Geography IB

In contemporary society issues such as urbanisation, population, development and environmental quality are increasingly important. These and other related themes that express the major concerns of our times reflect the consequences of spatial decisions. Conducting its analyses at the local, regional, national and international scales, geography examines the spatial processes and the perceptions of humans, as well as their inter-relations between the human and natural environments. The questions where and why are central to geography. The former introduces the issues of location and of spatial choice; and the latter signifies that modern geography is not content merely to describe but that it also seeks to explain.

Geography is at the interface of the humanities and the sciences; it is a social science that examines the manner in which people live, are distributed, and interact with their environment. It also has an applied dimension through the critical evaluation of spatial processes. It helps decision-makers in planning and development at a variety of geographical scales. It also plays a crucial role in fostering international understanding and a respect for different cultures.

Work Methods

You will be expected to use a range of learning techniques throughout the course. At times you will be expected to present papers to others in the group or defend a viewpoint in a debate. You will work in a group to make decisions over a range of planning issues, collect data both in the field and from secondary sources and write essays and reports. The most important thing is that you take part in all activities. However, it is also vitally important that you use the wealth of resources held in the library to supplement classwork. Your teacher will provide reading lists but you should also endeavour to follow up other leads.

The CORE

1. Population in transition

2. Disparities in wealth

3. Patterns of environmental quality and sustainability

4. Patterns of resource consumption.

[70 hours]

The OPTIONS

1. Freshwater - issues and conflicts.

2. Oceans and their coastal margins.

3. Hazards and disasters- risk assessment and response

[90 hours]

The HIGHER LEVEL EXTENSION

1. Global interactions

2. A shrinking world

3. Economic interactions

4. Environmental change

5. Sociological exchange

6. Political outcomes

7. Global interactions at the local level.

Paper 1 - HL -25%/ SL 40% (core themes ALL levels)

Paper 2 - 35% (HL three optional themes / SL two optional themes)

Paper 3 - 20% (Higher only)

Internal Assessment - HL -20% / SL 25%

The geography course requires no specific prior learning. No particular background in terms of specific subjects studied for national or international qualifications is expected or required. The skills needed for the geography course are developed within the context of the course itself.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme We require at least seven GCSEs with an average of Grade 6, including English Language and Maths. For subjects you wish to take at higher level you will need at least a grade 6. International Baccalaureate Career Programme We require at least five subjects at GCSE Grade 5 or higher, ideally including Mathematics and English and preferably with a grade 5 in your area of specialism. Strong interest in the vocational BTEC subject will need to be in evidence at the guidance meeting.

Geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates both physical and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scient