Study of a non-native language is an integral part of the IB Programme. At Malvern, we offer language acquisition courses at Ab initio, Standard and Higher levels. We offer Ab Initio Spanish. At Standard and Higher levels, we offer French, German and Spanish.
Ab Initio in Spanish is for those with no previous experience of learning the target language. The main focus is on the development of an understanding of cultural diversity, and the acquisition of language required for purposes and situations usual in everyday social interaction. The course aims to develop a variety of linguistic skills and a basic awareness of the culture through the study of prescribed topics such as personal relationships, daily routine and transport. There are 20 prescribed topics, which link to 5 themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organization and sharing the planet. Ab Initio is available only at Standard Level.
Language B courses are for those with some experience of learning the target language (we would suggest at least 2 years of study). The course is communicative: it focuses principally on the interaction between speakers of the target language, both orally and in writing, as well as on the study of texts and the assimilation of facts about the target language countries. Vocabulary and grammar are studied through the lens of the 5 themes above. Candidates at Higher Level also study two works of literature. Students are expected to master a variety of skills and handle a wide range of texts both with understanding and a critical eye. They will also aim to be able to produce well-structured written and spoken responses in a number of registers and styles.
Language B is available at both Higher and Standard level in French and Spanish.
Assessment – Language B (Higher Level)
External assessment
75%
Paper 1
Productive skills | 1 hour 30 minutes | 25%
One writing task of 450-600 words from a choice of 3, each from a different theme and requiring a choice of text type from those listed in the examination instructions.
Paper 2
Receptive skills | 2 hours | 50%
Separate sections for listening and reading comprehension, with an hour for each skill. Comprehension exercises drawn from all five themes.
Internal assessment
25%
Individual oral assessment
12–15 minutes
Students have a conversation with the teacher based on an extract from one of the two literary works studied in class, followed by a discussion based on one or more of the themes from the syllabus.
Assessment – Language B (Standard Level)
External assessment
75%
Paper 1
Productive skills | 1 hour 15 minutes | 25%
One writing task of 250-400 from a choice of 3, each from a different theme and requiring a choice of text type from those listed in the examination instructions.
Paper 2
Receptive skills | 1 hour 45 minutes | 50%
Separate sections for listening and reading comprehension, with an hour for reading comprehension and 45 minutes for listening comprehension. Comprehension exercises drawn from all five themes.
Internal assessment
25%
Individual oral assessment
12–15 minutes
A conversation with the teacher based on a visual stimulus linked to one of the 5 themes, followed by a discussion based on an additional theme.
Assessment – Language B Ab Initio (Standard Level)
External assessment
75%
Paper 1
Productive skills | 1 hour | 25 %
Two written tasks of 70-150 words each from a choice of three tasks.
Paper 2
Receptive skills | 1 hour 45 minutes | 50%
- Listening comprehension based on the main themes (45 minutes)
- Reading comprehension based on the 5 themes (1 hour)
Internal assessment
25%
Individual oral assessment
7–10 minutes
This involves a conversation with the teacher based on a visual stimulus linked to one of the themes and discussion of at least one other course theme.
