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Wer fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, weiss nichts von seiner eigenen.

[They who are ignorant of foreign languages know not their own.]

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The primary aim of language B in the MYP is to encourage students to gain competence in a modern language other than their mother tongue, with the long‑term goal of balanced bilingualism.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) acknowledges that learning additional languages greatly contributes to the holistic development of students. Proficiency in a second language gives students access to a broader range of input, experiences and perspectives, and is believed to raise achievement in other subject areas, as well as giving the student the enjoyment of being able to communicate in a language other than his or her mother tongue. The study of MYP language B aims to encourage in the student a respect for and understanding of other languages and cultures, and to provide a skills base to facilitate further language learning.

Language B levels

There are three levels for final‑year certification in MYP language B. These are:

• language B advanced

• language B standard

• language B foundation.

Language B advanced

Students being registered for certification in their final MYP year for language B advanced will show a high level of competence in the language B, but will not yet be ready to undertake the language as language A. Students’ higher level of competence may be the result of prior exposure to the language, being able to access the language in the host community, or other special circumstances. Language B advanced students are those who need a greater challenge than that offered through language B standard.

For students in IB World Schools that offer the Diploma Programme (DP), aiming for the MYP language B advanced level would be good preparation for the DP language B Higher Level course.

Language B standard

Students being registered for certification in their final MYP year for language B standard will have studied the language B for the five years of the MYP (or four years for schools taking the four‑year option). They typically will have had little or no prior formal instruction, and will not be proficient in the language before starting the course.

For students in IB World Schools that offer the DP, aiming for the MYP language B standard level would be good preparation for the DP language B courses.

Language B foundation

The language B foundation level is suitable for students who are new to a language.

Students being registered for certification in their final MYP year for language B foundation will have studied the language for approximately two years and will have a basic level of competence in the language by the end of the MYP.

For students in IB World Schools that offer the DP, aiming for the MYP language B foundation level may in some cases prepare students for the DP language B courses at standard level.

At DISV we offer both English B, German B and Spanish B or French B as part of the taught curriculum. English B and German B meet for five 40 minutes sessions per week from Grade 6 to Grade 10 for the whole year. Spanish B and French B meet for four 40 minutes sessions per week from Grade 6 to Grade 10 for the whole year. The school offers the MYP levels of foundation, standard and advanced for B languages. The Aims and Objectives and Curriculum Overview can be found in this section of the website.

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