Language Development
Overview of Language Development
Introduction
Language Development ensures that all CP students have access and exposure to a second language. The opportunity to learn a second language is a central tenet of an IB education and increases students' understanding of the wider world. Students are encouraged to begin or extend the study of an additional language that suits their needs, backgrounds and contexts. It develops students' oral, visual and written linguistic and communicative abilities.
Aims
The aims of language development are to:
enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in context
encourage an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
provide students with a basis for further study, work and leisure through the use of an additional language
provide the opportunity for enjoyment, creativity and intellectual stimulation through knowledge of an additional language.
These aims are applicable to all students, regardless of the level of linguistic proficiency they have when they begin the CP. Language development is designed to accommodate all students and ensure they are exposed to a language other than their best language that will assist and further their understanding of the wider world.
Requirements
Language development is a crucial role of an IB education; therefore, all IBCP students are required to undertake language development in which they need t to improve their language proficiency in a target language other than their best/mother tongue language. Students have 3 options to complete the language development component of the core.
A minimum of 50 hours is expected to be devoted to language development. This requirement is outside of the foreign language course. Although language courses are not required for the IBCP programme, they are strongly encouraged to compliment language development and college-readiness.
Students are required to complete an electronic language development portfolio (due in March, senior year)
Language Portfolio
The language portfolio enables students to reflect on their learning and chart their progress in developing language skills and intercultural experiences. The language portfolio is a private document for the student to reflect on their learning.