Course Introduction: 

The Language Acquisition course for IB Year 1 is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of language acquisition, focusing on the development of linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and effective communication in a second language. Through a balanced approach of theory and practical application, students will explore the processes involved in acquiring a new language, enhance their language proficiency, and develop a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and their linguistic expressions.

General Objective: 

The general objective is to enable students to develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively and confidently in a second language. By the end of the course, students should be able to understand and produce spoken and written language in a range of contexts, engage critically with various forms of media and literature, and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness when using the language.

Methodology: 

The course employs a learner-centered and communicative approach to language acquisition. It emphasizes active engagement, interaction, and authentic language use to foster meaningful learning experiences. Students will participate in a variety of activities such as role-plays, discussions, debates, multimedia analysis, and collaborative projects to enhance their language skills and cultural understanding. The course also integrates technology as a tool for language learning and encourages self-directed exploration of language resources.

Course Content: 

The course content is organized into thematic units that encompass a variety of language skills and cultural topics. The content is designed to progressively challenge and build upon students' language proficiency. 

Unit 1: How can I connect with others?
Unit 2: Eat to live, or live to eat?
Unit 3: How can we find our way?
Unit 4: What would life be like in a world without letters? 

Criteria

CRITERION A: Listening - 25%
i. identify explicit and implicit information (facts, opinions, messages and supporting details)
ii. analyse conventions
iii. analyse connections.

CRITERION B: Reading - 25%
i.identify explicit and implicit information (facts, opinions, messages and supporting details)
 ii.analyse conventions
iii.analyse connections.

CRITERION C: Speaking - 25%
i.use a wide range of vocabulary
ii.use a wide range of grammatical structures generally accurately 
iii.use clear pronunciation and intonation in comprehensible manner iv.communicate all the required information clearly and effectively.

CRITERION D: Writing - 25%
i.use a wide range of vocabulary
ii.use a wide range of grammatical structures generally accurately
iii.organize information effectively and coherently in an appropriate format using a wide range of simple and some complex cohesive devices
iv.communicate all the required information with a clear sense of audience and purpose to suit the context.