The IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) programmes are designed to prepare high school students for university admission.
IB is an international programme that offers the study of six subjects at two levels: standard and advanced. Find out the details about the IB programme – https://bismoscow.com/news/blog/international-baccalaureate-ib-diploma/
The aim of the IB is to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills necessary for life, study and work in the modern world. During the learning process, children study literature, mathematics, natural sciences and humanities, information technology and design, as well as physical training.
Upon completion of each programme, people receive an official document (diploma or certificate) confirming their educational level and giving them the right to continue their studies or get a job in any country in the world.
AP is a pre—university course developed in North America that includes a selection of 37 subjects to study at the university level. Students have the opportunity to choose several subjects for in-depth study, giving preference to disciplines related to their future specialty.
At the end of their studies, students take exams, although this is not a mandatory option. The study of specialized subjects of the university programme corresponding to 1-2 semesters.
Both programmes allow high school pupils to complete advanced coursework and take exams, the results of which are recognized by many universities around the world.
Programme Structure
AP offers customized subject-based courses that allow students to focus on specific areas of greatest interest to them. At the end of the programme, students take exams, the results of which can be counted towards admission to college.
The IB offers a two-year diploma programme that includes a set of compulsory courses in various subject groups such as humanities, natural sciences, foreign languages and mathematics. In addition, students can choose elective classes within these groups.
Thus, speaking difference between AP and IB, both programmes provide an opportunity for students to study in-depth the subjects they are interested in and prepare for university admission. The choice between AP and IB depends on the individual preferences of the student and the requirements of the chosen college or university.
Focus and Goals
The second IB and AP difference is their goals.
AP is a programme focused on advanced study of subjects and exam preparation in accordance with college curricula. It offers high school pupils the opportunity to choose one or more subjects to study at the university level. AP exams are not mandatory, but their successful completion provides benefits for admission to 90% of universities in the United States and Canada, as well as the United Kingdom and other 50 countries.
IB is focused on the development of critical thinking, communication and research skills in various disciplines. It offers the study of 6 disciplines: 3 at the standard level and 3 at the advanced level. High school students should also actively participate in social life, develop creative and athletic potential, engage in volunteer work and write essays.
Both programmes are aimed at preparing students for successful studies in higher education institutions and help them make an informed choice of their future specialty.
Benefits and Considerations
AP:
- Potential College Credit: the opportunity to get credit for a certain subject in college without having to study it beforehand;
- preparation for university admission: intensive study of subjects necessary For successful admission and further study at the university;
- Course selection: Providing people with a wide range of courses to choose from that suit their interests and goals;
- The combination of the advantages of both programmes: the opportunity to use the advantages of both programmes to create an individual educational path that meets the personal goals and preferences of the person.
IB:
- Сomprehensive education: obtaining in-depth knowledge and skills in various fields such as humanities, exact sciences and foreign languages;
- Preparation for international universities: ensuring a high level of preparation for admission and successful study at prestigious universities around the world;
- Course selection: Giving students the opportunity to choose courses that suit their interests and goals;
Despite the difference between AP and IB classes, it is worth considering the combination of advantages of both variants.
The combination of these two programmes allows students to create an individual educational trajectory that takes into account their personal goals, interests and abilities. They can choose the subjects that best suit their future profession and gain the necessary skills to successfully study at a higher education institution.
Thus, using the advantages of AP and IB allows teenagers to create a unique educational trajectory that will help them achieve their goals and become successful in their chosen profession.
In conclusion, we can say that the difference between IB and American curriculum lies in the approach to learning and the structure of educational programmes. AP offers more specialized and intensive courses focused on preparing for admission to US colleges and universities, whilst IB provides a wider range of subjects and an interdisciplinary approach aimed at developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Both approaches have their advantages and can be adapted according to the individual needs and goals.