To strengthen and develop languages, we are offering the following language options:

• Norwegian Literature A (SL or HL)
• English Language and Literature A (SL and HL)
• Norwegian B (SL and HL)
• English B (HL)
• Language A self-taught (SL)

Students with another mother tongue than Norwegian or English can choose to study Literature A self-taught. Students taking Literature A self-taught will participate in English or Norwegian classes (depending on what language they know best) to be able to practice their skills and to understand the requirements of the course.  

The school encourages students to aim for the bilingual diploma.  

The school will provide booklists for students taking on Language A self-taught.

The school is also offering the following extracurricular language activities:

If students wish to study French, German or Norwegian, they can do so by following classes in the Norwegian programme that the school provides. They will achieve grades in these courses in accordance with the Norwegian grading system.

The school will also support students who wish to take the Goete Zertifikat (German), Diplôme d’études en langue française, Delf (French) or Diplomas de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Spanish). 

English is our common language platform

As English is our common language platform at the IB-section, all subject teachers are also acting as language teachers, supporting students by assessing both written and spoken language and facilitating communication.

The working language at our IB-section is English why all information provided to students, teachers, and staff must be in English. In order to further strengthen the use of English, the school library has set up an English section that provides both books and periodicals in English.

Information from the IB-department on the school’s website is available in both English and Norwegian and information to parents is communicated in English and Norwegian.

In all classes, except from mother tongue classes, English is used as the language of instruction and students are expected to use English in all written and verbal communication. This is communicated to students by teachers and staff to emphasize our mission of being an inclusive school where all students, teachers, and staff are welcome, regardless of origin.

Teachers employ different strategies to support the language development of students. This includes but is not limited to encouraging students to recognise comparisons with their mother tongue and use this to help develop an understanding of subject specific terminology. This is done based on individual needs and in many situations involves students working collaboratively based on previous language experience/learning.

Additionally subject teachers provide vocabulary banks/glossary of terms where students are encouraged to review explanations of key terms and develop explanations in their own words as a means of supporting both language and subject specific learning.

English as language B

The recent introduction of English as a language B course recognises that some of our students are not fluent in the language of instruction of the DP programme. This provides students with opportunity to focus on developing the language skills needed in all of their subjects without being overwhelmed by additional literature requirements. 

Norwegian B

Review and development of our Norwegian B programme provides opportunity for students in this class to work and cooperate with students in both DP1 and DP2. This helps to ensure students are challenged but also have the opportunity to exhibit mastery based on current level of learning in the subject.  

Language B

Language B is designed for students with some experience in the target language; providing students with an appropriate degree of challenge is important for their development. Schools are encouraged to factor student target language proficiency and Diploma Programme SL/HL balance into the placement decision for each individual student.

Language B SL is designed for students with some previous experience in the target language who already have the ability to communicate in the language in familiar contexts. While in the course, they will further develop this ability. Students will explore the conceptual understandings that underlie language acquisition and begin to use higher-level thinking in the development of receptive, productive and interactive skills. 

Language B HL is designed for students with previous experience in the target language who have the ability to communicate in that language in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes. As the study of two literary works originally written in the target language is compulsory in language B HL, entering the course with these communication skills would allow the student to begin the study of works of literature originally written in the target language.

During the course, students are expected to use higher-order thinking skills in the development of their receptive, productive and interactive skills. 

Subject teachers decide

Placement of students in a language A/B course is decided by subject teachers who follow clear IB guidelines on placement based on individual student competence.  

This language policy will be reviewed after each school year.

The IB-coordinator is responsible for the reviewing process of the document. This document was last reviewed in June 2023.