Group 2: Second Language
Introduction to Modern Languages
Sidcot’s Modern Languages Department benefits from a dedicated team of experienced and innovative staff. Its classrooms are equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment and from Year 10 pupils benefit from conversation lessons with the three foreign language assistants.
During lessons, pupils immerse themselves in a variety of media including CDs, tape recordings, video and DVD as well as internet-based interactive language exercises, projected onto the classroom whiteboard. A variety of well-paced activities in lessons help to develop the four vital linguistic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Pupils are encouraged to reflect upon the cultural context of the language they are studying and on the importance of breaking down the linguistic barriers to international understanding. This helps to ensure that languages are not studied in isolation, but in the context of developing a broad cultural awareness. The process is also supported by a range of options for exchange visits.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Modern Languages
The IB Diploma in Modern Languages is divided into 3 options:
- Language B – subjects offered currently are French, German and Spanish. This option is appropriate for students who are non-native speakers of the language studied and who have achieved at least a grade B or equivalent standard at GCSE.
- Language Ab initio – subject currently offered is Spanish. This option is appropriate for non-native speakers of the language who have no prior knowledge.
- Language A: Language and Literature – Subject currently offered is German. This also appears in Group 1 of the I.B. syllabus. This option is offered for native or near-native speakers of German, who, along with their study of English as a group 1 subject, then qualify for a bilingual diploma.
Language is a boost on any UCAS form, for employment prospects and an invaluable life skill. Alongside other subjects it strengthens the application to encompass a wider perspective of the world particularly in Business, Law, Management or further languages, History and English.
At IB Higher and Standard Level students will continue to improve their ability to use and understand the language. However, alongside the quality of the language used more importance is accorded to the style and the content of communication. The language is largely taught through topics but with no prescribed list from the IB these can be largely chosen by the students, and can be social, historical, political or cultural aspects of any country where the language is used. As well as opening up their language study to include Africa, South America, etc., this can often tie in with work the students are doing in other subjects, ie., the role of the media, healthy eating, tourism and its effects on the environment. Short literary texts and films are sometimes studied to complement a topic.
