Language Development

Language development ensures that all students have access to and are exposed to a language programme that will assist and further their understanding of the wider world. The ability to communicate in more than one language is essential to the IB’s concept of an international education. Language development encourages students to improve their proficiency in a language other than their best language.

The ability to speak one or more foreign languages is becoming increasingly desirable as workplaces seek to compete in a global market, and higher education providers are viewing candidates with language proficiency more and more favourably. Industries including business, journalism, tourism, hospitality, finance and services are all dependent on international trade and relations, and demonstrating an aptitude and engagement with Language Development would impress employers in these fields.

You don't need some special talent or a "language gene," to learn a language. In an upbeat, inspiring talk, Lýdia Machová shares four principles to help unlock your own hidden language talent -- and have fun while doing it.

Course Aims

The four 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.

Course Objectives

In language development, the objectives are organized into four communicative processes:

Oral communication: the ability to speak the language, and understood the spoken form
Visual interpretation: the ability to understand the language in adverts and videos
Reading comprehension: the ability to understand the language in written form
Writing: the ability to apply the language in written form

Course Phases

Phase 1: Emergent communicators understand and respond to simple statements and questions. They identify basic messages, opinions, and ideas create simple oral and written phrases. They convey basic information in a limited range of everyday situations, and begin to be aware that language use is connected to a purpose and an audience.

Phase 2: Communicators understand and respond to simple spoken and written texts. They identify messages, facts, opinions, feelings and ideas and demonstrate their comprehension in short oral and written form. They interact in a limited range of familiar situations, using basic language, and they are aware that language varies according to purpose and audience.

In this TED Talk video, John McWhorter explains why it is important to learn a new language, even if English is widely spoken.

The International Dimension

The study of an additional language as part of the Core adds to the international dimension of the IBCP. While learning the target language, students become aware of the similarities and differences between their own cultures and those of the target language culture(s). Students can investigate and reflect on cultural values and behaviours, leading to a greater understanding and respect for other peoples and the way in which they lead their lives.

Language development seeks to develop intercultural understanding as well as to raise students’ awareness of the role language plays in their day-to-day lives. Language development can be based on a theme linking to the students’ career-related studies, with an emphasis on the culture of the target language, thus fostering an international perspective.

Transition Materials for Year 11s

You can choose which language you study in Language Development, provided you don't already speak it and didn't study it for your GCSEs. Try one or more of the sample lessons below to get a feel for what learning a new language might be like.

French Introduction

French Introduction

France prides itself on leading the field in Art and Design and also boasts a strong Engineering industry, so students in these fields may be interested in gaining a knowledge of French in order to broaden employment opportunities.

German Introduction

German Introduction

Germany has an excellent reputation for innovation in Science and Engineering, as well as a large Finance industry. If you are considering a career in one of these fields, this may be a useful language for you to study.

Mandarin Introduction

Mandarin Introduction

Science, Business, IT and Computer Science are among the fastest-growing industries in China, so a working knowledge of Mandarin may be useful for any students who are considering careers in any one of these sectors.

Spanish Introduction

Spanish Introduction

Petrochemical and Pharmacuetical industries, Mechanical Engineering and a thriving Travel and Tourism sector can all be found in Spain and Latinamerica. If you wish to enter these sectors, this language may interest you.

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