The course comprises five topics; the three from the core (social relationships, communication and media and global issues) and two chosen from the five options (cultural diversity, customs and traditions, health, leisure, science and technology). Standard Level Spanish provides a suitable foundation for further study and/or practical use of Spanish as well as being a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for students who do not progress to further study in the subject. Higher Level Spanish provides a firm foundation for tertiary study.
Standard Level students will learn to communicate confidently with native speakers on a wide range of general topics. Higher Level students will have a deeper knowledge of the literature and culture of Spanish-speaking countries, along with opinions and insight into the political and social aspects of the countries. The content of the course for Standard and Higher levels is essentially the same. The extra lessons at Higher Level will be dedicated to more advanced grammar, speaking and literary content as well as preparing for the lengthier essay question and the new written assignment. Reading literature in the target language can be an enjoyable journey into the culture/s studied; it will help students to broaden their vocabulary and to use language in a more creative manner, developing fluent reading skills, promoting interpretative and inferential skills and contributing to intercultural understanding.
A genuine interest in the Spanish language is crucial for this course. You should have studied the language for at least three years, and should be keen to develop the level of your language. Literary extracts are included in both courses, but are only explicitly examined at Higher level. You should be prepared to be well organised and to work conscientiously and independently over the two year period. Higher Level is a good stepping stone to university Spanish.
The IB DP language B course provides students with the opportunity to acquire or develop an additional language and to promote an understanding of other cultures through the study of language. Language B is designed for students who possess a degree of knowledge and experience in the target language. High performing standard level students and those learning a language B at higher level should be able to follow university courses in other disciplines in the language B that is studied.
• 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.
The assessments aim to test all students’ ability to understand and use the language of study as well as key concepts through:
• learning a language by engaging with its use and meaning within a social framework
• developing receptive, productive and interactive skills in the language of study.
Students’ success in the language B course is measured by combining their grades on external and internal assessment.