BSW IB Group 2
Second Language
Pupils who are bilingual will be able to study other languages with the
help of outside support. In these cases or in the case of a pupil being
bilingual in French or Spanish, the subject is referred to as “Second
Language A” or “Language A2”
French
The aim of the IB French course is to provide for the development of
different skills, knowledge and understanding in the French language.
In the classroom French will be the main language of communication and
students will develop their Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing
skills through a range of authentic materials. They will be encouraged
to develop their skills independently by listening to French radio,
watching French television, conversing with native speakers and
generally gaining exposure to the French language as widely as
possible. Lessons will incorporate topical themes such as the ICT
Revolution, Tourism and Animal Rights.
External assessment accounts for 70% of the final examination whilst
30% is assessed internally by means of an Interactive Oral Activity and
an Individual Oral. The course will be offered at both subsidiary and
higher levels.
Spanish
All diploma candidates are examined in a second language. Several
options accommodate bilingual students with a very high level of
fluency, genuine second language learners with previous experience
learning the language, and beginners. The principal aim is to enable
students to use the language in a range of contexts and for many
purposes. All second language courses focus on written and spoken
communication.
Some prior study of the language is required to complete Spanish B.
Following the two years of Diploma study the pupil will have developed
competence in speaking, listening reading and writing through exposure
to a variety of media. By the end of the course students will be
equipped to understand and express themselves on a variety of topical
areas in Spanish.
All assessment takes place in year 2 of the course and comprises three
parts: an oral assessment worth 30%, consisting of two assessments one
during, one at the end of the course, each worth 15%; a reading
assessment, worth 40%; and a writing assessment worth 30%.