Geography

Course summary

IB Geography is designed to provide pupils with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment. The course adopts a conceptual approach with an emphasis on physical processes, places, stakeholder powers and future possibilities. Pupils will investigate these interactions at a variety of temporal and spatial scales, as well as develop an appreciation for the diversity of perspectives, attitudes and beliefs that govern human behaviour. The course covers an exciting range of key contemporary geographical issues and challenges to equip candidates with a knowledgeable and balanced international outlook. Underlying themes include the ‘circular economy’, ‘disruptive technologies’ and ‘nexus thinking’ and these are incorporated into key contemporary geographical issues such as inequality, sustainability, climate change and – particularly at HL – globalisation. The syllabus is of an inherently topical nature which provides a challenging and varied course at both Higher and Standard level. The Higher Level course is distinguished from the Standard Level course primarily by the addition of the “Global Perspectives – Global Interactions” paper which involves an in-depth study of globalisation and its variety of economic, social, environmental and political manifestations; as well as a third option choice in Paper 1 (see below). Geography challenges opinions, broadens the mind and sharpens key skills. Few subjects can boast the same breadth and contemporary relevance. IB Geography is thus another step in the exciting journey to becoming an engaged global citizen. All students enjoy a three day fieldwork residential field trip designed to develop their practical and enquiry skills through fieldwork. The aim is to prepare and collect data for the Internal Assessment (IA) but the students are also deepen their understanding of concepts they have studied by observing and experiencing them in reality. In 2020 the trip ran to Barcelona.