MYP Language B: Mandarin or Spanish
Course Description: Grades 9 & 10
The aim of the Language B program is to enable students to communicate in the language of the community in which they live and in one other world language. Apart from the integral Language B component of the school’s Filipino program, students have a choice of learning either Mandarin or Spanish as an additional language.
Language learning is a long and organized process. Research indicates that it takes about 1,000 hours of study in a second language to gain fluency in that language. To create a more cohesive and relevant study program in Spanish or Mandarin, we ask that your child commit to one language throughout the Middle Years Programme. Consequently, movement from one language class to another is not allowed. You should discuss this language selection with your child as it will involve a serious commitment to learning that language for several years.
The Language B instructional program is organized around themes and associated topics. There are six interrelated learning outcomes, each of which is essential to develop skills to communicate effectively and appropriately in the target language:
- Comprehend and communicate through listening, responding and speaking
- View, read and respond to a variety of texts
- Write for a range of purposes
- Develop and apply cultural understanding
- Understand the system of the target language
Acquire a range of language learning strategies
There are two levels offered at the Beacon Academy: the Standard level, for students who have prior academic backgrounds in the chosen language; and the Foundation level, for students who are beginning their study of the language. Both programs lead to Language B in the Diploma Programme.