Languages at IB

• If you take the full IB diploma you’ll need to take a language in Group 2. We offer Chinese, French and Spanish.

• This is in addition to your Group 1 language – English

• If you don’t take the full diploma you may be able to take a Group 2 language as a certificate

Diploma students – the recommended track

• If you’ve studied Chinese, French or Spanish as a foreign language in Yr10/11, you should aim to carry on with that language at Language B level – either at Standard or Higher Level

Language B Standard

• Takes your language well beyond GCSE level

• Talk intelligently about global issues instead of how to buy potatoes and who your family members are!

•Learn more about the country’s culture

Or…

Diploma students – the recommended track

Language B Higher

• You get a much better understanding of the way language works

•More extensive & deeper knowledge of the country and its people

•More lessons than for Standard to help you reach a higher level

Alternative to Language B – Ab Initio

Ab Initio

• Starts from zero + builds up to just beyond GCSE level

• Not easy but rewarding: a brand new language• Opportunity to make a fresh start• Opportunity to expand your range of

languages• More practical language than Language B,

more like GCSE but very intensive

Can I take Ab Initio?

Yes, if…

•You have little or no previous knowledge of that language – ie you didn’t take it in Yrs 10+11.

•You feel unable to continue your GCSE language at language B level

•You are ambitious to learn a brand new language for practical purposes

1st language Chinese

• The top Chinese linguists have a different route: Chinese A2 (Standard or Higher)

• Allows you to take your Chinese to a very advanced level and…achieve the prestigious Bilingual Diploma

• You take English A1 + Chinese A2 (instead of a Chinese B)

What’s A2 Chinese?

• It’s Chinese Language + Literature• You study great novels and criticize them in

Chinese• You develop sophisticated vocabulary and idiom• You learn to argue persuasively• You take your Chinese to a level similar to your

English ability

Can I take A2 Chinese?

Yes, if…

• You achieve A or above in the IGCSE first language examination;

• You’re recommended by the ESF-wide Chinese Benchmark assessment

• Your Yr11 teacher agrees that you are capable

What to do now

Try to visit one of the countries where your IB language is spoken, if possible in the summer hols after the GCSE exams.

Consider a language immersion course in in the country or even in HK to help boost your language level before you join Yr12