What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

As Geography is a subject focused on real world issues, it is more important that students are inquisitive about the world around them and have a genuine drive to find answers to what they observe, than have a GCSE. An interest in their environment and global issues, coupled with the ability to communicate ideas effectively will be more valuable than previous experience. The background provided by Key Stage 4, would be an acceptable amount to study IB SL/HL.

What will I learn on this course?

Geography is an increasingly relevant subject in the modern world of globalisation, international trade and development and mass communication systems. It is based in the present, with an eye on the future and will therefore arm students with valuable and transferable skills. These skills include; the use of multi-media resources for researching, analysing and presenting data, constructing arguments and producing written and spoken reports.

Both Higher Level and Standard Level students study the Core Themes: ‘Patterns and Change’.  There are four compulsory topics in this core theme:

• Population in transition
• Disparities in wealth and development
• Patterns in environmental quality and sustainability
• Patterns in resource consumption

Both Higher Level and Standard Level students study the Optional Themes.  There are seven optional themes; two are required at SL and three at HL:

• Freshwater – issues and conflicts
• Oceans and their coastal margins
• Extreme Environments
• Hazards and Disasters – risk assessment and response
• Leisure, sport and tourism
• The geography of food and health
• Urban environments

Higher Level students also complete the HL Extension called ‘Global Interactions’.  There are seven compulsory topics:

• Measuring global interactions
• Changing space – the shrinking world
• Economic interactions and flows
• Environmental change
• Sociocultural exchanges
• Political outcomes
• Global interactions at the local level

Both HL and SL students will also be required to undertake Fieldwork leading to one written report based on a fieldwork question, information collection and analysis with evaluation.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

Students with lively and inquiring minds, who take an interest in their environment and the current issues faced on a local, national and global scale. Someone with the ability to communicate ideas effectively and enjoys the opportunity to hear and debate differing opinion and view points. Geography links well to all science, arts and social science subjects. Geography hones all the skills that will help throughout this course, further education and beyond.

How will my work be assessed?

There are two examination papers for SL and three for HL at the end of the two year course and one piece of coursework that is assessed internally.

What skills can I develop by taking this course?

The topics will be approached as a series of investigations, which means students will acquire their knowledge while developing their inquiry and critical thinking skills. As the topics focus on people and their situations, they will generate strong opinions from differing points of view. Therefore, students will need to practise being open-minded and caring, while balancing a principled attitude with the need to take risks in the pursuit of solutions. Reflection and evaluation will be used to help them assess their progress, ensuring their advance.

What could I go on to do at the end of this course?

A Geographer is numerate, literate, has well-developed skills of analysis and synthesis, and is confident presenting opinions and solutions. This extensive range of skills is much-sought after by universities and employers alike. For university courses, Geography supports applications to science-based courses such as engineering, psychology, environmental sciences, oceanography, geology and sports science; and as a humanity Geography is a good basis for business, law, media studies and philosophy. Geographers can emerge from university with a BA, BSc, BSocSc or BEd making them competitive in the work place. Career wise, Geography opens all doors and the skills are welcomed in a vast variety of career paths ranging from the financial world of accountancy, banking and broking to the creative arenas of advertising, marketing and journalism.

^ Top of page ^

<< Back