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Polish Programme

English B

English Language B
 
What is the course about?
 
Language B is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. It may be studied at either SL or HL. The main focus of the course is on language acquisition and development of language skills. These language skills should be developed through the study and use of a range of written and spoken material. Such material will extend from everyday oral exchanges to literary texts, and should be related to the culture(s) concerned. The material should be chosen to enable students to develop mastery of language skills and intercultural understanding.
The core—with topics common to both levels—is divided into three areas and is a required area of study.
Communication and media 
 Global issues 
 Social relationships
 In addition, at both SL and HL, teachers select two from the following five options. 

Cultural diversity 
 Customs and traditions 
 Health 
 Leisure Science and technology
 Also, at HL, students read two works of literature. 

How is the course structured?
 
Throughout the first year, SL and HL students will study the core topics in order to prepare for the Paper 1 exam which not only assesses their ability to read a variety of texts, but to also assess their comprehension and ability to explore different interpretations. In addition, students will also take part in three interactive oral commentaries, based on the core, that will be assessed in class.
During the second term of the first year, the students will also begin their written assignment which consists of a creative piece and a rational. SL students will base this piece of work on the core topics, however HL will use one of the two literature works they have read. 
 
In the second year, the students will study two of the five options in order to prepare for the Paper 2 exam. For SL, the students will complete a short writing exercise, whereas HL are required to complete two which consists of the short writing exercise and a response to a stimulus text. Furthermore, they will also deliver their individual oral which is based on the options.
 
Are there any requirements?
 
All students are welcome to join and it is emphasised that those who study English as an additional language opt for this course. An adequate command of the English language is required as the course assesses students’ ability to speak fluently, write with precision and show their understanding of texts.
 
It is important that students approach the course with open-mindedness, curiosity and the ability to reflect.
 
What materials will I need?
 
Second language speakers are encouraged to use bilingual dictionaries in order to access the curriculum.
 
What will I learn?
 
There are six assessment objectives for the language B course. Students will be assessed on their ability to:
communicate clearly and effectively in a range of situations, demonstrating linguistic competence and intercultural understanding 
 use language appropriate to a range of interpersonal and/or cultural contexts 
 understand and use language to express and respond to a range of ideas with accuracy and fluency 
 organize ideas on a range of topics, in a clear, coherent and convincing manner 
 understand, analyse and respond to a range of written and spoken texts 
 understand and use works of literature written in the target language of study (HL only). 
  
What career paths are open to me?
 
Not only is the course is built on the assumption that language is concerned with our conceptions, interpretations and experiences of the world, it also can be seen as an exploration of the way it represents what human beings are exposed to in daily life.
 
Furthermore, it enables an exploration of one of the more enduring fields of human creativity, and provides opportunities for encouraging independent, original, critical and clear thinking. It also promotes respect for the imagination and a perceptive approach to the understanding of languages.
 
 
Where can I find more information about the course?
 
Please download the English course outline for more information.
For any further enquiries, please feel free to contact the subject teacher at j.tidd@bisc.krakow.pl
 
Suggested reading list
 
BBC Learn English:
Description
Comprehensive materials for intermediate to advanced ESL learners.

Website
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish

 


Subjects we offer:

Biology
Business & Management
Chemistry
Computer Science
English A Literature
English B
Environmental Systems & Societies
French A Language & Literature
French B
German A Literature
German B
Geography
History
Mathematics SL
Mathematics HL
Mathematical Studies
Music
Spanish B
Physics
Polish A Literature
Portuguese B
Psychology
Theatre
Visual Arts

Leadership

Patrick Lagendijk
​​IB Co-ordinator

Downloads

IB Handbook