Languages at IB

1
Languages at IB

• If you take the full IB diploma youll need to
  take a language in Group 2. We offer Chinese,
  French and Spanish.
• This is in addition to your Group 1 language
  English
• If you dont take the full diploma you may be
  able to take a Group 2 language as a certificate

2
Diploma students the recommended track

• If youve studied Chinese, French or Spanish as a
  foreign language in Yr10/11, you should aim to
  carry on with that language at Language B level
  either at Standard or Higher Level

• Takes your language well beyond GCSE level
• Talk intelligently about global issues instead
  of how to buy potatoes and who your family
  members are!
• Learn more about the countrys culture

Language B Standard
3
Diploma students the recommended track

• Or

• You get a much better understanding of the way
  language works
• More extensive deeper knowledge of the country
  and its people
• More lessons than for Standard to help you reach
  a higher level

Language B Higher
4
Alternative to Language B Ab Initio

• Starts from zero builds up to just beyond GCSE
  level
• Not easy but rewarding a brand new language
• Opportunity to make a fresh start
• Opportunity to expand your range of languages
• More practical language than Language B, more
  like GCSE but very intensive

Ab Initio

• Can I take Ab Initio?
• Yes, if
• You have little or no previous knowledge of that
  language ie you didnt take it in Yrs 1011.
• You feel unable to continue your GCSE language at
  language B level
• You are ambitious to learn a brand new language
  for practical purposes

5
1st language Chinese

• The top Chinese linguists have a different route
  Chinese A2 (Standard or Higher)
• Allows you to take your Chinese to a very
  advanced level andachieve the prestigious
  Bilingual Diploma
• You take English A1 Chinese A2 (instead of a
  Chinese B)

6
Whats A2 Chinese?

• Its Chinese Language Literature
• You study great novels and criticize them in
  Chinese
• You develop sophisticated vocabulary and idiom
• You learn to argue persuasively
• You take your Chinese to a level similar to your
  English ability

7
Can I take A2 Chinese?

• Yes, if
• You achieve A or above in the IGCSE first
  language examination
• Youre recommended by the ESF-wide Chinese
  Benchmark assessment
• Your Yr11 teacher agrees that you are capable

8
What to do now
Try to visit one of the countries where your IB
language is spoken, if possible in the summer
hols after the GCSE exams. Consider a language
immersion course in in the country or even in HK
to help boost your language level before you join
Yr12