Masterclass Format

This VIRTUAL Masterclass will be delivered by IBICUS via ZOOM by a fully-trained leader. The timings are 09:00-13:30 UK time with a set-up / introductory meeting starting at 08:30 UK time.  Please note that IBICUS Masterclasses are not official IB PD workshops are any certificates issues do not count towards school authorisation and evaluation.

About the Masterclass

A heritage learner may speak Arabic fluently at home and still struggle with extended reading or formal writing. Conversational confidence alone does not tell a school which DP language pathway is appropriate.

This masterclass helps schools make more defensible placement decisions and design better learning for students with complex Arabic language profiles. Participants will consider prior learning, exposure, literacy, control of Modern Standard Arabic, spoken proficiency, receptive and productive evidence, learner aspirations and the requirements of each DP language pathway. The session also examines what to do when students within the same course have very different strengths, and how to review placement decisions fairly as new evidence emerges.

Participants will

• Distinguish conversational fluency, academic literacy and course readiness.
• Use evidence from listening, speaking, reading and writing to build a learner profile.
• Apply a transparent decision process while respecting IB requirements and school policy.
• Design differentiated pathways for heritage learners within Arabic B and Arabic A classes.
• Review borderline placements using agreed evidence rather than assumption or family pressure.

Practical outcomes

• A school placement protocol with evidence sources, decision points and review procedures.
• A balanced diagnostic profile for heritage and multilingual learners.
• A differentiation plan for learners with uneven oral and written proficiency.

Masterclass Leader(s)