The foundation of our ability to communicate
Language forms the foundation of our ability to communicate, express ourselves and understand the world around us.
Language learning is not simply about communicating, but also learning about cultures and societies. Learning a language increases our ability to connect with others across differences, understand diverse viewpoints and engage with global communities….so rather than ask why would you learn a second language, we explore, why wouldn’t you!
Globally minded students
The acquisition of a second language is a key requirement of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This reflects the Programme’s emphasis on holistic education which creates inquisitive, open and culturally competent thinkers. Therefore, as an IB World School, every student at Westbourne School and Westbourne College Sydney will study a second language as they embark on their IB Diploma Programme.
Tailored to your experience
Language learning is a process occurring over many stages, years, and contexts. Some of our students may be studying a language for the first time, and some may be moderately or highly proficient.
The IB Diploma Programme is uniquely positioned to provide flexible, engaging options for language learning depending on student interest and prior experience. This is in distinct contrast to other pre-university programmes, such as the A Level’s in the UK and the HSC in Australia Reflecting this diversity, the language acquisition subjects in the IB Diploma are designed to accommodate previous experience and interest in language study.
As the IBO website explains, language learning can be taken at two levels:
- Language ab initio courses are for beginners. Students choosing these courses will have limited or no prior experience of learning their chosen language. These courses are offered at standard level only.
- Language B courses are for students who have some prior experience learning their chosen language. These experiences may vary, so the courses are offered may standard or higher level.
Choosing a language
Choosing a language to study involves several factors. Your decision may be pragmatic, as you consider which language may offer you the practical benefits for your future university or career plans. If you are planning to study or work in a country where this language is used, your decision may be influenced by this factor. You may also be keenly interested in another culture and eager to learn more about it.
Learning a language is an immersive and engaging way to get to know a culture, its customs and perspectives and expand your horizons. Finally, you may share a personal connection with a language such as family heritage and wish to remain connected with the culture through language study.
The IB Diploma at Westbourne allows you to tailor your language learning to suit your interests and aspirations – with ongoing and responsive support from our expert language teachers.
So does it benefit STEM careers?
Language learning is an enriching, intellectually stimulating endeavour which will immensely contribute to ambitious STEM-focused graduates as they develop academic and workplace skills geared towards the future. Some of the many reasons learning another language is beneficial for your STEM focus include:
- Promoting flexible, interdisciplinary thinking
Language learning allows us to connect with others across differences, share knowledge and insights. It allows us to cross disciplinary boundaries and acquire new skills through an immersion in another culture, perspective and mode of expression. It builds our creativity and promotes interdisciplinary thinking. For a career in STEM, such skills are crucial: the ability to evaluate, analyse and consider complexities.
- Enabling intercultural understanding
Language learning increases our intercultural competence. The ability to communicate with people from diverse cultures also encompasses an understanding of different perspectives and cultural codes.
In the globalised workplace, you will work with people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. You may also engage with diverse people in an everyday basis. Intercultural understanding is at the heart of global engagement promoted by the IB Diploma. Languages enable that connection while making up more understanding, empathetic and considerate to others’ perspectives.
- Facilitating global collaboration
Your ability to communicate, collaborate and connect can be enhanced through language study. Working in STEM frequently involves intensive teamwork as you work on solving global problems. Language learning can make you a better, more open and effective team player.
STEM careers provide the ideal example of this collaboration in action. Different countries and teams working together on projects related to health, vaccine discoveries, robotics, space exploration and many others – are just examples of effective global teams making discoveries by sharing insights across cultures. Learning languages builds our capacity to work well with others in the 21st century global workplace.
- Opening doors to international opportunities One of the main tenets of Westbourne School UK is providing a global education and nurturing future-ready ambitious graduates. At Westbourne College Sydney we aim to provide our students with an international outlook and global connections by building cross-cultural competence, openness, communication skills and providing to study and live in other cultures and settings. This experiential learning allows students to learn through context – and put their language learning to use through full immersion!
Language brings us together, allows us to share our knowledge, feelings and insights with one another. It shapes our cultures and frames our perspectives. It also has the power to connect and inspire.