Language Acquisition

It is a requirement of the IB Diploma Programme that students study at least one subject from Group 2 (Language Acquisition). The main emphasis of these courses is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for different purposes while, at the same time, promoting an understanding of another culture through the study of its language.

The following language options are currently offered at Park Lane to accommodate students’ interest in and previous experience of language study:

French B SL or French B HL
German B SL or German B HL
Spanish ab initio SL
English HL only

Language ab initio (SL)

Language ab initio courses are for beginners (that is, students who have little or no previous experience of learning the language they have chosen). These courses are only available at standard level.

Language B (SL and HL)

Language B courses are intended for students who have had some previous experience of learning the language. They may be studied at either higher level or standard level.

In both the ab initio course and Language B course, students develop the ability to communicate in the target language through the study of language, themes and texts. In doing so, they also develop conceptual understandings of how language works. Communication is evidenced through receptive, productive and interactive skills across a range of contexts and purposes that are appropriate to the level of the course.

The syllabus is organised into five prescribed themes: identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation and sharing the planet.

The ab initio syllabus prescribes four topics for each of the five prescribed themes for a total of 20 topics that must be addressed in the language ab initio course. In the SL and HL for Language B, optional recommended topics and possible questions for each theme are presented in the guide, but are not prescribed.

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