About this course

French International Baccalaureate Course Overview

It is a requirement of the IB Diploma Programme that students study at least one subject from group 2: Language acquisition.

The Language B French course provides students with the skills and intercultural understanding to communicate appropriately and with growing confidence in French. Learning a language on the IBDP is a fundamental component of developing the international-mindedness and culturally sensitive communication central to the programme. Through the study of texts written in French, social interaction and practise, students become able to communicate more assuredly in the French language in a variety of contexts and for varied purposes.

The study of French language B also deepens student awareness and appreciation of the perspectives of people from diverse cultures in a meaningful way. Moreover, the course helps underpin students’ burgeoning understanding of the importance of language to other areas of knowledge as well as providing a practical foundation for further study, work and leisure in Francophone countries and contexts. This is achieved by students continually growing their knowledge and use of vocabulary and grammar, as well as their conceptual understanding of how the language works so they can communicate on topics relating to French speaking cultures. This is supported through a range of written, audio, visual and audio-visual texts that bring variety but also allow students to develop the receptive, productive and interactive skills needed to communicate.

In essence the course stokes genuine curiosity about other cultures and the enjoyment of speaking a language – a skill for life. Language B courses such as French are designed for students with some previous experience of the target language, so a level of previous study is required. At both standard and higher level, students learn to communicate using French in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, with the level of competency the student is expected to develop over the course what separates the two levels.

There are five themes covered in the study of Language B French. The following is an indication of the sorts of topics explored in each theme in the target language. All of which are broad and engaging, to really bring to life the student’s study and development of their language proficiency and cultural awareness.

  • Identities – lifestyles, subcultures, beliefs and values.
  • Experiences – leisure activities, customs and traditions, life stories, migration and population, travel and events.
  • Human ingenuity – entertainment, art, technology, invention and the media.
  • Social organization – relationships, education, work, law and order and community.
  • Sharing the planet – the environment, globalisation, ethics, urban and rural environments, peace and conflict.

The course is made up of both externally assessed examinations and an internally assessed portfolio. King’s InterHigh will support with guidance around where external exams may be sat. These exams are sat at the end of the two year programme.

  • Paper 1 (productive skills): One writing task from a choice of three
  • Paper 2 (receptive skills): Separate sections for listening and reading
  • Individual oral assessment

Learning IB French online allows students to enjoy the following features:

  • Use of technology to practise the use of language.
  • Positive learning culture and systems for communication.
  • 24/7 access to course resources and lessons, recorded and catalogued.
  • A flexible, international, high energy learning experience.
  • Live, responsive teaching and feedback in small classes.
  • High academic standards and levels of support.
  • Experienced, subject specialist teachers to both Standard and Higher level.
Key information
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International Baccalaureate
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Online, real-time classrooms, 24/7 access to curriculum
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September
About our fees

We have several fee packages and options, with differing levels of commitment to suit most circumstances. In most cases parents have the option to pay in instalments, spreading the cost of the investment.