Geography

Group 3

Course Description

COURSE STRUCTURE

SL and HL

Prerequisites:

Nil

Exclusions:

Nil

Geography is a dynamic and real-world-focused subject that examines the interactions between individuals, societies, and the physical environment across both time and space. It identifies trends and patterns in these relationships and investigates the processes driving them.

In the IB Diploma Programme, Geography stands out as a subject that bridges the gap between the sciences and humanities. It offers a balanced exploration of both physical and human geography, covering a wide range of contemporary global issues. Topics include resource use, climate change, population growth, freshwater resources, geophysical hazards, food and health, power and networks, human development and diversity, and global risks and resilience.

Fieldwork is a vital component of the course, offering hands-on experiences that bring learning to life. Students undertake a group fieldwork investigation at the Minnamurra Rainforest and River system for their Internal Assessment, applying statistical, graphical, and mapping techniques to test hypotheses and analyse results.

Geography’s interdisciplinary nature provides flexibility and relevance for diverse career pathways. It equips students with the analytical, research, and communication skills needed to engage meaningfully with global challenges; skills highly regarded by universities and employers.

Coursework

Group 3:	Geography Standard Level	Geography Higher Level
*Components*
*Part 1: Core theme*	Population distribution— changing population Global climate— vulnerability and resilience Global resource consumption and security	Population distribution— changing population Global climate— vulnerability and resilience Global resource consumption and security
*Part 2: Optional theme – two optional themes are required for SL and three for 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	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
Part 3: Global Interactions		Power, places and networks Human development and diversity Global risks and resilience
Fieldwork	Fieldwork, leading to one written report based on a fieldwork question, information collection and analysis with evaluation.	Fieldwork, leading to one written report based on a fieldwork question, information collection and analysis with evaluation.

Assessment

Group 3:	Geography Standard Level			Geography Higher Level
*Type of Assessment*	*Format of assessment*	*Time (hours)*	*Weighting of final grade (%)*	*Format of assessment*	*Time (hours)*	*Weighting of final grade (%)*
External			75		5.5	80
Paper 1	Short answer and two extended responses	1.5	35	Short answer and three extended responses	2.5	35
Paper 2	Short answer and one extended response	1.15	40	Short answer and one extended response	2	25
Paper 3				Choice of three questions, with two essays per question	1	20
Internal		20	25		20	20
Written report	Written report based on fieldwork (2,500 words maximum)			Written report based on fieldwork (2,500 words maximum)

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