The School Supported Self Taught (SSST) Mother Tongue Literature course is a unique offering within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, allowing students to study literature in their native language. But here’s a question that’s often on the minds of prospective IB students and their parents: Is SSST easier or harder compared to other IB courses? Let’s dissect this and see what the reality looks like.
Understanding SSST Mother Tongue Literature
What is SSST?
SSST Mother Tongue Literature is a self-directed course that allows students to study literature in their mother tongue, even if the language is not formally taught at their school. This course is part of the Language A: Literature group within the IB curriculum.
How It Works
- Self-Directed Learning: Students choose their literary works, create study plans, and prepare for assessments with support from their school.
- School Support: Schools provide resources and mentoring but do not offer direct instruction in the language.
- Assessments: Students are evaluated through internal assessments (oral commentary) and external exams (written papers), which are moderated and marked by IB examiners fluent in the respective languages.
Is SSST Easier?
Pros of SSST
- Native Language Advantage: Studying in your mother tongue can be easier because you’re more comfortable with the language. This familiarity can make reading and analyzing texts less daunting.
- Cultural Context: Understanding the cultural nuances and contexts of the literature can be more intuitive and insightful.
- : Literature in your native language might resonate more personally, making the study more engaging and meaningful.
