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Language Appropriate Placement - From MYP to DP/CP
Language Appropriate Placement - From MYP to DP/CP
In the DP programme, all students will study English plus an additional language other than English. In most cases, students will pick an additional language offered by the school, and the school placement team will determine the level (language B, language A, HL or SL etc.). Sometimes, students will choose a language A that we do not offer at IGBIS. In those cases, students will request to sign-up for IB School Supported Self Taught Language A (SSST). The IB requires that SSST students secure a tutor with knowledge and experience in the IB language (most students meet their tutor 1 to 2 times per week). NOTE: Tutoring costs are borne by the parents. The school self-taught support teacher will meet with the chosen tutor to supply necessary documents and outline school and IB expectations. The self-taught support teacher will check in with the student and the tutor periodically and provide support as necessary.
In the CP programme, all students will study English (at their appropriate level), but it is not a CP requirement that they choose to study an additional DP language. It is however required that they pursue some language enrichment which is managed and monitored by the CP Language and Cultural Studies coordinator.
When determining the appropriate DP and CP language courses, the recommendations are made collaboratively with the English HOD, World Language HOD, Language and Pathways Coordinator, MYP Coordinator and the DP Coordinator. The principal will make the final decisions.
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IB Philosophy, Ethos re Language Placement
IB Philosophy, Ethos re Language Placement
At IGBIS we fully support and uphold the IBO Language guidelines that state that students should follow the IB Language course that offers ‘the most appropriate level of challenge’ (IBO, DIPLOMA PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES 2020). As such we would expect students to follow the pathways outlined below if they intend to continue with their Language at IBDP. Students do have the choice to start a new language at ab initio (beginner) level, instead.
“It is extremely important that students be appropriately placed into Diploma Programme (DP) language acquisition courses.
Misplacement of a student into a language acquisition course would likely not allow the student an appropriate degree of challenge for development in that language and may provide the student with an unfair advantage over those who are appropriately placed into the course.
Intentional misplacement of a student into a DP language acquisition course, which does not provide an appropriate degree of challenge for the student may be considered school maladministration according to Academic Integrity.”
(IBO, Diploma Programme Assessment Procedures, 2020)
English Transition and Placement
English Transition and Placement
Progression
Grade 10 students in Language Acquisition (LAQ) phase 3 are expected to take DP English B SL.
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 4 would take DP English B SL or HL (teacher will communicate to the student which level will provide appropriate challenge to the student).
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 5 are expected to take DP English B HL or DP English L&L SL (teacher will communicate to the student which level will provide an appropriate challenge to the student).
Grade 10 students in L&L are expected to take DP Language and Literature SL or HL.
Notes
When moving from MYP to DP, the Language Placement Team might occasionally identify a student who is best placed in a language level different from the normal pathway. In these cases, the Language Placement Team will review all data for a final placement decision.
The school will usually allow students to ‘challenge up’ to a higher language level than normally advised. In these cases, the Language Placement Team will review all data for a final placement recommendation.
At the end of Grade 9, if a student is in phase 5 and deemed ready for phase 6, they should go to L&L in Gr.10 to prepare for DP L&L.
At the end of Grade 9, if a student is in phase 6, they should go straight to L&L in Grade 10 to prepare for DP L&L.
Grade 10 students who are in phase 5 in Semester 1 (and who are destined for L&L in DP), should (where possible) spend Semester 2 in MYP L&L to better prepare them for DP L&L.
Grade 10 students who are taking e-assessments would need to stay at the same level throughout Grade 10 so their assessment matches their placement.
Students are responsible for selecting English as a language to study, the school is ultimately responsible for placing students at the appropriate level.
World Language Transition and Placement
World Language Transition and Placement
Progression
Grade 10 students who have been in a World Language LAQ course for 3 semesters or less and test as a beginner, are eligible to take DP language ab initio.
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 3 are expected to take DP Language B SL
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 4 would take DP Language B SL or HL (teacher will communicate to the student which level will provide appropriate challenge to the student)
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 5 are expected to take DP Language B HL or in some cases DP L&L SL (if offered in school) (teacher will communicate to the student which level will provide appropriate challenge to the student)
Grade 10 students in L&L will take DP L&L SL or HL.
Notes
When moving from MYP to DP, the language placement team might occasionally identify a student who is best placed in a language level different from the normal pathway. In this case, the World Language Placement Team will review all data for a final placement decision.
The school will usually allow students to ‘challenge up’ to a higher language level than normally advised. In these cases, the World Language Placement Team will review all data for a final placement recommendation.
At the end of Grade 9, if a student is in phase 5 and deemed ready for phase 6, they should go to L&L in Gr.10 to prepare for DP L&L.
At the end of Grade 9, if a student is in phase 6, they should go straight to L&L in Grade 10 to prepare for DP L&L.
The World Language Department meets with IB Coordinators towards the end of each semester to confirm language placement for all students in their classes.
Students are responsible for selecting the world languages they wish to study, the school is ultimately responsible for placing students at the appropriate level.
Grade 10 students who are taking e-assessments would need to stay at the same level throughout Grade 10 so their assessment matches their placement.
Malay Language Transition and Placement
Malay Language Transition and Placement
Grade 10 students in LAQ phases 3 and 4 would take DP Malay B SL.
Grade 10 students in LAQ phase 5 or 6 will also go to DP Malay B SL as the IB does not offer Malay B HL or Malay A L&L exams.
Grade 10 students in L&L will take DP Malay Lit.
The IB does not currently offer MYP onscreen e-assessment in Malay therefore students studying Malay in Grade 10 will not be eligible for the MYP certificate.
IB Documents for Reference
IB Documents for Reference
cefr-research-overview-en.pdfLanguage Placement Guide.pdf2025 Drechsler and Perkins
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