Geography

Course summary

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 how 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 respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas. Several trips have been arranged as part of the IB course. During the Lower Sixth year, as part of the urban unit, students will undertake a place study of Spitalfields, East London. They will also have the opportunity to go to Iceland to study glaciers, volcanoes and waterfalls and to examine the human geography of one of the most sustainable places on the planet. In the summer of the Lower Sixth year, a field course to Blencathra in the Lake District will give girls an opportunity to collect data for their IAs. Students are encouraged to take advantage of links with the Royal Geographical Society and attend lectures outside school. There is a vibrant Geography Society run by the Sixth Form, in which contemporary issues can be discussed and debated and a thriving Geography Book Club. The Geography magazine, Aspect, is written and edited entirely by the Lower Sixth and presents an opportunity to gather experience in journalism and editing.