Understanding the Importance of Language Policy in IB Schools

Considering the diverse student population, language policy in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools is fundamental to students’ educational experience.
As the framework that governs how languages are taught and learned, it has the power to promote intercultural understanding and foster a sense of open-mindedness.
But how does the policy contribute to shaping the academic aspects of IB students? Find out by reading the following article that will explore the significance of its contribution to creating an inclusive learning community.
What is a Language Policy in IB Schools?
IB language policies are defined as strategic rules or a framework that govern how languages are taught, learnt, and supported in the school environment.
It is a critical component that ensures that language acquisition is systematically approached. Basically, the policies define three important aspects:
- Internal working languages – Languages that schools may use for activities within the school internally. English is categorized into this type as the majority of organizational operations are done in this language.
- External working languages – The external languages are mainly used to communicate between IB organizations and schools worldwide. English, French, and Spanish are the main current languages of this type.
- Access languages – Languages that fall into this category might not be the main language used for instructions. But, sometimes they are used to support students from diverse backgrounds and can more effectively access the learning materials.
The Core Principles of IB Language Policies
The core principles of IB language policy lie in its educational principles, including plurilingualism, intercultural understanding, and international mindedness.
See the explanation below for each principal’s breakdown:
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Plurilingualism
This principle refers to the capability of students to effectively use multiple languages. However, it is crucial to note that plurilingualism is not just being bilingual, but more inclined to be multilingual with the aim to assist students engaging in diverse environments.
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Intercultural Understanding
Intercultural understanding helps students to appreciate and value cultural differences to promote mutual respect in interaction.
Languages are considered to be the primary tools to understand this ability. In IB schools, students are not merely taught grammar and vocabulary, but also about the cultural context.
This will help them to learn how to respect different cultures.
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International Mindedness
IB language policy encourages students to have international-mindedness which refers to a mindset that values the interconnectedness of people across nations.
By learning different languages, students in IB schools can develop awareness of global issues with different perspectives, ultimately opening up the chances to participate in international projects.
Language Learning Across IB Programmes
IB schools emphasise the importance of language learning and development across the Primary, Middle, and Diploma Programmes.
Here’s how this learning elaborates in each programme.
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Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Primary Years Programme focuses on the development of language acquisition for young learners (ages 3-12). In this programme, students learn their first language while also being introduced to the second or additional languages.
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Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Moving ahead to the Middle Programme (ages 11-16), students are required to learn at least two languages with more structured materials.
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Diploma Programme (DP)
As for Diploma Programme (ages 16-19), the language learning is more emphasised on more complex language proficiency like classical and historical languages with comprehensive communication skills.
Also Read: Why Study Classical Languages in the IB? A Complete Overview
Benefits of a Robust Language Policy
Robust language policies in IB schools provide many valuable benefits, especially for students in nurturing a multilingual community.
Strong policies will help them become effective communicators and critical individuals as it enables them to engage with different cultures and perspectives.
This approach, after all, helps students to use language as a valuable asset to gain success professionally in this globalized world.
Supporting Mother Tongue Development
Mother tongue serves as the starting point for students in learning their additional languages. IB schools recognize the significance of committing to supporting mother tongue development through their language policies.
The policy particularly encourages students to use their mother tongue in various academic contexts and to hone the language of their home nation.
This support is expected to enhance students’ language proficiency, global awareness, and thrive in multilingual communities.
Language Policy and Inclusivity
Inclusivity and language policies in IB schools are two intertwined things that are closely linked.
Inclusivity becomes the key element in IB programmes, which intend to remove language barriers by ensuring all students have equal access to education despite their language background.
For example, IB schools consistently provide support, especially for students who speak different languages, such as by offering ESL classes and bilingual materials.
On the other hand, IB language policies also support plurilingualism and multilingualism by enabling language support for students who speak different languages other than English.
By promoting inclusivity into language policies in IB schools, it ensures that every student has the resources they need to participate in IB programmes fully and is able to develop skills as global citizens.
The Role of Teachers and Parents in Language Learning
Both teachers and parents have integral roles in supporting language learning for students. In a classroom setting, teachers provide students with support for language acquisition. They also help students to implement strategies based on their language proficiency levels.
However, in IB schools, teachers not only just teach languages, but also integrate with cultural understanding. This kind of approach creates opportunities for students to collaborate and communicate effectively in the classroom or even in real-world contexts.
Unlike teachers, parents can also reinforce language learning through reading or exploring cultural practices at home. It is also essential for parents to nurture a positive attitude towards learning new languages.
Once teachers and parents collaborate to provide a supportive learning environment, students will have the motivation to succeed in language learning and development in the course of time.
Gain Success in Global Landscapes by Studying Languages at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug!
Language skills are truly essential in today’s interconnected world. At BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, we acknowledge that language is more than just a tool for communication.
It is one of the core elements that help students prepare for many challenges in the global landscape.
Our robust language policy is designed to empower students with multilingualism while providing a comprehensive education that helps them gain success in mitigating the challenges.
Join us now at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug and experience how our language programmes make a difference in your future career.
References:
https://www.ibo.org/benefits/teaching-ib-in-your-language/
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/assessment/pdfs/ib-language-policy-en.pdf
https://www.ibo.org/language-policy/