IB World Language Courses
Group 2 courses are offered in Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, and Spanish. These courses focus on developing language skills for use in diverse contexts and purposes. Simultaneously, they foster cultural understanding by exploring the traditions, perspectives, and values associated with the language being studied.
Overview
Overview of IB World Language Study (SL and HL)
Focus:
- Study of language, culture, and communication.
- Exploration of language in real-world contexts and the development of fluency and cultural understanding.
Key Philosophical Questions:
- How does language shape our understanding of the world?
- In what ways does language reflect and influence culture?
- How can language be used to build bridges or create barriers in communication?
Course Structure:
- Weighted 5.0
- SL (Standard Level): 2 years of study with a focus on language proficiency and cultural understanding.
- HL (Higher Level): 2 years of study, more intensive, with additional focus on advanced linguistic skills and deeper cultural analysis.
IB Assessments:
HL World Language:
-
Internal Assessment (HL): A more advanced spoken assessment, similar to SL but with a greater emphasis on complex language use, interaction, and cultural understanding. It involves deeper analysis and interpretation of cultural topics.
-
End-of-Course Exam (HL): A written exam assessing higher-level language skills, including more complex reading comprehension, detailed writing tasks, and in-depth analysis of texts, along with listening and grammar components.
SL World Language:
-
Internal Assessment (SL): A spoken assessment, typically involving a conversation or oral presentation on a culturally relevant topic, demonstrating language proficiency and understanding.
-
End-of-Course Exam (SL): A written exam evaluating reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar, often including essay writing, text analysis, and language usage in the target language.
Couse Information
Course Options:
- IB Chinese (Mandarin) SL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 573) / Year 2 (Code: 574)
Explore Chinese (Mandarin) SL
- IB French SL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 565) / Year 2 (Code: 566)
- IB French HL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 567) / Year 2 (Code: 568)
Explore French SL / Explore French HL
- IB German SL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 561) / Year 2 (Code: 562)
- IB German HL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 563) / Year 2 (Code: 564)
Explore German SL / Explore German HL
- IB Spanish SL - 2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 539) / Year 2 (Code: 540)
- IB Spanish HL -2 years/1 period - Year 1 (Code: 559) / Year 2 (Code: 560)
Explore Spanish SL / Explore Spanish HL
Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) Language Course Overview:
Language SL courses are designed for students with some prior experience in the language. These courses focus on enhancing students' skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing at an intermediate level.
Language HL courses are more advanced and require a higher level of proficiency in receptive, productive, and interactive skills. In addition to the core language skills, HL students must study two literary works originally written in the target language, allowing for deeper cultural and literary exploration.
For the most up-to-date course information and descriptions, see the Academic Programs and Pathways resource
Quick Links
Example Careers
Example careers for students interested in Group II courses and topics:
Immediate Opportunities (High School or 2-Year College):
- Translator: Translate written content for businesses or clients.
- Interpreter: Provide real-time verbal translations in various settings.
- Tourism Assistant: Assist travelers with bookings and language support.
- Cultural Liaison: Bridge cultural gaps for organizations.
- Customer Service Rep: Support clients in bilingual roles.
After 2-Year College/Trade School:
- Language Teacher (K-12): Teach in schools; often requires further education.
- Marketing Assistant: Localize campaigns for international audiences.
- Subtitler: Create subtitles for media, ensuring cultural accuracy.
- Medical/Legal Interpreter: Specialize in healthcare or legal settings.
- Tourism Coordinator: Guide tours and assist international clients.
After 4-Year College/University:
- University Teacher: Teach advanced language and cultural studies.
- Diplomat: Represent nations in international relations.
- Business Consultant: Guide companies in cross-cultural business practices.
- Intelligence Analyst: Analyze foreign communications for security.
- Relations Specialist: Address global issues in diplomacy or trade.
Military Careers:
- Linguist: Translate and interpret for operations and intelligence.
- Public Affairs: Write and translate military communications.
- Cryptologic Linguist: Intercept and analyze foreign communications.
Entrepreneurship/Freelance:
- Freelance Translator: Provide specialized translation services.
- Language Tutor: Teach languages in person or online.
- Agency Owner: Offer translation/interpretation services.
- Cultural Consultant: Advise on cultural practices in global markets.