ib

What Is The Difference Between The IB Diploma And A Levels?

Both programmes take equally valid approaches, but focus on different aspects of your education.

The key differences between A Levels and the IB Diploma are:

  • Both studied over 2 years, A Levels comprise of 3 to 4 subjects studied in depth, whereas the IB takes a more holistic approach with 6 subjects.
  • The IB also includes other core components that are a part of the Diploma, such as Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Action Service) activities.
  • A Levels are graded A* to E, with A* being the highest grade, whereas the IB uses a numerical 1-7 grading system, with 7 being the highest.
  • A Level students usually pick 3 or 4 subjects, and can choose any combination of subjects on offer, though their choices usually depend on the subject group combinations offered by their respective school. In the IBDP, however, taking Mathematics & a Language are mandatory.
  • As such, it’s not a question of which is better, but which is best for your learning style, and your study choices at degree level.
  • The best path for a student largely depends on their individual personality and needs.

For more information, please visit the IB website.

The
DP
Core

CAS

CAS focuses on holistic learning beyond traditional classroom settings. It encourages students to participate in various activities, such as art, sports, and community service, fostering creativity, physical well-being & social responsibility.

Theory
of
Know-
ledge

By engaging in thought-provoking discussions and activities, students develop their analytical and evaluative skills, cultivating a deeper understanding of the complexities of knowledge and its application in various contexts.

Extended Essay

The Extended Essay is a unique opportunity for IBDP students to independently research and write a 4000 word essay on a topic of their choice. It offers them a chance to delve deeply into a subject of personal interest, fostering critical thinking & research skills. The EE enables students to develop their own academic voice and prepare for the challenges of higher education.

Progress & Reporting

JTI's dedicated team vigilantly tracks your academic and co-curricular progress, ensuring that you advance as expected and receive necessary support and guidance when required.

The dynamics of interactions between teaching staff and JTI students are firmly rooted in camaraderie, fostering mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to academic excellence. Rather than offering ready-made solutions, teachers utilize thoughtful questioning to help students identify and resolve their own challenges. This philosophy is fundamental to nurturing independent learning and coping skills in each student.

From an academic standpoint, both the administration and teaching staff meticulously monitor students' progress. Regular communication with parents occurs if any issues arise. Each report includes comments from teachers and a class average grade, indicating whether a student is on track to meet, exceed, or fall short of their target examination grade in each subject. This system empowers you to reflect on and discuss your progress across all subjects, set targets for future development when necessary, and actively participate in your educational journey. Progress in each class is accessible on ManageBac, a platform utilized for both IGCSE and DP.

Furthermore, unlike other schools, we employ a unique grading system: 50% weightage to exams, and 50% weightage to all internal coursework including tests and assignments. This approach ensures that you don't perceive school as merely a tuition academy but actively engage in your education. For us, the process is as important as the destination.

Inclusion & Academic Support
ibd
At JTI, we are committed to ensuring the success of all our students.

Aligned with our IB Access and Inclusion policy, our student body is highly diverse and we maintain a high level of economic, ethnic and occupational diversity of parents as well as a gender balance in (DP) classrooms.

As far as academic support goes, from the point of entry, every student is monitored and assessed. When an academic challenge arises for one of our students, our first course of action is differentiated teaching, which not only guides teachers in implementing the best support practices, but also determine whether further assessments are required for applying any necessary Access Arrangements.

Our support strategies encompass various aspects and include subject-specific assistance, planning & organizational guidance, revision aid, and customized examination arrangements. Whether through one on one sessions or small group settings, we tailor our support to the individual needs of our students.

In collaboration with our Head of school and Programme Director, our in house psychologists facilitate cases where external referrals and medical assessments are required. This collaborative approach ensures effective communication with parents, allowing for an active and informed role in providing necessary provisions. While the costs of assessments are covered by parents, our overarching goal remains to foster an inclusive environment that empowers every student to thrive.

Examination Results

JTI is a highly academic school that prides itself on the breadth and depth of its curriculum, the excellence of its teaching staff and its clear focus on equipping students with the skills to become life-long independent learners.

Academic life is at the forefront and centre of every JTI experience; it is the foundation on which all else is built. As you would expect, exam results this year were excellent and we are confident they will continue to be just as great in years to come!

In 2025, at IGCSE a great majority of our cohort achieved the coveted “high achiever” status.





Expanding Horizons: Introducing Anthropology and Film in Our IB Diploma Programme!

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Anthropology and Film to our IB Diploma Programme curriculum. These exciting new offerings represent a significant expansion of our academic offerings and provide students with unique opportunities to explore diverse perspectives and engage with complex social and cultural issues. We believe that the addition of Anthropology and Film to our curriculum will enrich the educational experience of our students and better prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world. We are excited to see the impact of these new subjects on our students' intellectual growth, cultural awareness, and passion for learning.

Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures. Through the study of anthropology, students will develop a deep understanding of the diversity of human experiences and the interconnectedness of global societies. By examining cultural practices, social structures, and belief systems, students will gain valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the dynamics of cultural change.

Film is a powerful medium for storytelling, communication, and artistic expression. In our DP Film course, students will explore the art, history, and techniques of filmmaking, as well as the social and cultural significance of cinema. Through hands-on projects and critical analysis of cinematic works, students will develop their creative and analytical skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

Grading & Assessment

  • Students take written examinations at the end of the programme which are marked by external IB examiners
  • Students also complete assessment tasks in the school which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners
  • The Diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in creativity, activity, service requirements
  • The highest total that a DP student can be awarded is 45 points
  • Assessment is criterion-related, which means student performance is measured against specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject’s curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations
  • The range of scores that students have attained remains statistically stable, and universities value the rigour and consistency of Diploma Programme assessment practice
Each of the
06
subjects
x
is graded out of
07
 
+
The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are combined to give up to
03
core points
=
The maximum score is therefore
45
points

Digital Learning at JTI: Leading the Way in Lahore

We take pride in being pioneers of digital learning in Lahore. Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience is reflected in our strategic use of cutting-edge technologies. With a robust digital infrastructure comprising of Managebac, Kognity, Microsoft Teams, IXL, MyMaths, and Turnitin, we offer students a comprehensive and dynamic learning environment. What also sets us apart is our in-house Learning Management System (LMS) and a dedicated Programmer who customizes coding according to our needs, ensuring a tailored and innovative approach to digital education. Our significant investment in software and digital platforms speaks volumes about our dedication to providing the best possible resources for our students, enabling them to engage deeply with their learning.

Our emphasis is on creating a holistic learning experience that integrates the benefits of technology while continuing to cherish the importance of traditional methods. Individual student timetables and calendars, a common sight in our International Section, not only keep students organized but also add a touch of warmth to our community. The frequent sharing and perusing of each other's calendars for scheduling meetings reflect our collaborative and interactive spirit, fostering a lively and engaging educational atmosphere.

ibd

Diagram of the six subject groups and the subjects we are offering:

Studies in Language & Literature
English A: Language & Lit erature
Urdu Literature
Language Acquisition
French Ab Initio (French for Beginners)
English B
Individuals & Societies
History
Economics
Social & Cultural Anthropology
Business Management
Psychology
Environmental Systems & Societies
Digital Society
Sciences
Physics
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Systems & Societies
Mathematics
Maths: Applications & Interpretations
Maths: Analysis & Approaches
The Arts
Film
Visual Arts