1. Languages at IB If you take the full IB diploma youll need to take a language in Group 2. We offer Chinese, French and Spanish. This is in addition to your Group 1 language – English If you dont take the full diploma you may be able to take a Group 2 language as a certificate

2. Diploma students – the recommended track If youve studied Chinese, French or Spanish as a foreign language in Yr10/11, you should aim to carry on with that language at Language B level – either at Standard or Higher Level Language B Standard Takes your language well beyond GCSE level Talk intelligently about global issues instead of how to buy potatoes and who your family members are! Learn more about the countrys culture

3. Or… Diploma students – the recommended track Language B Higher You get a much better understanding of the way language works More extensive & deeper knowledge of the country and its people More lessons than for Standard to help you reach a higher level

4. Alternative to Language B – Ab Initio Ab Initio Starts from zero + builds up to just beyond GCSE level Not easy but rewarding: a brand new language Opportunity to make a fresh start Opportunity to expand your range of languages More practical language than Language B, more like GCSE but very intensive Can I take Ab Initio? Yes, if… You have little or no previous knowledge of that language – ie you didnt take it in Yrs 10+11. You feel unable to continue your GCSE language at language B level You are ambitious to learn a brand new language for practical purposes

5. 1 st language Chinese The top Chinese linguists have a different route: Chinese A2 (Standard or Higher) Allows you to take your Chinese to a very advanced level and…achieve the prestigious Bilingual Diploma You take English A1 + Chinese A2 (instead of a Chinese B)

6. Whats A2 Chinese? Its Chinese Language + Literature You study great novels and criticize them in Chinese You develop sophisticated vocabulary and idiom You learn to argue persuasively You take your Chinese to a level similar to your English ability

7. Can I take A2 Chinese? Yes, if… You achieve A or above in the IGCSE first language examination; Youre recommended by the ESF-wide Chinese Benchmark assessment Your Yr11 teacher agrees that you are capable

8. What to do now Try to visit one of the countries where your IB language is spoken, if possible in the summer hols after the GCSE exams. Consider a language immersion course in in the country or even in HK to help boost your language level before you join Yr12