Other Languages

Course summary

The focus of the course is to build upon learners’ existing (usually GCSE) level of linguistic competence and prepare them for future study, work or leisure. In doing so they develop their intercultural understanding and their awareness and appreciation of different perspectives of people from other cultures. Pupils will develop an understanding of the role of language in communication, culture and thought. This latter area relates to the Theory of Knowledge component in particular. The relationship between language and culture will also be covered. A range of contexts and purposes of language in practical use will be targeted. The focus will also involve providing a stimulating and enjoyable learning experience. The assessment objectives focus on the use of appropriate language to express and respond to a range of spoken and written texts and organise ideas in a clear and coherent manner. Accuracy, fluency, intercultural understanding, and linguistic competence will be tested in a range of situations. At Higher Level only, pupils’ ability to understand and use two works of target language literature will also be assessed. Topics: Identities, experiences, human ingenuity, social organisation, sharing the planet. The themes are prescribed but the syllabus itself is bespoke and tailored to pupils’ interests in the target language and its cultures.