Course Outline

Group 3: GEOGRAPHY Higher and Standard Level

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

Within individuals and societies subjects, geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.

Difference between higher and standard level

• SL students study two optional themes; HL students study three optional themes, providing further breadth.

• Both SL and HL students study the core geographic perspectives—global change.

• HL students study the HL extension geographic perspectives—global interactions, and further examine, evaluate and synthesize the prescribed concepts, which by their nature are complex, contestable, interlinked and require holistic treatment. This provides further depth at HL.

• Both SL and HL students complete a fieldwork study for the internal assessment.

Course content

The core theme – “Patterns and Change” examines population, wealth and development, environment quality and sustainability, and resource management. There are several optional themes from which to choose, but considering our location, “Freshwater – issues and conflicts”; “Extreme environments – deserts and mountains”; and “Geography of food” and “Urban Environments” appear to be most suitable. A written report of a field study is also required. HL students focus on an additional theme –“Global Interactions”.

Assessment details

In-school assessment will be varied, including practice exam papers, essays, student presentations, short quizzes, projects, case studies and debates.

IB External Assessment

Exam Paper 1 - Geographic themes—seven options (two options are studied at SL, and three at HL)

Exam Paper 2: SL and HL core - Geographic perspectives—global change

Exam Paper 3: HL only - Geographic perspectives—global interactions

IB Internal Assessment: Field study written report SL 25% HL 20% of final grade

Prerequisites and special requirements

MYP Individuals & Societies will prepare you best but a strong interest in the world around us is the only real prerequisite.

Who should choose this course?

Geography is a great foundation for those interested in studying subjects as diverse as International Relations, World Development, Environmental Studies, Geology, Hydrology, Archaeology, or City Planning. Geographers work for governments, environmental agencies, charities and NGO’s; there are geographers on top of mountains, on reefs, below the waves, in rivers, on volcanoes, in refugee camps, in rainforests, in Antarctica. If you want to know what is out there and why, if you like getting your hands dirty - this is the course for you.

Who should not choose this course?

Do not choose this course if you think it will be an easy option. There is much to read, to analysis, to write. There are statistics, tables and graphs to draw and understand; maps to create and interpreter; satellite images to comprehend. If you are reluctant to read and research on your own time, if you have never listened to a daily news broadcast or read a newspaper or journal, this may not be the course for you.

Reference:

International Baccalaureate Organization, Diploma Programme Geography Guide. Cardiff, United Kingdom: International Baccalaureate Organization, 2017