IBDP – GEOGRAPHY NOTES
Geography as a subject holds the middle ground between sciences and natural sciences and includes concepts on human, physical and environmental geography. Since it has a unique vantage point between sciences and social sciences, it provides students with a viewpoint that incorporates both aspects while looking for alternative approaches, view-points or methodologies.
Both HL and SL students have common core topics along with optional themes of geography. The HL students also study the ore subjects in further detail. The course enables both HL and SL students to comprehend the relationships between the people, places and the environment along with developing critical awareness and a complex understanding of geographic issues. On finishing the course, the students develop an in dept knowledge of the subject along with a viewpoint to resolve issues.
IBDP – GEOGRAPHY
Geography Curriculum overview
| Syllabus Component | Teaching Hours (SL) | Teaching Hours (HL) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic Themes SL- 2 Options, HL- 3 Options -Freshwater -Oceans and coastal margins -Extreme Environments -Geophysical Hazards -Leisure, Tourism and Sport Food and Health -Urban Environments | 60 | 90 |
| SL and HL Core - Population distribution - Climate Change - Global resource consumption and security | 70 | 70 |
| HL Only - Power, places and networks - Human development and diversity - Global risks and resilience | 60 | |
| Internal Assessment Written report based on a fieldwork question with analysis and evaluation | 20 | 20 |
| Total teaching hours | 150 | 240 |
Model of Assessment:
By the end of the geography course HL/SL, the students are expected to have a comprehensive knowledge of the following:
- Complete understanding of the core theme of global change along with knowledge of the specific research topic for the Geography Internal Assessment
- Analysis and application of geographic concepts and theories along with the ability to identify information and data
- Evaluate the concepts and theories to present an argument and conduct the appropriate fieldwork for Geography
- Appropriate use of geographic skills and terminology
| Type of assessment | Format of Assessment | Time Hours (HL) | Weighting of Final Grade(%) in HL | Time Hours (SL) | Weighting of Final Grade(%) in SL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External | 4.5 | 20 | 2.75 | 75 | |
| Paper 1 | Each option has a structured question and one extended answer question from a choice of two. | 2.25 | 35 | 1.5 | 35 |
| Paper 2 | 3 questions on SL and HL core units each.1 extended answer from a choice of 2. | 1.25 | 25 | 1.25 | 40 |
| Paper 3 | Choice of 3 extended questions based on HL Core extension unit | 1 | 20 | NA | NA |
| Internal | 20 | 20 | 20 | 25 | |
| Written report on a topic from the syllabus along with the evaluation and analysis of the information collected. | 20 | 20 | 20 | 25 |
Geography as a subject focuses on the interactions of the individuals, societies and various physical processes. It also studies the patterns of change and how humans adjust to these changes by adapting certain strategies. The subject requires no prior learning and the skills required to study the course are developed within the context of the course itself.
The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. Having followed a course of study in individuals and societies, students should be able to reflect critically on the various processes of knowing and methods used in human sciences, helping them to become “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people”
