Language B is a two-year course that aims to develop the students’ linguistic competence and intercultural understanding. The language skills developed will enable the student to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences. Authentic materials will be used in order to maximize the student’s exposure to the target language and to model the appropriate use of the language in a range of situations, contexts and, purposes while investigating a variety of themes or subjects.
Language B will be the main language of communication in the class between the teacher and the student, as well as among the students themselves. This course gives the student the opportunity to reach a high degree of competency in the language as well as a wide exposure to the international community.
There is a common syllabus at SL and HL (with literature as an additional component of the HL course). Students will cover 5 prescribed themes:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human Ingenuity
- Social Organisation
- Sharing the Planet.
They will be assessed regularly on the 4 equally weighted skills of Speaking / Reading / Writing and Listening.
Please click on the arrow for a detailed breakdown:
IB1 B Language B | |||
| Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
Main Themes | Prescribed theme: Identity Language and Identity – The concept of speaking French / Spanish / Arabic – National Identity – National Symbols – Bilinguism
Prescribed theme: Experiences Customs and traditions – Types of families – Mixed marriages – Divorce – Traditions in marriages – Domestic violence
Prescribed theme: Social Organisation Youth values – Social relationships – Youth and Society
Types of texts: · Letter (informal/ formal) · Diary · Blog · Speech · Interview/questionnaire
| Prescribed theme: Identity Health – Well being – Drugs/alcohol – Illnesses, symptoms of good/ill health – Beauty Prescribed theme: Human Ingenuity – Ethic and sports: doping
Prescribed theme: Experiences Leisure – Holidays – Traveling – Tourism Impact – Sports
Prescribed theme: Human Ingenuity Communications and Media – Advantages and disadvantages of medias – Internet and TV – Artistic expression: tattoos
Types of texts: · Tract/brochure · Article · Film review · Official report · Travel guide · News report | Prescribed theme: Social Organisation Education – Educational system – Work – Social engagement, voluntary work
Communications and Media – Advertising – Propaganda – Bias in media – Social media
Types of texts: · Social media posting/chat room · Advertisement · Survey · Set of instructions · Essay
|
Main Assessment | Paper 1: Writing – 1 task 250-400 words of one type of text students covered. Paper 2: reading (1 text), listening (1 extract). Oral assessments: 3 pictures to prepare at home – description only (teacher chooses one for the assessment).
| Paper 1: Writing – students are given two tasks and choose one + have to pick the most appropriate type of text. Paper 2: reading (2 texts), listening (2 extracts). Oral assessments: 2 unseen pictures (SL) to describe (student pick one) + discussion. One unseen picture (HL). | Paper 1: full paper (HL + SL) Paper 2: full paper (HL + SL) Oral assessments: 2 unseen pictures to describe (SL student pick one) + discussion. 1 unseen picture (HL) + discussion
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Skills | Presenting and defending conflicting viewpoints (IB profile – thinkers and risk takers).
Researching unfamiliar cultures and systems and presenting findings (IB profile – enquirer).
Comparing and contrasting cultural differences around the world (marriage celebrations) | Reviewing and building upon previous knowledge from past studies (future & past tenses).
Analysing and identifying the key points of a visual stimulus (Oral Cards)
Using a mark-scheme to identify opportunities for improvement. | Justifying choices with regards to personal and physical health (Healthy living & diets) Analysing and explaining causes and consequences of food related to mental disease.
Researching on similarities and differences between the Francophone / Hispanic countries and the UAE. |
IB2 Language B | |||
Main Themes | Prescribed theme: Sharing the Planet Global issues – Environment – Migrations – Human rights – Pauverty – Racisme
Prescribed theme: Human Ingenuity Sciences and technologies – New technologies – Ethic and science – GMO
Types of texts: · Editorial/readers’ letter · Littérature (HL) | Prescribed theme: Sharing the Planet Global issues – Globalisation – Peace and conflict – Equality
Revision sessions Types of texts: · Review of the types of texts studied
| Study leave. |
Main Assessment | Mock Examinations Paper 1 / Paper 2 and individual oral
| Past paper practice Paper 1/Paper 2 and individual oral | IB French B Examination in May/June
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Skills | Reflective: reflecting on how the use of new technology affect our everyday life and on our dependence to it.
Identifying similarities between languages and Theory of Knowledge approach.
Evaluating, redrafting and improving written work in order to increase linguistic complexity and accuracy. | Highlighting strengths and weaknesses in preparation for final exams and targeted revision.
Combine previous knowledge to synthesize more complex concepts
| Comprehend and apply different revision strategies to reading and writing skills.
Collaborating with peers in order to practice key skills (writing) |