GROUP ONE
English A1 HL or SL Language A1 SL
Group 1 : ENGLISH A1 Higher and Standard Level
OBJECTIVES
The IB Language Al course at both Higher and Standard Levels is designed to
• develop students' powers of expression (both oral and written)
• introduce students to literature of different genres and from a range of periods and cultures, and to instil in them a lifelong interest in writing of quality
• give students the tools which will allow them to analyse literature and make critical and comparative judgements of it.
CONTENT
Parts One and Four of the overall course will be covered during IB1. Part Two may be begun during IB1 and completed during IB2.
Part One
Three World Literature texts: Each work must be written by a different author and originally have been written in a language other than English.
Part Four
School’s Free Choice texts: Each work must be written by a different author. This unit will consist of one World Literature text linked to the English texts by one or more aspects such as culture, genre, theme, period, style, type of literary study, methodology.
Part Two
Detailed Study:
• Shakespeare: Hamlet/The Tempest
• Selected poems: e.g. Plath, Hughes, Atwood, etc
• Novel to be selected (HL only)
• Non-fiction (HL only)
Throughout the whole of the IB1 year, practice will be given in the writing of commentaries on 'unseen' passages (both poetry and prose).
ASSESSMENT
Methods of assessment are varied and include major written assignments, an end-of year written examination, oral presentations and an oral examination. Emphasis is placed on personal response.
LANGUAGE A2 ENGLISH (HL/SL)
OBJECTIVES
The IB Language A2 course at both Higher and Standard Levels is designed to:
• develop students' powers of expression in both oral and written communication
• provide the opportunity for practising and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations
• introduce students to a range of texts in various genres, media, styles and contexts
• encourage a personal appreciation of a range of texts and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in textual study and criticism
• develop students' ability to engage in close, detailed. and critical examination of text
• develop students' ability to use the Language A2 as an effective tool for further study
• promote insight into the culture(s) related to the Language A2
• encourage students' recognition of the relationship between their languages
• promote the use of language(s) for personal growth, development and relationship with the international community
CONTENT
Higher Level students are required to study four ‘options’ during IB1 and IB2; Standard Level students study three. In the first year, they will complete the following two options:
Cultural Option – Language and Culture: This option will focus on the ideas of bilingualism, how culture and language interact, the spread and dominance of English over other languages, and issues surrounding minority languages, mother tongue, etc
Literary Option – Dreams and Visions: Students will explore this theme through different literary texts. Texts studied may include:
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (novel)
• Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (novel)
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemmingway (novel)
• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Students will analyse each text in depth, focusing on themes and ideas and literary style.
ASSESSMENT
Examination Paper 1: Comparative Commentary May 2009 25%
Examination Paper 2: Essay May 2009 25 %
Oral Presentation: February 2009 15%
Oral Commentary (tape recorded) October/November 2008 15%
Coursework Written Tasks: Completed during course 20%
LANGUAGE Al ENGLISH (HL/SL) GRADE 12
OBJECTIVES
The IB Language Al course, at both the Higher and Standard Levels, is designed to:
• develop students' powers of expression (both oral and written)
• introduce students to literature of different genres and from a range of periods and cultures, and to instil in them a lifelong interest in writing of quality
• give them the tools which will allow them to analyse literature and make critical and comparative judgements of it
CONTENT
Part Two (Detailed Study) texts will be completed and the Part Three (Drama) texts will be studied during IB2.
Part Two
• Shakespeare (Hamlet, Othello or The Tempest)
• Selected works by 1-2 poets (chosen by teacher)
• Novel (HL only)
• Non-fiction (HL only)
Part Three
Standard Level studies 3 texts; Higher Level studies 4. Plays selected include:
• A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
• Sizwe Bansi Is Dead by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona
• Oedipus the King by Sophocles
• A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen
• Death and the Maiden by Ariel Dorfmann
Throughout the whole of the IB2 year practice will be given in the writing of commentaries on 'unseen' passages (both poetry and prose).
ASSESSMENT
Methods of assessment are very varied and include major written assignments, oral presentations and a mock examination. The final weighting of the different forms of assessment will be as follows:
• Oral component 30%
• World Literature assignment(s) 20%
• Written examinations 50%
LANGUAGE A2 ENGLISH (HL/SL) GRADE 12
OBJECTIVES
The IB Language A2 course at both the Higher and Standard Levels is designed to:
• develop students' powers of expression in both oral and written communication
• provide the opportunity for practising and developing the skills involved in writing and speaking in a variety of styles and situations
• introduce students to a range of texts in various genres, media, styles and contexts
• encourage a personal appreciation of a range of texts and develop an understanding of the techniques involved in textual study and criticism
• develop students' abilities to engage in close, detailed and critical examination of text
• develop students' abilities to use the Language A2 as an effective tool for further study
• promote insight into the culture(s) related to the Language A2
• encourage students' recognition of the relationship between their languages
• promote the use of language(s) for personal growth, development and relationship with the international community
CONTENT
SL and HL students
Literary Option: Narrative Styles
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Cultural Option: Media and Language
• stereotypes in the media
• the language of manipulation – advertising and propaganda
• film analysis and comparison
Additional option for HL students only
Literary Option: Immigrants
• Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
• The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
• Selected poetry and short stories
ASSESSMENT
• Oral component 30%
• Written Tasks 20%
• Written examination 50%
Group 1: Language A1 (self taught) Standard Level
AIMS:
This course is the same as any other A1 Standard Level course, but is designed for students who wish to study their native language even though it is not offered in school. The aim of the course is to improve and develop students' expression both in written and oral forms. Students are exposed to literature of different types and from various cultures and periods. The literature component will develop students' critical and analytical skills.
COURSE CONTENT:
Eleven texts are studied. These focus on world literature, and literature in context. Assessment is based on assignments, examinations, and orals.
ASSESSMENT:
Internal:
- School-based assessment (oral) 30%
- Written assignments (externally marked) 20%
External:
- Written examinations 50%
REQUIREMENTS:
Only self-motivated students will be permitted to undertake a self-taught language A1, since they do not have a teacher for the course. They will need to liaise with the Language A1 Self Taught Coordinator to discuss specific requirements.
