Group 2: Language Acquisition
All students must study a second language. Options are:
Language B, Language ab initio or A second Language A
Language B
Many factors determine the group 2 course that a student should take: the student’s best language, the language(s) spoken at home and at school, and any previous knowledge of the language of study. The most important consideration is that the language B course should be a challenging educational experience for the student, offering not only the opportunity to learn an additional language but also the means of learning, appreciating and effectively interacting in a culture different from the student’s own. All final decisions on the appropriateness of the course for which students are entered are taken by coordinators in liaison with teachers using their experience and professional judgment to guide the students.
By the end of Language B courses students should be able to: communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations in oral and written forms understand and use a range of vocabulary select a register and style appropriate to various situations understand and respond to moderately complex written and spoken material assess subtleties of the language in a range of forms, styles and registers show an awareness of, and sensitivity to, the culture(s) related to the language studied.
Students attempting Higher Level courses are expected to demonstrate a wider range of knowledge and understanding and greater depth of analysis. Assessment comprises of a taped oral presentation and two written examination papers.
Language ab Initio
Ab initio is a language programme for beginners in the language. The course develops the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Courses focus on the acquisition of language required for purposes and situations usual in everyday social interaction. The topic areas comprise the individual, education and work, town and services, food and drink, leisure and travel, the environment, and health and emergencies.
Students must complete oral coursework, which is externally assessed or moderated, and sit two external written examinations.
Current Language Acquisition course offerings can be found in the current IBDP Prospectus. The Renaissance College in conjunction with Pamoja also offers online International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) courses in Language Acquisition for an additional fee. More information on Pamoja IBDP courses can be found on their website.