GEOGRAPHY Courses offered: Geography (HL) Geography (SL)
1.
What is the nature of Geography at IB level?
Geography is a dynamic subject, which 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 the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with 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 actions, with varying powers over decision-making processes. Within individuals and societies, Geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and in its ability to bridge the arts, social and natural sciences. The 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 contemporary issues, concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students have an appreciation of, and respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas and be able to adapt effectively to changing circumstances (IBO, 2017). 2.
What will be the approach to learning?
Learning in Geography is active and inquiry based, and students are encouraged to become thoughtful, proactive and independent learners. 3.
What will be the subject content?
The Geography syllabus is conceptually framed, and allows students to engage with a broad range of contemporary issues. The course is divided into four parts as follows:
Part 1 – Geographic themes – seven options HL – 3 options SL – 2 options
Freshwater* Oceans and coastal margins Extreme environments Geophysical hazards Leisure, tourism and sport Food and health* Urban environments*
* Current options
Part 2 – Geographic perspectives – global change HL and SL
Population distribution – changing population Global climate – vulnerability and resilience Global resource consumption and security
Part 3 – Geographic perspectives – global interactions 27
