Language acquisition across the IB continuum

course, students should be empowered for success in further formal study of languages. The knowledge,
skills and attitudes that students develop in language acquisition courses provide a meaningful foundation
for these further studies and the world of work in global economies and international business.

For a comprehensive outline of the continuum of language and learning within the four IB programmes, as
well as a common pedagogy for language and learning, please see Language and learning in IB programmes
(updated August 2012).

Table 1 shows the IB continuum pathways from MYP through to DP studies in language.

Note: This is an indication only—it is up to schools to decide the minimum requirements for
progression from MYP to DP language courses.

MYP DP

Phase 1 Ab initio

Phase 2 Ab initio (in rare cases)

Language B SL

Phase 3 Language B SL

Phase 4 Language B SL/HL

Phase 5 Language B SL/HL

Phase 5 It is recommended the student has at Language A: literature SL

least one semester in MYP language
Language A: language and literature SL
and literature before starting these
DP courses. Literature and performance SL

Phase 6 It is recommended the student has at Language A: literature SL/HL

least one semester in MYP language
Language A: language and literature SL/HL
and literature before starting these
DP courses. Literature and performance SL

Table 1
IB continuum pathways

6 Language acquisition guide