Philosophy: Why should I study a language ab initio?

The ab initio programme is a foreign language learning programme designed to be studied over two years at Standard Level by students who have had little or no previous experience of learning the target language.

The programme meets the needs of the following IB students:

• those who have had little or no opportunity for foreign language study in their earlier education 

• those who are interested in learning a new foreign language as part of their IB Diploma.

The ab initio programme is communicative in that it focuses principally on interaction between speakers and writers of the target language. The main aim of the programme is to prepare the learner to use the language appropriately in a range of situations and contexts and for a variety of purposes. The skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are taught and developed through the study of a wide range of oral and written texts of different styles and registers. 

Course Content - What will I be studying?

The course is organized around five themes. Each theme has a list of topics that provide the students with opportunities to practise and explore the language as well as to develop intercultural competence.

• Identities (personal attributes and relationships, eating and drinking, physical well-being) 

• Experiences (daily routine, leisure, holidays, festivals and celebrations) 

• Human ingenuity (transport, entertainment, media, technology) 

• Social organization (neighbourhood, education, workplace, social issues) 

• Sharing the planet (climate, geography, environment, global issues)

Through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills, students acquire the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations.

Assessment - How will I be assessed?

Throughout the two year course students are working with assignments that prepare them for the four elements of the final exam: Speaking, reading, writing and listening which each constitute 25% of their final grade.

Prerequisites: What do I need to know before choosing to study Language ab initio?

Language ‘ab initio’ is for students who have had little or no previous experience of the language. ‘Ab initio’ is a language at Beginner Level. It is designed to suit students who want to learn a new language from scratch. Although we look at each case individually, students who have been taught the language at school for more than a year are unlikely to be accepted into this class. We  must also bear in mind that as stated by the IB, the intentional misplacement of a student in a language acquisition course may be considered school maladministration. (Guidance for studies in language and literature and language acquisition courses, IBO, 2020).

What will allow me to be successful? 

• Using self-assessment and peer assessment as a learning tool by which one gets familiar with the assessment criteria.

• 5-10 minutes voluntary use/practice of target language every day, also during weekends and holidays, choosing your own media, material, and method.

• Reading texts aloud and recording/listening to pronunciation

• Use of audio books in combination with printed books

• Having a conversation partner either online or in 'real life'

• Watching Youtube/movies in the target language. 

What can I do with the study of language in the future? 

In addition to developing an open, intercultural mindset, learning a foreign language has become a key component for those who wish to compete at a high level in the employment market. Being able to converse in a number of languages not only allows you to rise higher within multinational organisations but also gives you a substantial advantage when negotiating deals with international businesses or investors.