This course is designed for Spanish beginners and will count as a Standard Level. The main focus is therefore on learning how to communicate and understand Spanish in everyday situations. By the end of the course you will be able to communicate basic information and ideas clearly and effectively. Language acquisition will be achieved through the development of the receptive, productive and interactive skills and competences. Elements of language include vocabulary, grammatical structures, register, pronunciation and intonation. By nature no prior knowledge is required for this course, although some experience of language study is useful. Dedication, motivation and a “stick at it” attitude are the key requirements at IB level. You should also be well organised and prepared to work seriously and effectively over the two year period. To achieve top grades, you should be prepared to communicate willingly and dedicate yourself to the learning of new vocabulary.
The IB DP language ab initio course is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and intercultural understanding to enable them to communicate successfully in an environment where the language studied is spoken. This process encourages the learner to go beyond the confines of the classroom, expanding an awareness of the world and fostering respect for cultural diversity. The language ab initio course develops students’ linguistic abilities through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills by providing them opportunities to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations. Language ab initio is available at standard level only.
• develop students’ intercultural understanding
• enable students to understand and use the language they have studied in a range of contexts and for a variety of purposes
• encourage, through the study of texts and social interaction, an awareness and appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures
• develop students’ awareness of the role of language in relation to other areas of knowledge
• develop students’ awareness of the relationship between the languages and cultures with which they are familiar
• 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.
Three areas of study – language, themes and texts – provide the basis of the language ab initio course. These three fundamental areas, as well as intercultural understanding, are all interrelated and should be studied concurrently
• Receptive skills: the ability to comprehend straightforward written and spoken language.
• Productive skills: the ability to write and speak the target language effectively.
• Interactive skills: the ability to understand and respond effectively to written and spoken language.
• Individuals and society – Daily routines; education; food and drink; personal details; appearance and character physical health; relationships; shopping
• Leisure and work – Employment; entertainment; holidays; media; sport; technology; transport
• Urban and rural environment – Environmental concerns; global issues; neighbourhood; physical geography; town and services; weather
During the course, students are taught to understand and produce a variety of spoken, written and visual texts. Use of authentic texts is encouraged. Examples of texts to be studied include articles, letters, maps, timetables and web pages.
Having followed the language ab initio standard level course, students will be assessed on their ability to:
• demonstrate an awareness and understanding of the intercultural elements related to the prescribed topics
• communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations
• understand and use accurately the basic structures of the language
• understand and use an appropriate range of vocabulary
• use a register and a format that are appropriate to the situation.