Language 1 (L1)

Are you into quests or comedies, or are you more partial to overcoming the monster? Perhaps you’re all about the rags to riches? Wait, no – you’re on that voyage and return rebirth train, ripping through epic tragedies! Whatever your narrative, be your own protagonist in L1 studies at our school. 

We use our L1 as our primary means of expression and communication, and we use it to foster positive relationships, communities, friendships and families, and our L1 is one of the most critical components in the construction of our identities. The European School syllabus develops L1 communicative competence for success in a text-based, inter-connected world, and it is one of the core subjects taught at our school. 

Teaching 

The L1 courses are designed around three main domains: literature, rhetoric (non-fiction analysis) and poetry. But that doesn’t depict the whole setting and landscape.   

In S5 and S6, we cover: 

• Literature (analysis, appreciation, and production) 

• Includes plays, short stories, etc.  

• Rhetoric (non-fiction analysis, appreciation, and production) 

• Poetry (analysis, appreciation, and production) 

• Film (analysis) 

• Media (analysis and production) 

• Speaking (e.g., speeches, presentations, etc.) 

• Listening through film, TV, media, plays, music, recordings, radio, podcasts, social media, etc. 

In S7, we further refine the knowledge and skills developed in S5 and S6. 

Exams 

You will sit two B-tests each year in S5 and S6. Each year, the B-test in the autumn semester will be of a format chosen by the teacher, and the B-test in the summer will be a written test. 

In S7, you will sit three exams in L1: one 240-minute Pre-Baccalaureate exam (January), one 240-minute Baccalaureate exam (June), and one 20-minute oral interaction examination (June).