French B HL/SL

By: V. Fregonesi

French B in the International Baccalaureate is an extremely enriching and demanding subject. Even though it is French as a Second Language, the course provides a full immersion in the language, as all lessons are given in French at all times. This means that even if I would like to share a remark about a film I watched over the weekend, or anything off-topic, the teachers ask for it to be said in French, in order to further expand vocabulary and stimulate the students to speak the language more fluently.

The course is extremely broad and designed for anyone who has a passion and interest in learning a foreign language, and the culture that goes with it.  Topics range from Social Relations, Health and Safety and to Global Issues, opening the student's minds to diversity. Furthermore, if the student wishes to chose Higher Level, they get an even deeper knowledge of French culture and language, since French Literature is included. There, we read famous French books such as L'Étranger by Albert Camus and Les Femmes Savantes by Molière.

The assessments within the syllabus include:

External Assessment (70%)

• Paper 1: Reading comprehension on 4 texts (25%)
• Paper 2: Writing exercise based on 1 question out of 5 options, chosen by the student (25%)
• Written Assignment: based on intertextual reading (20%)

Internal Assessment (30%)

• Individual Oral Presentation (20%)
• Interactive Oral Activities (10%)

According to the Head of French, Dr Hallinan, an IB French student profile is "informés, communicatifs, ouverts d’esprit, audacieux et réfléchis", which translates to "informed, communicative, open-minded, audacious and reflective". If you are passionate about languages, and unafraid to speak a foreign one and make mistakes, then IB French HL or SL is a very promising choice for you.