I agree with Mr Boon Chin Aun ("O levels, IP or IB - each track has its benefits"; yesterday).

There is only a small percentage of 12- to 13-year-olds who are clear, at that point in their lives, what they would like to be doing in future.

The Integrated Programme may be suitable for such students.

However, for the majority who are yet undecided and perhaps have not begun thinking of careers and their future, having the safety net of an O-level certificate may be better.

The International Baccalaureate diploma is a really intensive course, and I would recommend it only to students who are very well organised and disciplined.

Otherwise, the numerous project deadlines add a lot of undue stress to our young ones.

Sunita Gupta (Ms)