Group 1

Language A: language and literature comprises of the study of the texts produced in a language is central to an active engagement with language and culture and, by extension, to how we see and understand the world in which we live. A key aim is to encourage students to question the meaning generated by language and texts, which, it can be argued, is rarely straightforward and unambiguous. Helping students to focus closely on the language of the texts they study and to become aware of the role of each text's wider context in shaping its meaning is central to the course. The course aims to develop in students, skills of textual analysis and the understanding that texts, both literary and non-literary, can be seen as autonomous yet simultaneously related to culturally determined reading practices. An understanding of the ways in which formal elements are used to create meaning in a text is combined with an exploration of how that meaning is affected by reading practices that are culturally defined and by the circumstances of production and reception.

Curricular Objectives

• Introduce students to a range of texts from different periods, styles and genres
• Develop in students the ability to engage in close, detailed analysis of individual texts and make relevant connections
• Develop the students' powers of expression, both in oral and written communication
• Encourage students to recognize the importance of the contexts in which texts are written and received. Encourage, through the study of texts, an appreciation of the different perspectives of people from other cultures, and how these perspectives construct meaning
• Encourage students to appreciate the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
• Promote in students an enjoyment of, and lifelong interest in, language and literature
• Develop in students an understanding of how language, culture and context determine the ways in which meaning is constructed in texts
• Encourage students to think critically about the different interactions between text, audience and purpose

Learning Outcome

• Knowledge and understanding : Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of texts and demonstrate an understanding of the use of language in context, its structure, technique and style
• Application and analysis : Demonstrate an ability to choose a text type appropriate to the purpose required
• Synthesis and evaluation– Demonstrate an ability to compare and contrast the formal elements, content and context of texts.  Only at HL: Produce a critical response evaluating some aspects of text, context and meaning
• Selection and use of appropriate presentation and language skills
• Demonstrate an ability to express ideas clearly and with fluency in both written and oral communication
• Only at HL : Demonstrate an ability to write a balanced, comparative analysis

Teaching Methodology

The course is designed to allow a variety of teaching approaches. Teachers are given a great deal of freedom and responsibility to interpret the curriculum and to
create a course of study that not only meets the aims and objectives of the course but is also relevant to the situation of the school and its community.

Teaching the language A: language and literature course will be supported in ways that fit with the IB learner profile and with the pedagogical principles that underpin IB programme as the promotion of critical and creative-thinking skills, and learning how to learn. At each stage of their course, students will be given the opportunity to engage in inquiry-based learning and to develop the skills required for critical thinking.

The teacher is viewed as a supporter of student learning, rather than a transmitter of knowledge, and will promote the IB learner profile in students and their work in the following ways. They are provided with an inclusive, positive and safe class ethos to empower students. They will have a variety of opportunities, both critical and creative and students individual learning methodology will be recognised. Critical discourse is facilitated. Appreciation of language as an art form is promoted. Students are enabled to explore a wide variety of texts. Opportunities are provided for student inquiry into the subtleties and implications of cultural contexts. Students are provided opportunities for writing about language and literature. Students learn the scaffolding techniques necessary for making reasonable comparative judgments about texts.