At GSIS, students have access to a variety of academic pathways that cater to their aspirations, whether they aim for universities in the UK, US, or elsewhere. Here’s an overview of the curriculum options and their significance:
Curriculum Pathways at GSIS
- Indian School Certificate (ISC):
- Grades: 11-12
- Focus: A blend of academic rigor with cultural relevance.
- Ideal for: Students planning to study in India or globally, with a robust foundation in traditional and contemporary subjects.
- Recognized globally, especially in countries valuing detailed subject mastery.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP):
- Grades: 11-12
- Focus: Interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and international-mindedness.
- Ideal for: Students targeting US, UK, Canada, or other global universities.
- Known for holistic preparation, including research and creativity components.
Misconceptions Clarified
- “A Levels are better for UK universities.”
- UK universities accept IBDP, A Levels, and ISC. While A Levels are traditionally associated with the UK, universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and UCL equally value the IB for its broad skill development. Please feel free to read more about IBDP acceptance in the UK at https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/recognition/pdfs/dp-uk-higher-education-brief-eng.pdf
- “IBDP lacks depth compared to ISC or A Levels.”
- IBDP emphasizes depth and breadth, requiring students to specialize in certain areas while fostering interdisciplinary skills. It prepares students for global challenges, including at competitive universities in the US, UK and elsewhere in the world. Please refer to a detailed guide and research provided here by International Baccalaureate.
Key Differences Between ISC, IBDP, and A Levels
| Aspect | ISC | IBDP | A Levels |
| Subjects | Stream-wise Approach | Flexible and interdisciplinary | Specialized (3-4 subjects) |
| Assessment | External exams | Continuous assessment + exams | Predominantly external exams |
| Focus | Detailed subject mastery | Holistic education, research | Subject-specific depth |
| University Fit | Versatile globally | Strong for global applications | Particularly for UK and selective US universities |
| Updates | Traditional yet making updates to be more relevant | Updates every 7 yrs. Is ahead of the time to prepare students better | Is subject focused and updates mostly deal with increasing the depth of learning. |
Relevance to University Admissions
- US Universities: Value IBDP for its emphasis on well-rounded education and extracurricular involvement. A Levels and ISC are also accepted but may need supplementary materials like SAT/ACT scores.
- UK Universities: Accept all three, but A Levels and IBDP are more common due to alignment with British education systems.
- Global Fit: ISC provides an excellent foundation for Indian and international admissions, especially with a strong academic record and co-curricular activities.
Conclusion
Each curriculum at GSIS is tailored to different goals. ISC is ideal for students preferring structured, exam-focused learning. IBDP is suited for those seeking versatility and global preparedness. A Levels are perfect for students aiming for subject specialization.
Parents and students should consider career goals, learning preferences, and target universities when choosing a curriculum. For detailed guidance, the GSIS counseling team can help align student strengths with university aspirations.
