Sixth Form
Languages
Languages are the ultimate key to global connection and cultural understanding, empowering students to transcend borders, communicate with nuance, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
At Ryde you can study various languages in the IB.
Why study Languages at Ryde School?
Studying Languages at Ryde School at the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a dynamic and culturally enriching pathway for students passionate about communication, global perspectives, and linguistic fluency. Here, students do not just study vocabulary and grammar; they learn to think like pioneering global citizens and communicators, equipped with the critical thinking, cultural empathy, and multilingual versatility needed to navigate the complex diplomatic and professional challenges of our interconnected world.
Linguistic fluency is a highly sought-after asset that opens doors to a remarkably diverse range of academic and career paths. Our students routinely progress to top-tier universities, pursuing pure modern languages or combining them with competitive degrees in international relations, law, business, and politics. In the global job market, this training leads directly to rewarding careers in diplomacy, international law, global marketing, journalism, and translation. Ultimately, a language education at Ryde does not simply teach you how to speak to the world it provides the intellectual and cultural agility required to lead within it.
Courses Available
The IB Language and Literature courses offers you the opportunity to study language and literature in greater depth. You will explore a range of interlinked texts from different bodies of work to adopt an increasingly independent, global perspective, while reflecting on how we are all represented every day.
Entry Requirements
For English A, Grade 6 or above in (I)GCSE English Language and English Literature. For other language A options, please discuss with Director of Learning
Award IBDP
Language A Literature (School Supported Self Taught)
(Studies in Language and Literature – Group 1)
Course Content/Structure
The Language A Literature course is designed for motivated, independent students to be able to access what is usually their native language and fulfil their Group 1 subject selection to achieve the IB Diploma.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, essays and a recorded oral examination. This range of assessment types allows you to develop skills in analysis, debate and different forms of
communication.
- Paper 1: Guided Textual Analysis (35%)
- Paper 2: Comparative Essay (35%)
- HL Essay: Higher Level only (20% of IB HL grade)
- Reflective Journal: Ongoing assessment throughout the two year course.
- Individual Oral Examination: (30% of SL and 20% of HL grade)
Language A Language & Literature, offered at both Standard and Higher Levels, is at the heart of the IB Diploma and is unique in terms of the variety and combination of texts and topics you study. You will read non-literary texts and literary works, some in translation, from different cultures and perspectives, past and present, and from around the world.
You will also gain a clear understanding of how language, culture and context are intrinsically linked, both to each other, and to the literature that represents them. It will therefore enable you to develop the independence, spirit of enquiry, academic rigour and critical thinking skills that will be invaluable to you in the future, whatever path you choose.
Award
Language B (Language Acquisition – Group 2)
Ab Initio (Language Acquisition – Group 2*) e.g. Italian, Japanese
Course Content/Structure
Five prescribed themes are common to the syllabuses of Language B. The themes provide relevant contexts for study at all levels of language acquisition in the IBDP, and opportunities for students to communicate about matters of personal, local or national, and global interest.
The five prescribed themes are:
- Identities
- Experiences
- Human ingenuity
- Social organisation
- Sharing the planet
In addition, the study of two literary works is required at HL.
Assessment
External Assessment – 75% (HL & SL)
- Paper 1: Writing – 25%
- Paper 2: Listening & Reading – 50%
Internal Assessment: 25% (HL & SL) Individual Oral: 25 %
Why French?
More than 300 million people speak French on the five continents. French is the second most widely learned foreign language after English, and the fifth most widely spoken language in the world. French is both a working language and an official language of the United Nations, the European Union, UNESCO, NATO, the International Olympic Committee, the International Red Cross and international courts.
Why Spanish?
Spanish is the second most spoken language by native speakers in the world, with more than 400 million Spanish speakers in 21 countries. Spanish can be used as a ‘gateway’ to learn other languages. With an ever increasing presence in the global market, emerging economies in the Americas mean that the chance of work and business opportunities from
Spanish knowledge is increasing.
Why German?
German is spoken by 120 million people. It is Europe’s business and most widely spoken language. As well as Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, it is widely spoken across Europe, especially in Eastern Europe. Germany has the world’s third largest economy and is the number one export nation worldwide. German is the second most commonly used
scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.