IB Language Policy
Related Policies
International Baccalaureate Academic Integrity
International Baccalaureate Assessment
International Baccalaureate Inclusion
International Baccalaureate Admissions
Purpose / Rationale
The Merici College Mission and Vision Statement aligns with the philosophy and principles of the International Baccalaureate to develop young women who are ready to take their place in the world One of Merici College’s educational goals, to be lifelong learners, supports the IB Middle Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme compulsory study of language and is an outcome of the Merici College Principles of Powerful Learning.
Language is integral to enhancing students’ skills in cross-cultural communication. Merici College is an internationally-minded school, where students acquire a wider-world view through the understanding and appreciation of other cultures as well as their own culture. The Merici College Language philosophy is also underpinned by The Catholic Education K-12 Position Paper English as an Additional Language or Dialect. Language in all its forms: oral, visual, written, is the basic tool of communication in our society, and the need to master the use of a mother tongue, the language of instruction and an additional language is a requirement if students are to be informed global citizens. All members of the Merci community need to be actively engaged in promoting a culture in which language learning contributes to students’ personal development by cultivating tolerance and respect for other cultures and stimulating curiosity about the lives of people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The key pedagogies of Merici College listed below, impact on the teaching and learning of language.
- Differentiation and Inclusivity
- Collaborative Teaching
- High Impact Teaching Strategies
- Integrated ICT
Curriculum Requirements
This document is underpinned by the curriculum requirements of the Australian Curriculum, ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (ACT BSSS) Senior Secondary Certificate and the International Baccalaureate Organization (Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme). College Language Profile Merici College accepts enrolments from all over Canberra and has a diverse mix of cultural and religious backgrounds. The Merici community is currently predominantly made up of English-speaking students (91%), with 9% of students with a different mother tongue. Students from non-English speaking backgrounds originate from Europe, Africa, India, and Asian and Pacific Islands. Less than 1% of students are more proficient in a language other than English. The Merici College language of instruction for the curriculum is English.
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