• the acquisition of the language of a culture, and 
• the possibilities to reflect upon and explore cultural perspectives.

The ability to communicate in a variety of modes in more than one language is essential to the concept of an international education that promotes intercultural understanding.

The MYP language B course aims to encourage students to:

• gain competence in a language other than their mother tongue
• develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
• become equipped with a skills base to facilitate further language learning.

MYP Language B guide (p. 2)

At ISB, students can choose to study Spanish B or French B as a modern foreign language. They can join a class in any of the phases of the language development, depending on their previous exposure to the language, or the lack of it.

As the MYP Language acquisition guide states

The aims of the teaching and learning of MYP language acquisition are to:

• gain proficiency in an additional language while supporting maintenance of their mother tongue and cultural heritage
• develop a respect for, and understanding of, diverse linguistic and cultural heritages
• develop the student's communication skills necessary for further language learning, and for study, work and leisure in a range of authentic contexts and for a variety of audiences and purposes
• enable the student to develop multiliteracy skills through the use of a range of learning tools, such as multimedia, in the various modes of communication
• enable the student to develop an appreciation of a variety of literary and non-literary texts and to develop critical and creative techniques for comprehension and construction of meaning
• enable the student to recognize and use language as a vehicle of thought, reflection, self-expression and learning in other subjects, and as a tool for enhancing literacy
• enable the student to understand the nature of language and the process of language learning, which comprises the integration of linguistic, cultural and social components
• offer insight into the cultural characteristics of the communities where the language is spoken
• encourage an awareness and understanding of the perspectives of people from own and other cultures, leading to involvement and action in own and other communities
• foster curiosity, inquiry and a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, language learning.

Click on the links for general course outline information. Specific details regarding curriculum and assessment can be accessed by ISB Community Parent/Student Portal.