Academics - Language B

International Baccalaureate Program

Academics - Language B

Offered at both the higher and standard levels in twenty-eight languages, Language B is designed for second language learners and focuses principally on the interaction between speakers and writers of the target language. The aim of the course is to prepare students to use the language appropriately in a range of situations and contexts and for a variety of purposes. The course also allows students to develop an awareness and appreciation of the culture(s) of the countries in which the target language is spoken. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are equally emphasized and are taught and developed through the study of a range of authentic oral and written texts chosen by the teacher. A variety of oral and written examinations are used to assess the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Prior to enrolling in a Language B course, it is assumed that students have some previous exposure to the target language.

At the higher level, the course is assessed through two examination papers which constitute 70% of the final grade. In addition, students must complete a minimum of four oral activities in the final year of the course. This constitutes 30% of the final grade and is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO. At the standard level, the course is assessed through two examination papers which constitute 70% of the final grade. In addition, students must complete a minimum of three oral activities in the final year of the course. This constitutes 30% of the final grade and is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.

LANGUAGE AB INITIO

Offered only at the standard level in twelve languages, Language ab initio is designed for students who have had no previous instruction in the target language. The fast paced second language course takes students ‘from the beginning’ and provides them with a foundation for further study of the target language, while developing their ability to communicate in speech and in writing so that they may deal adequately with familiar and practical needs. It also introduces them to the culture(s) of the countries where the language is spoken. The course and its assessments equally stress the development of the student’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

While ab initio increases access to the IB diploma for a greater number of students, it also offers an opportunity for the talented and motivated language student to acquire a third language.

This course is assessed through two examination papers which constitute 70% of the final grade. In addition, students must complete a minimum of three oral activities in the final year of the course. This constitutes 30% of the final grade and is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.

Language B Course Sequence

Students may choose from either French or Spanish.

To be eligible for entry into the IB program, a student must have studied a language other than English for at least one year at the middle school level.

Language B sequencing information for transfer students

A or B in consecutive foreign language courses beginning no later than 8th grade.

French/Spanish Standard level - requirements

Social objectives

Student should be able to respond to the complex demands of day-to-day communication for such purposes as:

* obtaining information from written and oral sources
* processing and evaluating information from written and oral sources
* communicating or corresponding with users of the target language in both formal and informal situations
* making social or professional contacts with people who live and work in the country or countries concerned
* expressing views and opinions on issues of general interest
* expressing feelings

Academic objectives
Students should be able to:
* demonstrate accuracy and some variety in their use of the spoken and written language
* understand and respond appropriately to the spoken and written language
* enter into discussions and express opinions

Cultural objectives:

Students should be able to:
* demonstrate, through the study of a variety of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
* demonstrate an understanding of how language embodies these differences with an A or B.

French/Spanish Higher level - requirements

Social objectives

Students should be able to:

* respond to the complex demands of day-to-day communication for such purposes as
* obtaining information from written and oral sources
* processing and evaluating information from written and oral sources
* communicating or corresponding with users of the target language in both formal and informal situations
* making social or professional contacts with people who live and work in the country or countries concerned
* expressing views and opinions on issues of general interest
* expressing feelings and recognizing implicit meanings and attitudes

Academic objectives

Students should be able to:

* demonstrate accuracy and variety in their use of the spoken and written language
* demonstrate understanding of and sensitivity to the spoken and written language
* enter into discussions and debates and defend opinions
* respond to situations in the target language which may include things such as attending lectures, taking part in seminars, tutorials and practical work; reading and understanding literary and non-literary texts; writing notes, essays and reports

Cultural objectives

Students should be able to:

* demonstrate, through the study of a variety of texts and through social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
* demonstrate an understanding of how language embodies these differences.

IB students will become thoroughly acquainted with the target language. Many of our students have traveled to other countries where they have utilized their language skills.

One does not discover new continents without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

Andre Gide