Diploma Programme curriculum

Group 1: language A1

It is a requirement of the programme that students study at least one subject from group 1.

Language A1 is the study of literature in a student’s first language, including the study of selections of world literature.

Two girls talking over book

Forty five languages are regularly available at either higher level or standard level. Other languages may be studied provided:

there is sufficient written literature available
a request is received by the IB well in advance of the examination period.

In studying their first language, students are able to develop:

a personal appreciation of the literature
skills in literary criticism
strong written and oral skills
respect for the literary heritage of their first language
an international perspective.

The range of texts studied in language A1 courses is broad, and students grow to appreciate a language’s complexity, wealth and subtleties in a variety of contexts. A specific aim is to engender a lifelong interest in literature and a love for the elegance and richness of human expression.

Read about Group 2: second language

Find out more

Order IB publications relating to Group 1.

Read about languages in the Middle Years Programme.