IB Geography

The IB Geography syllabus offers a comprehensive exploration of geographical concepts, theories, and methodologies. Here’s an outline of the typical topics covered in the course:

Core Topics:

Geographic Themes:

1. Global Interactions: Focuses on the interconnectedness of human societies and their interactions with the environment on a global scale. Topics include globalization, economic interactions, cultural exchanges, and political relationships.

2. Patterns and Change: Investigates spatial and temporal patterns in human and natural environments, along with the processes and forces that drive changes over time.

Geographic Perspectives:

1. Environmental Change and Management: Examines environmental systems, their evolution over time, and strategies for sustainable management. Topics include ecosystems, resource management, and environmental sustainability.

2. Global Change: Addresses global issues such as climate change, population dynamics, and their impacts on societies and environments worldwide.

Optional Topics (Choose from a selection):

• Hazards and Disasters: Study of natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes) and strategies for their management.

• Urban Environments: Analysis of urban processes, challenges, and sustainable development in urban areas.

• Oceans and Coastal Margins: Examination of coastal processes, management of coastal environments, and ocean governance.

• Freshwater—Issues and Conflicts: Exploration of issues related to freshwater resources, including management, distribution, and conflicts over water.

• Geophysical Hazards: Study of geological and geomorphological hazards (e.g., volcanoes, tsunamis) and their impact on human societies.

• Leisure, Tourism, and Sport: Analysis of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism and leisure activities.

Internal Assessment: Students undertake a fieldwork investigation as part of their internal assessment. This involves applying geographical concepts and methods to analyze a real-world issue or problem in a local context. It includes planning, data collection, analysis, and evaluation.

External Assessment:

• Paper 1: Core Theme (1.5 hours): Includes short-answer and structured questions based on the core themes of the course.

• Paper 2: Optional Themes (1.5 hours): Includes short-answer and structured questions based on optional themes selected by the student.

• Paper 3: HL Extension (2.5 hours, for Higher Level students only): Involves essay questions that require students to demonstrate deeper knowledge and understanding of core and optional themes.

Key Skills Developed:

• Geographical Skills: Includes data analysis, map reading, fieldwork techniques, and geographical information systems (GIS).

• Critical Thinking: Involves evaluating different viewpoints, analyzing geographical data, and applying theories to real-world situations.

• Communication: Focuses on writing coherent arguments, presenting findings effectively, and using appropriate geographical terminology.

Engaging actively with the IB Geography syllabus, utilizing resources effectively, and practicing the application of geographical concepts to various contexts are crucial for students to achieve a comprehensive understanding and successful outcomes in their examinations.