Having just moved to Barcelona, I’ve been visiting one international school after another for my child, and my head is spinning. I’ve discovered that the curricula here are incredibly varied—IB, A-Level, AP—and completely different from the education system we’re used to. After spending a lot of time researching, I want to share what I’ve learned, hoping it can help other parents facing the same dilemma.
Essentially, the main curricula at international schools here in Spain are these three: IB, A-Level, and AP. Their focuses and pathways to university applications differ significantly, and making the wrong choice could affect your child’s future path.
A Curriculum Showdown
IB
This is probably the most popular one right now, often described as a ‘holistic education’. Its main feature is its comprehensive curriculum. Students must choose one subject from each of the six subject groups and also complete three core components: TOK (Theory of Knowledge), EE (Extended Essay), and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). In short, they have to study both arts and sciences, write a major research paper, and engage in community activities. The advantage is its high global recognition, which is a huge plus for applying to top universities worldwide, especially in Europe and the US. The downside is… it’s tough
! It demands excellent time management and all-around skills from students. If your child has a strong preference for certain subjects and struggles with others, they might find it very challenging.
A-Level
This is the British high school curriculum. Its biggest feature is ‘specialization’. Students typically choose only 3-4 subjects they are best at or most interested in to study in-depth at [international schools in Spain]
. This is great for students who have clear goals and distinct academic strengths, allowing them to focus on excelling in their chosen subjects. It’s particularly advantageous for applying to universities in the UK or other Commonwealth countries. However, if a student hasn’t decided on a future major or is aiming for US universities, the breadth of the A-Level curriculum might not be sufficient.
AP
These are American university-level advanced placement courses. Strictly speaking, AP isn’t a standalone high school curriculum but rather an add-on to a standard high school program. Students can take AP courses and exams during high school, and if their scores on the [international school courses] are high enough, they can earn college credit. Its advantage is flexibility; students can choose any number of subjects based on their abilities and interests. When applying to US universities, a strong AP transcript is powerful proof of academic capability. Many American-style schools offer this type of [international school curriculum]. Here’s a simple comparison table I’ve put together for a clearer overview:
| Curriculum | Educational Focus | Best For Students Who… | Main University Destinations |
|---|
| IB | Holistic development, well-rounded in arts & sciences | Are strong all-rounders, not overly specialized | Top universities worldwide, especially in Europe & US |
| A-Level | In-depth study, subject specialization | Have clear goals and strong subjects | Universities in the UK and Commonwealth countries |
| AP | Advanced academic challenge, university preparation | Are high-achievers aiming for the US | Primarily US universities |
There’s no ‘best’ curriculum, only the ‘most suitable’ one. I recommend taking your child to school Open Days to get a personal feel for the environment. Talk with teachers and current students to see which learning atmosphere and model your child prefers. My own child has a wide range of interests but isn’t exceptionally strong in any one area, so we’re currently leaning towards IB, even though we know it will be a lot of work. How did you all make your choice? Feel free to share and discuss!
