Is the HSC or IB right for you?

If both are available are your school, which one should you choose?

First of all, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is the International Baccalaureate Program?

Also known as the (IB) is a two-year internationally recognised course providing student access to tertiary education. A popular alternative to the HSC or VCE, the International Baccalaureate offers a larger range of subjects for students including Global Politics and Psychology.

It prepares students for a more global learning environment since it is recognised by leading universities around the world.

The International Baccalaureate comprises of six subject areas and three core elements (similar to areas of study):

Theory of Knowledge

An interdisciplinary study emphasising the development of critical thinking skills which develops a coherent approach to learning.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

This area of study requires the completion of a project related to these three subjects:

Creativity encourages students to engage in critical thinking, Activity assists in developing a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, and Service to the community showcases a new aspect of learning with academic value.

Extended Essay

An independent, self-directed 4,000 word research piece on a special area of interest – relating to one of the subjects they’re studying. The objective is to develop the skills students are expected to achieve on a tertiary level  such as University.

Subject areas include:

Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts.

What’s the difference between the IB and the HSC?

One of the biggest differences is that the International Baccalaureate is an international qualification. It’s recognised throughout the world and is highly regarded as an entry into tertiary education.

The curriculum and teaching methods are completely different from the HSC with a strong focus on the international perspective. It encourages that students should explore their home culture and language.

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Unlike the HSC, the International Baccalaureate has no internal rankings, which means that your marks aren’t scaled against your peers – the only competition is yourself!

In regards to choosing subjects, the IB demands that students be ‘all-rounders’ and choose subject streams such as Mathematics, Science, Humanities, English and a Language. However, the HSC allows you to choose your strongest subjects (with the exception of English which is compulsory). The International Baccalaureate is more structured with the subjects you must fulfil in order to receive your final mark.

Many consider the International Baccalaureate as strong preparation for global citizenship since the course is varied to that of the HSC, and influenced on a global scale. The International Baccalaureate is also accepted worldwide, so you can easily be accepted if you want to study overseas.

Which one is right for me?

This is a choice only you can make! Keep in mind that the International Baccalaureate is only offered in select private schools in Sydney (at this stage), and this will have to factor in your decisions. Currently, no selective or public schools offer the International Baccalaureate.

If you’re currently in Year 10, we recommend that you weigh up the options and see which teaching curriculum and subjects are better suited to you. Comparing the IB to the HSC is like apples and oranges!

If you’re planning on undertaking the HSC, then you’re in good hands at Talent 100 Education. Offering tuition for Advanced English, Mathematics, Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, Economics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics across our five learning centres in Sydney – as well as online classes offered live via Zoom.

Sign up today for a 2 week free trial by clicking here, or call us for more information on 1300 999 100.