I have to enroll my son in a Swiss college (last 2 years of highschool). Can anybody advice what are the pros and cons of the two systems?
Thank you!

Our sons in international school in Japan did the IGCSEs first, almost as an exercise, and then did the IB. I think that main issue is probably that of how widely recognised they both are. The IB is widely recognised, probably more so than IGCSEs. But you should research this based on where your son is most likely to want to do his post-secondary education, if that is the plan.

Maybe things have changed but in my time it was not a question of 1 or the other but rather, one first did IGCSE and then IB?

Normally we did IGCSE at about 16 (end of 11th grade) and then IB (end of 13th grade).

IGCSE was presented as equivalent (in terms of final qualfication) as 0 level
IB as A level

Different now?

I am an IB diploma holder. Hated/loved every minute of it.

Very demanding program when I was in Highschool. but met very likeminded people that remain my closest friends to this day.

IGCSE is 14-16, IB is post-16. IB schools might also offer the MYP (Middle Year Programme, for 14-16).

The IB is an all encompassing description for what is three different programs.

PYP for primary aged children.
MYP for middle school to IGCSE level.
IBDP for the diploma program, post 16 education.

I presume you are comparing MYP with IGCSE. I teach IGCSE and IBDP but I have never taught the MYP, but based on my experience of teaching students who have done both to enter the IBDP, it doesn't make much difference.

IGCSEs are more difficult than UK GCSEs so do not compare them to those.

As already indicated IGCSE's are roughly the same as the old O level/ UK GCSE and are taken at about age 16.

IGCSE is a two year programme normally covering grades 9 and 10 before going on to IB in grades 11 and 12.

IB is an alternative to A levels and is generally regarded as a much more demanding course.

Best advice is to talk with the schools and ask them what they recommend for your son taking account of his school and study background to date.

I agree with Tuborg, The IB is a term used to encompass three different programmes: The PYP, MYP and IBDP.

If your son is in the last two years of school it is likely he will be enroled onto the IB Diploma programme and therefore won't have the option to take IGCSEs.

It is usually in years 9 & 10 that you may have to decide between IGCEs and MYP. In this case I would suggest that the pros & cons would depend on where your son is likely to apply to university. If it is he UK, and you have the choice, he may be better off taking IGCSEs. Universities in the UK make offers based primarily on the student's IGCSE / GCSE profile & their IB predicted grade at the end of year 11. Although MYP is recognised it is much less widely taught than IGCSEs and the universities are therefore much less familiar with the grading system.

Thanks a lot to all of you for your help! Given that he is already 16y.o., there is no way he can do the IGCSE anymore, but only the IB. Ideally he would like to go study in UK after highschool, I do hope he will be able to get there with IB only.

I teach in an IB school and have a lot of experience of kids applying to both the UK and the US.

IF there is a specific issue you want to know about then just PM me and I will help as best I can.

If I can set your mind at ease about one thing it is this: The IB will in no shape or form hinder your sons acceptance at a UK university.

Hi, good to know you teach in an IB school. My child is very good academically . She has her heart set on getting into any of the Ivy League universities in the US. Kindly let me know which is the best IB school in Switzerland, with day student facility also. This should be a school with a good track record of having had students admitted into the above mentioned universities, including Stanford. She is currently in Grade 8 . Kindly send me a PM this would be highly appreciated. As a parent I am deeply concerned , since the child herself is so keen.
Thanks,
Kruti

Kruti - We have same situation as you - my son is doing IGCSE now and will complete 2012 and plan to go for IB. in India - we found a school named Navrachna in baroda which have studnets admitted in Stanford last year. If possible please contact [per PM] to share the knowledge on how to get admission in IVY Thank you for your time.