Geography (IB

IB

Geography

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.

COURSE AIMS These are some of the key questions of the IB Geography course: • What are the forces influencing our natural environment – particularly in the Optional Unit on Geophysical processes? • What are the issues affecting people and the places where they live? How are cities and the countryside changing?

Why are they changing? This is important within the option on Urban environments • How are people affecting the environment we all live in? What are the opportunities, the challenges and the constraints? This is part of the Core topic on Global Climate

Change • What are the economic forces that drive the world economy, and how they are changing? • What decisions are being made about the use and management of resources, and who makes these decisions? This is included in the Core section on Global resource consumption and security • An appreciation of current events and world problems such as the effects of natural hazards and the plight of refugees • The ability to make links and connections across a wide variety of topics

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ADVICE Students opting for this subject should: • Have a real passion for Geography and enjoy this subject • Be able to collect and analyse primary (fieldwork) and secondary data which is part of the Application of Number key skill • Be able to manipulate and present data using ICT as this will allow you to produce evidence for the Information

Technology key skill • Take an interest in their environment and the current issues faced on a local, national and global scale • Have the ability to communicate ideas effectively and enjoy the opportunity to hear and debate differing opinion and view points

ENTRY CRITERIA Although it is not a requirement that you should have studied Geography at (I)GCSE in order to take an IB HL/SL course in the subject, it is highly recommended.

Several topics covered in the course are developments of work covered at (I)GCSE, but others are new. What is more important is that you should have a lively and enquiring mind, an interest in the environment and current affairs, a willingness to explore new ideas and an ability to communicate your ideas effectively.

Those students who have studied (I)GCSE Geography will find that the material and the skills they have learned will prove a valuable foundation for further studies at this level.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA There are two (SL) or three (HL) examination papers at the end of the two year course and one piece of coursework that is assessed internally.

Component

Geographic Themes SL & HL Core Themes Assessment

Percentage of Total Higher Standard Higher Standard

2hrs 15 min 1 hr 30 min 35% 35%

1 hr 15 min 1 hr 15 min 25% 40%

HL Extension 1 hr - 20% -

Internal Assessment 1 piece of coursework, maximum 2,500 words 20% 25%

A-LEVEL & IB GEOGRAPHY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Engineering, Psychology, Environmental Sciences, Oceanography and Geology, Business, Law, Media, Politics and Philosophy.

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