Group 2: Language Acquisition
Language Acquisition (English, Dutch, French, & Spanish)
Subject Outline
This two‐year language‐learning course is designed for students with some previous learning of the language of study. It may be studied at either SL or HL (depending on student numbers for French and Spanish). The main focus of the course is language acquisition and development of language skills through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. The course content extends from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts and is chosen to enable students to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding.
The language B SL and HL programmes will be delivered through the use of five prescribes themes:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human Ingenuity
- Social organization
- Sharing the planet
In addition, HL students will study two literary works.
SL and HL are differentiated by the recommended number of teaching hours, the depth of the syllabus coverage, the study of literature at HL, and the level of difficulty and demands of assessment and assessment criteria.
Assessment Overview
EXTERNAL
Paper 1 : Writing 25%
Paper 2 : Listening and reading 50%
INTERNAL
Individual Oral 25%
The language B HL individual oral assessment will have as its stimulus an extract from one of the literary works studied in class.
Skills Gained on the Course
- Fluency and accuracy in understanding and producing spoken and written responses in the language in a variety of registers and in a wide range of contexts
- An appreciation and understanding of the diversity of different cultures in which the language is spoken
- Improved confidence and communication skills
- Awareness of world issues
- Organization and time management
- Analytical and critical thinking skills
And beyond…
In addition to those who continue to study the language at university, many students choose to combine their language proficiency with a further skill and use the language to complement their studies of business, law, technology etc. Our emphasis on cultural sensitivity and global citizenship is designed to help create well‐rounded professionals with good language skills and an international outlook.
Keys to Success
- Use the target language in the classroom.
- Explore and take advantage of the possibilities to use the target language outside the classroom as much as possible.
- Be motivated to inquire about the target language and culture(s).
- Awareness of personal language learning strategies.
- Use feedback in order to set targets for improvement.
General DP Admission Criteria
Standard Level
Achievement at MYP level, a 4+ for phase 4 students, a 5+ for phase 3 students and a 6+ for phase 2 students.
Higher Level
Achievement at MYP level, a 5+ for phase 4 and a 6+ for phase 3 students and depending on the motivation of the student.
DP Admission Criteria for Dutch and English
Standard Level
Achievement at MYP level:
- a 4+ for phase 4 and 5 students
- a 5+ for phase 3 students
- a 6+ phase 2 students ( also depending on the student’s motivation and the progress made in MP5)
Higher Level
Achievement at MYP level
- a 5+ for phase 4 and 5
- a 6+ for phase 3 students
DP Admission Criteria for French and Spanish
Standard Level
Achievement at MYP level:
- a 4+ for phase 4 students
- a 5+ for phase 3 students
- a 6+ for phase 2 students (and depending on the student’s motivation and the progress made in MP5)
Higher Level
Currently not offered.
LANGUAGE Ab Initio (Spanish)
Subject Outline
This programme is designed for students with little or no experience of learning the target language, and who do not normally live in a country where the language is spoken. Language acquisition is achieved through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills and competencies. Students explore and develop language competence through themes, of which four are required:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human Ingenuity
- Social organization
Sharing the planet
Albeit at a basic level, this course seeks to develop intercultural understanding students should gain an insight into the culture and civilisation of the country or countries where the language is spoken. It is important that the students know that the syllabus is very comprehensive and the pace of learning is high. The level of the most difficult text in Paper 1 of Ab Initio is similar to the level of the easiest text in paper 1 of Language B SL.
Assessment Overview
EXTERNAL Written 75%
Paper 1: Writing 25%
Paper 2: Listening and reading 50%
INTERNAL Oral 25 %
Individual Oral: 25 %
Skills Gained on the Course
- Competence and accuracy in understanding and producing spoken and written utterances in a wide variety of everyday situations
- An appreciation and understanding of the countries or society and culture where the language is spoken
- Improved confidence and communication skills – just what universities are looking for!
And beyond…
The ability to speak a language other than one’s own is widely acknowledged to be a skill worth having. It impresses universities as well as prospective employers who recognise the efforts required and the open‐minded attitude generally found in people who have taken the trouble to gain some insight into other cultures.
Keys to Success
- Be very motivated to acquire a new language and to inquire about the target culture(s).
(Develop) awareness of personal language learning strategies. - Be an independent learner.
- Use the target language in the classroom.
- Explore and take advantage of the possibilities to use the target language outside the classroom as much as possible.
- Use feedback in order to set targets for improvement.
DP Admission Criteria
This course is for students with little or no experience of the target language with no prior exposure to Spanish or French.