Language and Literature (A) Subjects Introduction...
Language and Literature (A) Subjects Introduction...
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These courses are designed for native speakers or students who have experience of using the language of the course in an academic context. The Language and Literature courses offered at IGB at this are English, Korean and Chinese. We also offer Malay Literature SL. The skills developed play a major part in supporting study across the IBDP curriculum. We also offer students to study self-taught (SL) Literature in their mother tongue (and we have recently offered Japanese, Spanish etc.) The focus of Language A is directed towards the study of a range of literary and non- literary texts, developing and understanding the constructed nature of meanings generated by language and the function of context in this process.
The courses involve a range of learning techniques, such as individual or group investigation and analysis; note-taking; discussion; as well as sharing and explaining research undertaken. In addition to the development of higher-order critical thinking skills, there is an increased emphasis on written and oral communication skills. The oral work will include critical analysis and various forms of presentation to an audience. Students produce regular essays and written tasks to improve and prepare for examinations and to develop understanding and improve powers of written expression
Group 1 Aims
The aims of Language A are to:
introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres;
develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections;
develop the student’s powers of expression, both in oral and written communication;
encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts are written and received;
encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning;
encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts; and
promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature.
The additional aims of the Language A courses are to:
develop in students an understanding of how language, culture and context determine the ways in which meaning is constructed in texts; and
encourage students to think critically about the different interactions between text, audience and purpose.
Language and Literature (A) Subject Choice and Placement (More information on the Language Placement Page)
Language and Literature (A) Subject Choice and Placement (More information on the Language Placement Page)
Students and their schools are to ensure that language courses are chosen in both Language and Literature (A) and Language Acquisition (B) are of appropriate challenge for each student. This means that the student should be entering a course that they must work to achieve and extends them beyond what their skills and abilities are at the present time.
Our Language policy outlines the key elements of each students language placement to the right of this page. Essentially within IGB a student chooses the languages they wish to study, the school chooses the level of language appropriate for them to study.
University requirements
For students wishing to pursue English. Law or areas around Theatre then choosing English Language and Literature at Higher level is a distinct advantage. The Higher level course is not as distinct or a huge leap from the Standard Level and so can be very accessible to some students.
Language and Literature (A) SL/HL - Subject Briefs ( Chinese / Korean / Japanese / English)
Language and Literature (A) SL/HL - Subject Briefs ( Chinese / Korean / Japanese / English)
Subject brief
The English Language and Literature course introduces the critical study and interpretation of written and spoken texts from a wide range of literary forms and non- literary text-types. Formal analysis of texts is supplemented by awareness that meaning is not fixed but can change in respect to contexts of production and consumption. The syllabus is organised into three areas of exploration and seven central concepts, and focuses on the study of both literary or non- literary texts. Together, the three areas of exploration allow the student to explore the language A in question through its cultural development and use, its media forms and functions, and its literature. Students develop skills of literary and textual analysis, and also the ability to present their ideas effectively. A key aim is the development of critical literacy.
curriculum.brief-languagea.language.and.literature-eng.pdf
Career and Degree Opportunities
Language A courses are a frequent requirement at university across a range of disciplines. They are particularly useful in areas such as humanities, further literature, journalism, media studies, graphic design and the arts. The critical and communication skills developed are universally applicable in career and further educational situations.
Assessment
As shown on the left is through two examinations and an oral, alongside an extra Internal Assessment for Higher Level.
Malay Literature (A) SL/HL - Subject Brief
Malay Literature (A) SL/HL - Subject Brief
Here is the subject brief for Malay Literature.
curriculum.brief-languagea.literature-eng.pdfSelf Taught Literature (A) SL - Subject Brief
Self Taught Literature (A) SL - Subject Brief
We offer self taught Literature (SL) courses for students to pursue their First Language in school. The Self Taught title is misleading as we will facilitate that all students have a tutor that they see once a week, to guide them in their studies and reading. There is a payment separate to normal IGB fees, to pay for the tutor.
Students who choose this pathway are often very successful and often receive 6's or 7's in their examinations.
Educational Research on the Bilingual Diploma and Mother Tongue / Native / First Languages
There is a great deal of research which shows the positive reasons for studying two languages to language and Literature (A) level. Please find a number of good articles below : -
And finally from the World Economics Forum - The benefits of speaking more than one language : -
The subject brief for Self Taught Literature is very similar to the Literature brief above, however there are changes to the oral and assessments to ensure students are supported that are not receiving full tuition for a course. Please see Mr. Perkins for more information.
"Bilingual is better. Period.
There are clear and very tangible benefits to being bilingual. Although there is limited proof that growing up bilingual gives children a significant cognitive edge, lifelong learning and using a second language regularly does indeed seem to make our brains more nimble and resilient. The economic benefits, moreover, can be substantial. Speaking more languages also makes us more open-minded and helps us feel more connected to other cultures and to the world. Who knows – bilingualism might even foster peace and understanding at a global level. If that’s not a good reason to learn another language, I don’t know what is."
2025 Drechsler and Perkins
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