It’s our hope here at InThinking that you love teaching IB Language and Literature as much as we do.  We think it’s a sexy course to teach!  Students grapple with all types of texts, in all kinds of contexts, using so many registers.  Since its inception in 2011, we have, as a community, come to learn what’s expected by the IB.

And after finally getting a handle on FOA’s and IOC’s, Written Task 1 versus Written Task 2, the curriculum is changing on us.  Although it causes me more anxiety than I would like to admit – and I’m in the know about many of these changes! –  I also think it’s a great opportunity.  I know I’ve become a bit stagnant, teaching the same texts, using some of the same materials, because, well I’m not sure.  There’s the no time argument and the desire to be with my family.  There’s the don’t fix what works claim and the need to find some time for other pursuits. 

That doesn’t mean I’m going to throw out everything I’ve been doing and it doesn’t mean that what we’ve provided on InThinking won’t work.  In fact, much will remain the same. 

But I’m ready. 

I’m ready to be pushed again, to re-think my assumptions and beliefs, to teach several new literature texts and create some new language units in combination with some old favorites.  I’m ready to see what the IB throws at us, and then collaborate with my colleagues in creating one hell of a course!

I really think that’s going to be possible.  While we don’t have the final guide yet, here are some things you need to know.  The IB will publish the new Language and Literature syllabus in early 2019 for first teaching in August of 2019.  We can’t provide you with the usual things we do on our website until that syllabus is released.  Once it’s released, we will read it closely, as it is the definitive answer.    

The IB will also provide you with Teacher Support Materials (called the TSM) at that time or shortly thereafter.  As well, In February of 2019, you will be able to attend a Subject Specific Seminars (SSS), also known as a Category 3 IB Workshop.  They will run for several months and the IB will have a ton of them happening in a bunch of locations around the world.  IB Asia Pacific – where I’m located and run workshops – has already released their schedule.  Check out them out here and apply the filters you need for your location.  In my area, from what I’ve read, they will be in Mumbai and Hong Kong in February and Shanghai and Singapore in March to name a few. 

The IB has also officially published some documents about the new syllabus.  While it’s not final, and you will need to wait for the release of the new syllabus, it does give you some information on where it’s headed.

1.  Language A: Language and Literature Final Review (published in December 2017)

2. “What’s New” blog post published on February 9^th, 2018

3. “DP Studies in Language and literature curriculum changes - FAQs

We want to reassure you that we here at InThinking are not only prepared for release of the new syllabus, but we are already working hard toward providing you the support, guidance, and information you will need to navigate the new course.

We will never take your business for granted.  We are absolutely grateful that you continue to sign up for a subscription year after year and we aim to provide you the best materials—in the cleanest possible format – out there on the web for this course.  We have (at least we think!) provided quality resources, materials, lesson plans, assessment exemplars and more over the years.  We will continue to do this with the new course.

Look for significant additions to the website about the new course in early 2019 once the new syllabus is released.

I’ll end with this.  While this comparison isn’t perfect, perhaps you want to think about David and I like your students think about their college or university advisor at your school.  They help students navigate the tricky and complex world that is university applications.  It’s a dark and unknown process.  Even the most up-to-date and with-it parents want their student to have that counselor.

Just as the university counselor is there for their advisees, we are here to support you, guide you, and help you.  Our goal is to provide you with ready-to-use lesson plans; up-to-date and current materials that have been closely sourced and thoughtfully presented; quality exemplar materials; quick and reliable answers to your questions; and information to make your life a bit easier as an IB teacher.

We want to be that trusted and professional advisor for you and we hope you turn to us again when the new course is released. 

Tim