Ecctis
The International Baccalaureate (IB) commissioned Ecctis to conduct a comparative analysis of the mathematics assessments in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). In addition to Level 3 qualifications, such as A levels and the DP, universities in the United Kingdom (UK) sometimes require a Level 2 qualification in mathematics, such as the GCSE or Middle Years Programme (MYP). However, many DP students do not hold a GCSE or MYP qualification. This makes it important for UK higher education institutions to understand how mathematics achievement in the DP compares to that of the GCSE. To support this aim, the researchers conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of the syllabus content, assessment objectives, examination papers, markschemes and grade descriptors, with a focus on grade comparison. The study examined both tiers of the GCSE (foundation and higher) and all subjects and levels offered in DP mathematics. Based on this analysis, the researchers concluded that a DP mathematics grade 2 (for either standard level or higher level) demonstrates a level of mathematics achievement that is sufficient to meet the requirements of the GCSE grades examined in this study (4–6).
Grade comparison summary (PDF, 401 KB)
