HS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

World Languages Department

PHILOSOPHY

 

 

World Languages learning fosters the general cognitive development of our students and their appreciation of others.  It is a lifelong process that contributes to our students becoming open minded, global citizens.  World Languages learning at CAC is based on a communicative approach. Students develop speaking, writing, reading and listening skills, as well as intercultural understanding, in order to conduct effective and meaningful communication in authentic contexts evolving from practical to abstract and academic.

 

IB Language Course Criteria

 

Ab initio SL Due to the complicated nature of language exposure/experience for international students; requests for this course will be reviewed case by case.  Ab Initio courses are designed for students with either little or no prior experience of the target language.

The course is organized into three themes: individual and society, leisure and work, and urban and rural environment. Each theme comprises a list of topics that provide students with opportunities to practice and explore the language and to develop intercultural understanding.

Through the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills, students develop the ability to respond and interact appropriately in a defined range of everyday situations.

Language B Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) are language acquisition courses for students with some previous experience of learning the language. While studying the language, students also explore the culture(s) connected with it.

Higher and standard levels are differentiated by the depth of syllabus coverage, the required study of literature at HL, and the level of difficulty and requirements of the assessment tasks and criteria.

The range of purposes and situations for using language in the language B courses extends well beyond those for language ab initio.

The course is organized into themes. Three core themes are required: communication and media, global issues, and social relationships. In addition, at both HL and SL, teachers select two more themes from five options provided. Finally, two works of literature are studied at HL only.

 

Language B SL is recommended for a language learner who:

• has 3 or more years experience in the target language
• has not been in a former school in the target language

Or

• meets or exceeds the criteria, but is already taking 3 HL subjects

Enrollment is pending a placement exam administered by the CAC World Languages Department.  The teacher will make confirmation of appropriate placement within the first three weeks of the course.

Language B HL is recommended for a language learner who intends to study the language at this level for a future career, or to meet a Diploma Programme requirement, and who:

• has 3 or more years experience in the target language
• has not been in a former school in the target language

Enrollment is pending a placement exam administered by the CAC World Languages Department.  The teacher will make confirmation of appropriate placement within the first three weeks of the course.

The Language A course introduces students to the analysis of literary texts. It is the course through which the IB’s policy of mother-tongue entitlement is delivered.

Language A SL is recommended for a fluent language user who:

• is a native or near-native speaker
• is an almost bilingual student (in reading and writing)

Enrollment is pending a placement exam administered by the CAC World Languages Department.  The teacher will make confirmation of appropriate placement within the first three weeks of the course.

Language A HL is recommended for a fluent language user who intends to study the language at this level for a future career or to meet a Diploma Programme requirement, and who:

• is a native or near-native speaker wishing to study a different language as his or her Language A
• is a bilingual student (in reading and writing)

Enrollment is pending a placement exam administered by the CAC World Languages Department.  The teacher will make confirmation of appropriate placement within the first three weeks of the course.

School Supported Self-Taught (SSST) Language A: Literature SL gives students whose first language is not English or Arabic the opportunity to study their mother tongue.

SSST Language A SL courses are for students who are:

 

• native or near native speakers wishing to study literature in that language

• bilingual students (in reading and writing)

• IB Diploma candidates choosing this course as an alternative to a Language B

 

Enrollment is pending an interview with the IB Coordinator to discuss the qualifications and demands of the course.  See the section on the International Baccalaureate Program at CAC for further details.

 

Program of Studies 2021-22