IB Language, Literature & Language Acquisition
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Language, Literature and Language Acquisition encompass two aspects: Lang A (Language and Literature) and Lang B (Language Acquisition). Students will always be studying two languages: the language of instruction (or their mother tongue) and a second language (or their mother tongue).
Lang A (Language and Literature) provides International Baccalaureate students an opportunity to “develop critical, creative and personal approaches to studying and analysing literary and non-literary texts”. Through their studies, students will hone their listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and presenting skills with the aim of investigating and understanding how texts are used in their world.
Lang B (Language Acquisition) is a compulsory part of both the IB Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, providing students with the opportunity to “gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting the maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage.”
At Halcyon, we offer a choice of Spanish or Mandarin as MYP Language Acquisition subjects to our students at different ‘phase’ levels to accommodate all abilities, with French and additional acquisition languages available at Diploma level.
Language and Literature (Lang A)
The International Baccalaureate obliges teachers to integrate diversity into the curriculum, and Halcyon ensures that a variety of translated texts are included in English subject units. Our teachers are also committed to ensuring that MYP students engage equally with studies in both language and literature, as required by the International Baccalaureate.
Middle Years Programme
In the Middle Years Programme, learners will analyse and produce a range of texts to understand language “as a vehicle for thought, creativity, reflection, learning, self-expression, analysis and social interaction.”
Diploma Programme
Diploma Programme students may choose to study Literature or Language and Literature, and through the study of texts will gain, “an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning.”
Language Acquisition (Lang B)
Middle Years Programme
In the Middle Years Programme, students develop their knowledge and understanding of either Spanish or Mandarin, enabling them to “recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects.” Students who speak French at home or who have attended a French school may also enrol in French Club to prepare for taking French at Diploma Level, which is also offered at Halcyon.
Diploma Programme
In the Diploma Programme, students further develop this “awareness of the importance of language in relation to other areas of knowledge” in Spanish, Mandarin, French, or a separate language acquisition option; providing them with “a basis for further study, work and leisure through the use of an additional language.”
Our teachers build our students’ achievement through activities that require learners to comprehend, create and respond to a variety of spoken, written and visual texts.
Mother Tongue Languages
Our Mother Tongue Programme offers our students a way to connect with their linguistic heritage and home culture as they take their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to a higher level. In small classes – often 1 to 1 – students engage in a range of bespoke tasks including translation, conversation practice, and analysis of literary works: often in preparation for taking their Mother Tongue language at SL (Standard Level) or HL (Higher Level) as an option in the Diploma Programme. We currently offer a range of over 10 Mother Tongue languages including French, Swedish, and Japanese – we can adjust these options in response to students’ needs.
English Plus (EAL)
A key function of our role as an international school is providing students, who arrive from all corners of the world, the opportunity to learn English.
A key fabric in the tapestry of our languages programme is English Plus (EAL - English as an Additional Language), which traces back to the arrival of IB English teacher Lindsey Fairweather at Halcyon in 2020. Since then, English Plus has continually adapted and evolved to meet the needs of both our students and the curriculum, delivered in coordination with fellow Halcyon English Plus teacher, Rahana Ahmed, who also serves as a bridge for students progressing into English B (Grades 10-12).
We embrace multilingualism with sensitivity, ensuring students can grow and maintain new languages while continuing to celebrate their origins.
The success of the programme is marked not only by the growing list of graduates speaking fluent English and stepping into academic careers but also by the close-knit community it has fostered. The programme is woven into subjects like science and maths, whereby all teachers contribute to the health of our multilingual learners.
Read More Halcyon Teacher Contributes to Multilingual Learner Textbook
Our Language and Literature Team
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Academics
An innovative curriculum that encourages academic curiosity. Classrooms where challenging questions deepen understanding. Students welcomed for who they are.
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Wellbeing
At Halcyon, we integrate the Wellbeing Programme throughout all aspects of school life, fostering a supportive environment for social and emotional learning. We empower students to bring their unique perspectives to their learning, enriching the intellectual, social and intercultural environment for everyone.
Our Community
Community is a foundational value for us. Our parents, students, teachers, support staff and alum are at the core of our vibrant, welcoming International Baccalaureate learning environment.
