For You Education organised a seminar at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on comparing IB/GCE A Level and HKDSE Courses. The seminar aimed to help students and parents to understand the features and benefits of different Courses. They can make the most appropriate choices for their future learning pathways.
Subject Selection
IBDP: The IBDP requires students to choose subjects from six academic areas, including Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. Students must select three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. In addition to academic learning, the IB emphasizes the core components of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), which help develop students' comprehensive skills and social responsibility.
GCE A Level: The GCE A Level courses offers a wide range of subjects. Students typically select three to four subjects for in-depth study. The course is divided into two stages: AS and A2. Students usually study a broader range of subjects at the AS level and focus on three to four subjects at the A2 level. A Levels are known for their specialization and depth, making them suitable for students with a strong interest in specific subjects who wish to explore them further.
HKDSE: The HKDSE includes four core subjects: Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics, and Citizenship and Social Development, along with two to four elective subjects. The elective subjects cover a broad range of areas, including sciences, humanities, business, and technology. This setup allows students to gain comprehensive knowledge across various academic fields.
Assessment Structure
IBDP: Assessment in the IBDP includes internal assessments and external exams. Internal assessments usually account for 15-25% of the final grade and include coursework and records of CAS activities. External exams account for 75-85%, covering all contents learnt in the last two years. This comprehensive assessment approach provides a holistic evaluation of student's academic achievements and practical abilities.
GCE A Level: Assessment in the GCE A Level course primarily relies on external exams, with the AS and A2 stages each contributing 50% to the final grade. This assessment method focuses on testing students' deep understanding and analytical skills in the subjects studied.
HKDSE: The HKDSE primarily uses public exams for assessment, with some subjects incorporating School-Based Assessment (SBA), such as Chinese Language and English Language. The SBA aims to evaluate students' continuous performance, while the public exams focus on a comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge.
Which would suit you the best
IBDP: Ideal for creative students, who enjoy interdisciplinary learning, and have good self-management skills. The IBDP not only values academic abilities but also emphasizes social responsibility and a global perspective.
GCE A Level: Suitable for students with a strong interest in specific subjects and who wish to delve deeply into those areas. The GCE A Level course offers a high level of specialization, allowing students to focus on a few subjects.
HKDSE: Best for students who wish to pursue further studies in Hong Kong and plan to apply to local universities. The HKDSE provides diverse subject options, enabling students to choose courses that align with their interests and abilities.
This seminar successfully provided valuable information to students and parents, aiding them in making more informed decisions when choosing their educational paths. For You Education will continue to provide high-quality educational services to help students achieve their academic and personal growth goals.
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