Cambridge vs IB Diploma: Which is Right for my New School

When deciding on a curriculum for a new international school, it is important to carefully consider the strengths and unique features of each program. Two popular options are the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge.

To obtain a Cambridge diploma, one must pass at least three A-level exams from the Languages, Science, and Humanities + Global Perspectives course group. On the other hand, an IB diploma is awarded to students who successfully complete all six courses and the Core program while achieving a total of 24 grade points.

The IB curriculum is well-known for its emphasis on a holistic approach to education, which focuses on developing students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The IB aims to prepare students to become active and lifelong learners, with an emphasis on developing a deep understanding of key concepts and ideas. One of the most prominent features of the IB is its inquiry-based learning approach, which encourages students to become active participants in their education. Students engage in meaningful inquiry by exploring concepts, ideas, and real-world issues, which culminates in a final student-led project. In the Primary Years Programme (PYP), this is known as the Exhibition, while in the Middle Years Programme (MYP), it is the Personal Project. In the Diploma Programme (DP), students undertake an Extended Essay.

Another key feature of the IB is its emphasis on intercultural understanding and global citizenship. The IB encourages students to develop an appreciation of diverse perspectives and to become responsible global citizens. Programs like Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) in the DP and Service as Action in the MYP promote community engagement and the development of skills such as leadership, collaboration, and communication.

While the IB curriculum can be more expensive to implement than other programs, the investment in teacher professional development is significant. The IB offers training opportunities to support teachers in developing their skills in inquiry-based teaching, assessment, and intercultural understanding. Additionally, becoming an IB World School requires a rigorous application and authorization process, which can take up to two years.

The Cambridge curriculum, on the other hand, is known for its academic rigor and focus on subject-specific knowledge. Cambridge programs aim to prepare students for success in higher education, with a focus on developing in-depth knowledge and skills in specific subject areas. The curriculum is flexible, with schools able to choose individual Cambridge programs or the full suite of Cambridge International qualifications.

The Cambridge curriculum includes a range of assessments, with exams that assess students’ mastery of key concepts and ideas. This includes Cambridge Checkpoints in the lower years of the program, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in middle years, and the Cambridge International AS & A Levels in upper years.

The implementation of the Cambridge curriculum is typically faster and less expensive than the IB. There are fees associated with each program, but they are generally lower than those of the IB. Additionally, becoming a Cambridge School is a straightforward process, with no formal authorization required.

Ultimately, the decision between the IB and Cambridge curricula will depend on a school’s goals, values, and priorities. The IB curriculum emphasizes the development of essential skills and attitudes and intercultural understanding. Cambridge, on the other hand, focuses on academic rigor and subject-specific knowledge. Both programs offer unique benefits and challenges, and schools should carefully consider their options before making a decision.