SSIS One of 25 Schools Worldwide to Pilot Innovative IB Course

SSIS is honored to be one of only 25 schools worldwide to pilot the new IB Language and Culture course, allowing students to reflect deeply on the many facets of language and identity. 

The importance of this course cannot be overstated. Understanding the relationship between language and culture is essential in today's interconnected world. “Language isn’t just about communication; it’s about power, context, and identity,” explains Jessica Maley, who is both teaching and helping to develop the course for the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).

Amber, a student taking the new IB Language and Culture course, shares, “What I like about this course is that I get to see language from a new perspective, closer to how a linguist would see words, text, language, and how culture affects it.”

With Ms. Maley’s expertise, supported by her doctoral work in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education at Indiana University, students are equipped to delve into complex questions. From exploring why certain dialects are valued over others to examining how language influences cultural norms, they are encouraged to think critically about their world and their role in it.

Insights Into How Language Shapes Us

From the outset, students have been engaged in thought-provoking projects that uncover the impact of language on our community’s beliefs. In a recent project on language ideologies, students gathered insights from faculty and peers to understand how language beliefs shape community perceptions. 

One group studied the language ideologies among high school science teachers. As students advance into research methodology, they will craft positionality statements—tools that foster self-awareness and ethical research practices, both now and in the future.

In another powerful unit, students created narratives exploring a significant moment in their own language and/or literacy development. Students came up with several creative ways to present their projects. 

Crafting a true crime-inspired mystery, another student shared a narrative that took the class through a moment of fear and separation during a family trip to Japan. The experience made her realize the immense value of the English classes she had once taken reluctantly, igniting a commitment to learning that has led to increased global-mindedness and personal growth.

Why This Course Matters

These initial projects highlight the importance of the course in preparing students for the complexities of a global world. The IB Language and Culture course enriches the IB curriculum by empowering students to recognize and challenge power structures, support marginalized voices, and preserve cultural heritage. 

“When students understand how language and culture shape who we are, they become better equipped to communicate effectively, build inclusive communities, and tackle global challenges together,” says IB Coordinator Tucker Barrows, who played a key role in bringing this pilot to SSIS. “This course gives our students a new lens through which to view the world, equipping them with the skills they need to navigate a complex global landscape.”

“It’s about helping students see language as an active part of their identities and society,” adds Ms. Maley. As she helps shape this course, her expertise will benefit not only our students but also future IB learners worldwide, offering a meaningful, reflective experience that extends beyond the SSIS classroom. The reach of this course goes beyond individual assignments; it aligns with our broader mission to nurture global citizens equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact. 

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