It is a requirement of the IB Diploma Programme that students study at least one subject from group 2: Language acquisition.
The Language B French course provides students with the skills and intercultural understanding to communicate appropriately and with growing confidence in French. Learning a language on the IBDP is a fundamental component of developing the international-mindedness and culturally sensitive communication central to the programme. Through the study of texts written in French, social interaction and practise, students become able to communicate more assuredly in the French language in a variety of contexts and for varied purposes.
The study of French language B also deepens student awareness and appreciation of the perspectives of people from diverse cultures in a meaningful way. Moreover, the course helps underpin students’ burgeoning understanding of the importance of language to other areas of knowledge as well as providing a practical foundation for further study, work and leisure in Francophone countries and contexts. This is achieved by students continually growing their knowledge and use of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how the language works so they can communicate on topics relating to French speaking cultures. This is supported through a range of written, audio, visual and audio-visual texts that bring variety but also allow students to develop the receptive, productive and interactive skills needed to communicate.
In essence the course stokes genuine curiosity about other cultures and the enjoyment of speaking a language – a skill for life. Language B courses such as French are designed for students with some previous experience of the target language, so a level of previous study is required. At both standard and higher level, students learn to communicate using French in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, with the level of competency the student is expected to develop over the course what separates the two levels.
