The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous assessment programme for students aged 16-19. This course is well respected by universities worldwide and provides high quality education to students. It encourages students to be curious, knowledgeable, open minded, empathetic while inculcating values and attitudes in them.
IBDP offers over 30 courses from six subject groups, from each of these subject groups; students have a choice to pick subjects that interest them.Generally, three subjects are taken at the Higher Level (HL) and others are taken at the Standard Level( SL). HL subjects are studied in greater depth than SL subjects.In addition, three core elements, the extended essay, theory of knowledge and Creativity, Activity, Service are compulsory and central to the programme’s philosophy.
IBDP – ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS & SOCIETIES (ESS) NOTES
ESS CURRICULUM OVERVIEW:
| Course component | Teaching hours recommended |
|---|---|
| Core | 120 |
| 1. Foundations of environmental systems and societies | 16 |
| 2. Ecosystems and ecology | 25 |
| 3. Biodiversity and | 13 |
| 4. Water and aquatic food production systems and societies | 15 |
| 5. Soil systems and terrestrial food production systems and societies | 12 |
| 6. Atmospheric systems and societies | 10 |
| 7. Climate change and energy production | 13 |
| 8. Human systems and | 16 |
| Practical | 30 |
| Practical activities | 20 |
| Individual investigation | 10 |
Model of assessment:
There are four objectives of the ESS DP environmental systems and societies course that the students of SL are expected to achieve and reflect after taking the course:
- Possess relevant understanding and knowledge of the various facts, concepts and models.
- Use the knowledge to explain and analyse the data, case studies and various concepts
- Evaluate and justify the fieldwork and theories along with the methods used for investigation purposes
- Engage in investigations relevant to the environment at both, the local as well as the global level
Assessment:
| Assessment Type | Assessment Format | No. of hours | Final Grade weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| External | 3 | 75 | |
| Paper 1 | Case studies | 1 | 25 |
| Paper 2 | Short answers and structured essays | 2 | 50 |
| Internal | 10 | 25 | |
| Individual investigation | Written report of a research question designed and implemented by the student. | 10 | 25 |
ESS (Environmental Systems and Societies) gives a logical explanation of the interrelationship between environmental systems and societies. ESS IBDP helps students develop responses on major issues, which are related to the environment. After studying the ESS DP course students acquire the ability to assess the influence of our societies on the environment since the subject takes into account the scientific investigation of the environmental systems as well as the cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interconnection of the societies with the natural world.
The subject aims to provide a holistic knowledge of the issues concerning the environment and the society and at the same time develop critical awareness along with innovative solutions to take responsible and informed actions. The students are required to participate in discussions and problem solving areas along with performing research and investigation.
ESS is offered only at Standard Level SL but it is an interdisciplinary course and fulfils the prerequisites of both science as well as individuals and societies