Introduction

When families in Zurich explore international school options, one of the most common questions is: Should we choose the British curriculum or the International Baccalaureate (IB)? Both are globally respected, academically rigorous, and accepted by top universities around the world. But they differ in structure, subject focus, assessment style, and what kind of student they’re best suited for.

At the International School Zurich North (ISZN), we offer the British curriculum, guiding students through the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Grades 9 and 10, followed by Advanced Level qualifications (A-Levels) in Grades 11 and 12.

In this article—developed in collaboration with James Stenning, Executive Principal of ISZN and Four Forest International Bilingual Schools—we break down how this compares to the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), helping you decide which pathway best fits your child’s learning style and goals.

Curriculum Design: Specialisation vs. Breadth

The British curriculum at ISZN follows a clearly defined, two-stage model:

  • IGCSE (Grades 9–10): Students typically study 7–8 subjects with structured syllabi and formal exams.
  • A-Levels (Grades 11–12): Students specialise in 3–4 subjects studied in depth, aligned with their interests and future goals.

The IB pathway consists of:

  • MYP (Grades 6–10): A broad, interdisciplinary framework covering eight subject areas with an emphasis on conceptual understanding and real-world application.
  • IBDP (Grades 11–12): Students study six subjects (three at higher level, three at standard level) and complete three core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Key Differences:

  • The British curriculum allows students to specialise earlier, offering depth and alignment with university-style learning.
  • The IB programme promotes balance across disciplines, ideal for students who enjoy variety and working across multiple subject areas.
  • IB students are expected to integrate ideas across fields, while British curriculum students build subject-specific expertise.

Assessment: Exams vs. Coursework

In the British system:

  • IGCSE and A-Level subjects are assessed primarily through externally marked final exams.
  • Mock exams, revision support, and structured feedback are used throughout the year to prepare students for exam success.

In the IB system:

  • The MYP relies heavily on teacher-assessed coursework and culminates in a Personal Project in Grade 10.
  • The IBDP includes a combination of final exams and internal assessments, including essays, oral presentations, and scientific investigations.

Who thrives where:

  • The British system is ideal for students who excel in structured exam environments and benefit from a clear, focused approach.
  • The IB suits students who are independent, self-managed learners who can handle sustained coursework and a broader academic load.

James Stenning explains:

“The British curriculum is excellent for students who prefer structure and clarity. It gives them the ability to focus deeply and perform with confidence in final exams, which aligns closely with most university expectations.”

University Recognition and Global Access

Both A-Levels and the IBDP are widely accepted by universities across the world, including the UK, Switzerland, the US, Canada, Australia, and Asia.

A-Levels:

  • Highly regarded for academic depth and subject mastery
  • Commonly required: 3 A-Level grades of A–B, plus five IGCSE passes
  • Recognised by ETH Zurich and other top Swiss universities

IB Diploma:

  • Requires at least 32 points for most Swiss universities
  • Students must study a broad mix of subjects including two languages, mathematics, and a science

ISZN also offers the International Project Qualification (IPQ) to all students in Grade 11. This extended research project strengthens students’ critical thinking, academic writing, and time management—key university-level skills.

Student Fit: Who Benefits Most?

The British curriculum is a strong fit for students who:

  • Have a clear interest in specific subjects
  • Prefer to focus on fewer topics in greater depth
  • Work well with structured content and exam-based assessment

The IB pathway is ideal for students who:

  • Are all-rounders and enjoy balancing six subjects
  • Thrive on self-directed inquiry and interdisciplinary thinking
  • Can manage a consistently high workload across varied areas

“Both systems are rigorous,” says Stenning, “but they suit different learning profiles. At ISZN, we’ve designed our British curriculum to help focused, motivated students build mastery and confidence for university success.”

Learning Environment at ISZN

ISZN supports student success through:

  • Small class sizes, with an average of around 15 students during the IGCSE years and even smaller groups—typically 7 to 8 students—in A-Level subject classes, allowing for highly personalised learning.
  • Academic mentoring, exam preparation, and subject guidance
  • Pastoral care, wellbeing programmes, and support for diverse learning needs
  • Co-curricular opportunities in sport, music, arts, student leadership, and global citizenship

Students benefit from an environment that balances academic challenge with holistic personal development—within a supportive, internationally minded school culture.

A Note for Local Families

While most comparisons focus on international families choosing between curriculum options, it’s important to note that the British curriculum is also a strong alternative for local Swiss families seeking a different path than the public school system. At ISZN:

  • Instruction is in English, with strong support in German and other languages
  • Students graduate with globally recognised qualifications that open doors to top universities worldwide
  • Families benefit from smaller classes, a more flexible subject offering, and a holistic approach to education

This makes ISZN an excellent fit for Swiss families interested in international education, bilingual development, or global university access.

Final Thoughts

Both the British curriculum and the IB offer excellent preparation for life beyond school. The right fit depends on your child’s learning style, academic preferences, and future goals.

Choose the British curriculum if your child:

  • Enjoys focusing deeply on a few subjects
  • Responds well to structure, clear expectations, and final exams
  • Is preparing for university-level academic rigour and independence

Choose the IB pathway if your child:

  • Prefers a broad, balanced academic experience
  • Excels at managing multiple subjects and continuous assessment
  • Is enthusiastic about inquiry-based learning and interdisciplinary thinking

At ISZN, we are proud to offer the British curriculum as a structured, globally recognised, and future-ready programme—ideal for students who are ready to go deeper, aim higher, and prepare confidently for life after school.

Interested in learning more about how the British curriculum at ISZN could support your child’s journey?
Contact our Admissions Team at admissions@iszn.ch to arrange a personal consultation or visit.