Language B Spanish and French
Curriculum Guide

Description

The primary aim of language B in the MYP is to encourage students to gain competence in a modern language other than their mother tongue, with the long-term goal of balanced bilingualism. The IBO acknowledges that learning additional languages greatly contributes to the holistic development of students. Proficiency in a second language gives students access to a broader range of input, experiences and perspectives, and is believed to raise achievement in other subject areas, as well as giving the student the enjoyment of being able to communicate in a language other than their mother tongue. The study of MYP language B aims to encourage in the student a respect for and understanding of other languages and cultures, and to provide a skills base to facilitate further language learning.
(IB MYP Language B Guide 2006)

Language B aims and objectives

Aims
The aims of the study of modern foreign languages are to:
• enable the student to use language(s) effectively as a means of practical communication, providing a sound base of communication skills necessary for future study, work and leisure
• enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of total language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
• enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts
• offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language(s) is (are) spoken
• encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from other cultures
• promote involvement with different communities, where relevant
• provide access to varied sources of information
• foster curiosity, a lifelong interest and enjoyment in language learning.

Objectives
At the end of the course students should be able to:
• communicate information, ideas and opinions
• demonstrate comprehension of specific factual information and attitudes, expressed in spoken and written contexts
• identify main ideas and supporting details and draw conclusions from spoken and written texts
• understand and appropriately use structures and vocabulary
• request and provide information in both spoken and written contexts
• engage actively in oral production using comprehensible pronunciation and intonation
• take part in formal and informal exchanges related to the areas of interaction and to cultural and international issues.

Language B assessment

Periodically during the year, students are awarded a level of achievement for each criterion. For each assessment criterion a number of band descriptors are defined, which indicate the progress of the student. Students and parents will be made aware of all the band descriptors during the year.

Criterion	Level	Band descriptor for the highest level possible
A Speaking & listening – message and interaction	0-8	Level 7-8 Communicates clearly and effectively, developing both simple and complex ideas. Opinions are justified. Understands and responds correctly in both familiar and spontaneous situations. Contributes to the flow of conversation and is actively engaged.
B Speaking language	0-8	Level 7-8 Occasional mistakes in pronunciation do not interfere with understanding. Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary and structures. Attempt to use idiomatic expressions. Very few errors.
C Writing message and organisation	0-8	Level 7-8 Communicates information clearly and effectively. Both simple and complex ideas are relevant and supported. Structures work clearly and effectively, adding clarity to the message, with effective use of linking phrases.
D Writing- language	0-8	Level 7-8 Wide range of vocabulary and structures. Uses idiom appropriate to the context. Shows good command of spelling and writing. Consistently uses an appropriate register.
E Reading comprehension	0-8	Level 7-8 Identifies complex ideas. Draws conclusions and recognizes opinions and attitudes implied in the text. Identifies some aspects of style. Shows a good understanding of the overall text.