Written by: Niyanthri
ISM occupies a unique position as the oldest international school in the Philippines, and the first in Asia to follow the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate (IB). It is also one of the most diverse in terms of the nationalities represented, numbering over 80. However, its origins as a private institution started by American diplomats living in the Philippines means that all instruction is in English, and the majority of communication within the school, with the exception of modern language classes, is conducted in the same. Despite this, ISM still offers many opportunities for students to remain connected to their heritage, staying true to its mission of embracing diversity.
One of these lesser known opportunities is the self-taught literature course, which students can take exclusively at the standard level as part of the IB programme at ISM. According to the IB, literature courses are intended to comply with “mother-tongue entitlement,” meaning that the course is available in 55 languages automatically, and can be studied by request in any other language that has sufficient written literature. The structure and examinations closely follow the standard level literature course taught in English. The main difference, of course, is that students will not be taught or assessed by a teacher at ISM, and will be expected to find a tutor. Students will, after two years, write papers one and two – an analysis of an unseen piece of literature and a comparative essay on two works that were read over the two years, respectively – as part of their external examinations that will be graded by the IB. They will also produce an individual oral in their chosen language, which is an analysis of two works that have been studied. The oral will be assessed by the IB as well. Aside from IB examinations, students also take in-class assessments for ISM credit and a grade in powerschool. Nonetheless, given that the course is intended by the IB to be “school supported self-taught literature,” students will check in with their supervisor every week and the school can also assist in finding a tutor to a certain extent, though the responsibility of finding a tutor that fits each student’s needs is on the family for the most part. Currently, there are eleven students in eleventh and twelfth grade taking the course, studying Hebrew, Turkish, German, Azerbaijani, French, Russian, Malay, and Mongolian.
Given the complexities of finding a tutor and having to study without a teacher at school, some may be wondering whether taking the course is truly worth it. According to Mr. Lightbown, the IB Self-Taught Literature coordinator for the past seven years, the answer is an unequivocal yes. In his experience, the programme teaches students crucial skills and enables them to learn to manage their time and remain connected to their mother tongues. As students will not be given assignments from ISM teachers, they will need to do the work assigned by their tutors in the time they are given in class and on their own, as well as any other activities necessary to enrich their learning. Nevertheless, the course enables students to mature quickly and master the skills of time management and self direction. Perhaps the biggest advantage of the course, however, is that it allows students to strengthen their roots. Dana, an eleventh grader who has chosen to study Hebrew, describes her reasons for choosing the course as a “way to stay connected to [her] origins,” and looks forward to getting to read more in her language. Evidently, the course gives students the opportunity to not only maintain their skill in their mother tongue, but also improve through having time to be immersed in it.
To conclude, IB Self-Taught Literature is a course designed for native speakers of language not offered as modern language or literature classes at ISM. Bringing a variety of advantages for those who choose it, from being able to improve their productive skills in the language, to being eligible for university admissions or scholarships for students who demonstrate fluency in their language, it is one that many students could benefit from. In Mr. Lightbown’s words, “self-taught literature is an option for students who want to explore their own heritage and gain a better understanding of its complexities in the same way students are able to learn in English at ISM.” When IB course selections come around, keep self-taught literature in mind – it may be a novel idea, but it is one that could start a new chapter in one’s journey towards a greater awareness of their culture.
If there are any questions about the course, please contact one of the counsellors or Mr. Lightbown (lightbownd@ismanila.org).
