Is NCEA better than IB

Answer 1

It depends on the subjects you want to do and which university and in what country you want to study in.

As you probably know every student has to do NCEA level 1.

NCEA:

It offers a wide range of subjects and is very

flexible

It is recognised overseas

NCEA qualifies you for University Entrance

around the world provided you get the

required number of credits

Most New Zealand students do NCEA

• Everyone can enter for NCEA

• Students collect credits for assessment completed in

each subject area

• There is a mix of internal (tests and assignments

done in class and external(examinations)assessment

• It is completed in Yr 11, 12 and 13 (Level 1, 2 and 3)

• The subject range is huge including subjects not

offered in IB ‐ Agriculture, Tourism, Wood/Metal,

Dance, Drama, Food/Fabric Technology etc.

IB:

It is an international qualification offered in over 138

countries around the world

Over 752,000 students are involved in IB Diploma

programmes

An IB Diploma will allow you to attend any university

in New Zealand and across the globe

The qualification is highly regarded world wide

The diploma includes New Zealand content whilst

also focusing on being internationally minded

Students studying for the Diploma take 6 subjects for

two years from across the curriculum

The Diploma has three additional parts - the theory

of knowledge course (TOK), creativity, action and

service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE) - all of

these parts count towards your Diploma

The range of subjects offered is smaller

Subjects offered in IB

• English

• French (for those with experience) Spanish (for

beginners), Japanese

• Geography, History, Business and Management,

Economics

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics

• Mathematics (three different levels to suit your needs)

• Music

• Visual Art

• Theory of Knowledge (compulsory)

• CAS (compulsory)

• Extended essay (compulsory)

What type of student might

choose IB?

• A student of average or above average ability

• A student with good results in Year 11

• A student who enjoys learning and is self motivated

• A student who wants a challenge and an experience

beyond just studying 'subjects'

• Admission to the IB programme is not automatic -

you must complete an application form and have an interview.

What type of student might

choose NCEA

• Someone who wants to take subjects not available in

the IB Diploma e.g. agriculture, food/fabrics, tourism,

metal/wood, drama, equine

• A student who has huge commitments outside of

school like a national sporting representative (although

this type of student has often been very successful in the IB programme)

• A student who needs to work hard on organisation

and self motivation

• A student who likes the flexibility of the NCEA system

he most important message

• Think about what type of learner you are

• Talk to as many people as possible to get a

balanced view of NCEA and the IB Diploma

but make sure you also talk to those who

have the detailed information (Mr Porter and

Mrs Earl)

• Carefully choose the pathway most suited to your needs

Hope this helps.