Sixth Form Subject Guide 2019-2021 REDRAFTED Sixth Form Choices Guide | Page 7

A word about the IB Languages & Mathematics Courses
It is important to select the correct language options if you choose the IB Diploma. These can be a bit confusing, so in
general:
Language A is a native language – effectively a mother tongue in which you are proficient - the options are Literature or
Language and Literature at HL or SL – Literature is all about written texts; L&L includes a range of media, creative writing,
film, journalism and cultural study.
Language B is an acquired language – that is one that you have studied for a few years, say up to GCSE standard
Language ab initio is for a beginner’s language studied (or one that you have not studied for several years) and can be
studied at Standard Level only.
Here is what we offer at Gresham’s, subject to demand:
Language A Language B Language ab initio SL
English A – Literature
English A – Language &
Literature
German A – Literature English B
French B
German B
Japanese B
Latin B
Mandarin B
Spanish B Mandarin ab initio
Spanish ab initio
French ab initio (rare)
German ab initio (rare)
Japanese ab initio (rare)
Modern Foreign Languages at IB
It is possible to choose a language in Group 6 to complement the Group 2 language. It is likely these will only be:


French B
Spanish ab initio
This will ultimately depend on the cohort’s option, but it is likely these will be the choices. If you wish to study a different
language in Group 6, please have a second choice.
The IB Mathematics Courses are changing and the new specification, for teaching from September 2019, will be published
in February 2019. Mathematics Applications and Mathematical Analysis both are offered two options at Standard and
Higher Level. At the moment, we are not sure how universities are viewing these changes.
You are strongly advised to check your selection of maths course with your maths teacher, Head of Maths and the IB Co-
ordinator.
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