Language B, Language Ab Initio, Language A2
This group involves the study of a second modern language. There are 4 language choices in Group 2. There is some flexibility as to the languages offered each year in Group 2, as it will depend upon each intake of IB students.
Language B
The Language B programme at GIS is offered in English and Spanish.
Nature of the subject
Every diploma student is required to study a Group 2 language at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL).
Language B is a foreign language learning course designed for students with some previous experience of the language.
The course aim is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the language whilst enabling them to develop a high proficiency in applying it to a variety of communicative contexts. Students will develop their skills in the language through exploring its social, academic and cultural elements. This will be achieved by studying a wide variety of texts, by learning to write in a wide variety of styles and by communicating effectively to many different audiences.
Syllabus Outline
The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and the development of the four primary language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Competence in each of the primary skills will involve an understanding of three inter-related areas:
- Language; handling the language system accurately
- Cultural Interaction; selecting language appropriate to a particular cultural and social context
- Message; understanding ideas and how they are organized in order to communicate them appropriately.
The successful Language B candidate will demonstrate competence in the control of language, an appreciation of language appropriateness and an understanding of how meaning is best communicated.
Assessment is based upon two oral examinations and two written papers.
Language Ab Initio
IB Ab Initio language at GIS is offered in Mandarin and Spanish.
The Ab Initio programme is a foreign language programme to be studied over 2 years at Standard Level by students who have little or no previous experience of learning the target language. This programme is appropriate for those students who would otherwise be unable to fulfil IB requirements for Group 2 (i.e. they have not already studied one of the language B languages offered at GIS) and for those students interested in learning a new, foreign language as part of their IB Course, possibly in addition to Language B.
By the end of the two year course the candidates will achieve a good linguistic standard with communication skills on a broad range of topics.
As with Language B, the language skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking are equally weighted on the Ab Initio programme and in assessment.
Oral assessment by coursework will take place only in the final year of studies at the end of which there is also an individual oral exam.
Language A2
Language A2 is offered in Thai. The course is designed for bilingual students with a high level of fluency.