debate is the relevance of national exams in preparing students for the future and predicting academic achievement, with some exam systems already being revised or scrapped altogether.

National exams have long been criticised for a variety of reasons, with many arguing that they are no longer relevant in an increasingly digital world. They place an unfortunate emphasis on rote learning over critical and creative thinking and are not reflective of students’ diverse interests, skills and learning styles.

Shifting the Focus to Big Ideas

At ACS International School Egham, our students aged 11-16 years old participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), which shifts from memorisation of knowledge to focusing on the big ideas and how to apply learning to real-life situations, nurturing students who are creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The framework nurtures students’ passion for learning for learning’s sake.

Preparing students for the 21st century

As today’s parents make decisions about which type of education is best for their child, an understanding of the British curriculum is important. Fundamentally little has changed about GCSEs since they were first introduced in 1986, which means that students are often preparing for an already antiquated examination system. The pace at which today’s world evolves also means that they may be learning outdated knowledge and skills.

Previously unimagined job roles are emerging every day, and once important academic skills – such as structuring an essay – may no longer be as valuable to students as they once were. The ability to harness technology and apply critical thinking and knowledge to a situation is not only a valuable skill for the future world of work, but has now become a fundamental part of everyday life.

When students ask the question, “Why do we have to learn this?” “Because it will be on the test,” is no longer a good enough argument. Students must understand why their learning is relevant and connected. By focusing on conceptual learning, students in the IBMYP understand the purpose of what they are learning.

Empowering Students Through Autonomy

Another important aspect of the IBMYP is student autonomy and agency: lessons are an exchange between students and a teacher. This heightens students’ engagement in their studies, where they are encouraged and supported in developing their own questions, conducting independent research topics, and presenting their learnings in the format that best suits them in formats that go beyond just writing.

The IBMYP offers meaningful assessment

Assessment is a fact of life in education – the challenge is to make that assessment meaningful and valuable. The final year of GCSEs sees students pack two years’ worth of knowledge into one intensive exam period, which essentially assesses a young person’s ability to recall facts. The weight placed by universities on GCSE exam results also means that one single exam has the potential to define a young person’s future at the age of just 16.

By contrast, the IBMYP consists of a variety of ongoing assessment techniques, which teachers continuously adapt in their day-to-day teaching according to how students are progressing. As a result, teachers have a better and more holistic understanding of students’ overall progress.

For those students needing a more formal qualification at the end of secondary school, IBMYP students can participate in the eAssessments, which, like the IBMYP, are focused on concepts, inquiry, and authentic real life applications. The British system requires students to pass maths and English at 16, and both the government and universities across the UK recognise the IBMYP eAssessment in lieu of GCSEs. Research has also shown that students participating in the IBMYP outperform non-IB students in key academic skills including maths and reading.

IBMYP or GCSEs? Which will get you further?

In short, at ACS Egham, we believe that the IBMYP not only prepares students better for future education and employment, but as genuine lifelong learners. The IBMYP offers a genuine academic alternative that opens the door to many opportunities for students around the world. The forward thinking and global relevance of the IBMYP helps to nurture resilient, internationally minded young people who are ready to face the future – whatever that looks like.