IB French, German and Spanish

(LANGUAGE B) Higher and Standard Level

The Language B programme is for students with some previous knowledge of the language. It may be studied at HL or SL, (Spanish usually only at HL). The focus of the programme is language acquisition and the development of cultural understanding. SL and HL are differentiated by teaching hours, depth of syllabus coverage, the study of literature at HL, and the level of difficulty and demands of assessment.

• Communication and media
• Global issues
• Social relationships

In addition, at both SL and HL, two from the following five options will be selected.

• Cultural diversity
• Customs and traditions
• Health
• Leisure
• Science and technology

At HL, students read two works of literature.

Assessment is both external and internal by:

• External assessment (70%)
• Paper 1 Text Handling (25%)
  Four written texts based on the core
• Paper 2 Writing (25%)
  One written task of 250-400 words from a choice of five, based on the options
• For HL paper 2 holds an additional written response to a stimulus text
• Written Assignment (20%)

Internal Assessment (30%)

• Individual Oral (20%)
  Based on the options
• Interactive Oral Activity (10%)
  Based on the core. Three classroom activities.

Lessons are taught in the target language as much as possible and students have the opportunity to use the multimedia language laboratory in lessons or at lunch times. The language department has run trips for a number of years to Paris and Seville.  There is an exchange to Rietburg in Germany.

German language A2 may be required by German or Austrian nationals who wish to enter HE in these countries. Details are available on request.