How the IB prepares young people for the workplace

As a parent, it’s natural to worry about your child’s future, especially when it comes to making important decisions about their education. However, the UK’s A-Level system may not be offering the flexibility young people need to fully prepare for the future. At the age of 15, no child truly knows where they will be in 15 years, yet they are asked to choose only three A-Level subjects – a decision that could shape the course of their life. This narrow focus is restricting their opportunities, potentially closing doors and forcing them down limited pathways.

The High-Stakes Nature of Choosing A-Levels

For many students, the transition from GCSEs to A-Levels feels like the first major decision that could influence their career. The stakes are high as young people are forced to make choices that impact their future without fully understanding the implications. As a parent, it can be distressing to watch them try to navigate this pressure, knowing that this decision may not fully reflect their potential or interests.

In reality, the world of work requires a wide range of skills that go far beyond what’s covered in just three A-Level subjects. No matter what career your child pursues, they will need to develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. For example, even a brilliant scientist may struggle to secure funding or effectively communicate their research without the interpersonal and presentation skills that studying literature or drama can provide.

The Limitations of the UK’s Narrow Approach to Post-16 Education

When students choose just three A-Level subjects, the education system is narrowing their future opportunities. The traditional three-subject approach doesn’t allow them to explore a broader range of disciplines, which could help them become well-rounded individuals. They may excel in one subject but miss out on important learning in others – limiting their ability to think critically across multiple fields.

Take, for instance, the case of aspiring doctors. While it’s essential for medical students to have studied three sciences at A-Level, it’s equally important that they are equipped with empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence. These are the skills that can be gained through the study of literature or drama, helping future doctors better relate to their patients and provide holistic care. Without these additional capabilities, your child may excel in their field but struggle with the softer skills necessary for success in the workplace.

The Need for a Broad, Flexible Curriculum

So why are we limiting our children to just three subjects at A-Level? With the demands of the future workforce requiring a diverse range of abilities, it’s clear that we need to move beyond this rigid system. The solution lies in giving students the freedom to explore multiple areas of knowledge and develop a broader skill set.

One option for achieving this is through the ACS High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP). These approaches require students to gain credits across a variety of subjects, ensuring that they are well-prepared for any career path they choose. For example, in the IB’s DP, students study six subjects over two years – three at higher level and three at standard level – covering everything from languages and literature to mathematics, science, and the arts. This allows your child to develop a wide range of skills, from creativity to analytical thinking, that will serve them throughout their life.

How the IB Prepares Students for University and Beyond

The IB is designed to produce well-rounded individuals who are ready for the world of university and work. In addition to studying six subjects, IB students must complete an extended essay, take a course on the ‘Theory of Knowledge’ to understand how they acquire knowledge, and participate in a community-focused project. These components ensure that students don’t just master academic content but also develop critical life skills.

It’s no surprise that research conducted by ACS over 12 years shows that the IB consistently ranks as the qualification that best prepares students for university. IB students are armed with a solid academic foundation and a portfolio of projects that demonstrate their preparedness. For instance, their extended essay – an in-depth, 3,000-word research paper on an ethical issue – helps them stand out in university interviews, showcasing their ability to think critically and engage with complex ideas.

The Case for AP Courses

Another option worth considering is the Advanced Placement (AP) programme, which provides students with the flexibility to focus on fewer subjects in greater depth. Unlike A-Levels, AP courses are completed in just one year, giving students a clear sense of their academic strengths and areas for improvement. AP students quickly build up UCAS points, and their results often surpass those of A-Level students in terms of both breadth and depth.

The Future of Education: A Holistic Approach

In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s essential that our children are given every opportunity to succeed. By limiting students to just three A-Level subjects, we are not preparing them for the complexity of the world they will enter. Schools and colleges across the UK are beginning to recognise the need for a more flexible and broad curriculum. Many are complementing A-Level study with additional courses or embracing alternative educational frameworks like the IB or AP.

For your child to reach their full potential, they need an education that allows them to explore a variety of disciplines and develop the wide-ranging skills that today’s workforce demands. Moving beyond the constraints of three A-Level subjects and embracing a more diverse curriculum will ensure that your child is equipped with the tools they need to thrive in the future.

Conclusion: Broadening Your Child’s Horizons

As a parent, it’s essential to consider not just the academic requirements of today but also the broader skills your child will need for tomorrow. The future workforce will require employees who are adaptable, creative, and able to think critically across multiple disciplines. By advocating for a more flexible approach to education – one that fosters a wider range of skills and experiences – you’ll be setting your child up for success in both their career and life.

IB vs A-Level, which will get you further?

Barny Sandow, (Former) Head of School ACS Cobham