What will I learn?

Through studying this course, you will develop the following:

  • An appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas;
  • Global and international awareness in several distinct ways;
  • Skills to examine key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change;
  • Skills to consider examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international.

What is the structure of the course?

Higher Level

Standard Level

Part 1: Geographic themes

Three options studied of:

  • Freshwater
  • Oceans and coastal margins
  • Extreme environments
  • Geophysical hazards
  • Leisure, tourism and sport
  • Food and health
  • Urban environments

Two options studied of:

  • Freshwater
  • Oceans and coastal margins
  • Extreme environments
  • Geophysical hazards
  • Leisure, tourism and sport
  • Food and health
  • Urban environments

Part 2: Global perspectives – Change

  • 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 3: Global Perspectives – Global Interactions

Power, places and networks

  • Human development and diversity
  • Global risks and resilience

N/A

Part 4: 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

How will I be assessed?

Assessment

Higher Level

Standard Level

Coursework

Written report (20%)

Written report (25%)

Final Examination

Paper 1 – 2.5 hours (35%), Paper 2 – 1.25 hours (40%), Paper 3 – 1 hour (20%)

Paper 1 – 1.5 hours (35%), Paper 2 – 1.25 hours (40%)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which CAS opportunities are available?
Literature Club; Sustainability Club; Journalism Club; MOOC Courses; Debating Club.

Which opportunities for further study are available?
The Geography IB prepares you for any university course that requires students to be an articulate, critical thinker who is capable of synthesising and analysing a wide range of information. You will be very well prepared for an undergraduate degree in Geography or allied fields, and it is appropriate to a range of careers, including journalism, education, research, architecture and law. 

  • For more information on careers related to Geography, please click here.
  • For more information about studying Geography at Higher Education, please click here.

Is there anything else I need to know?
Geography is not just about landscapes, cities and communities. It is also about contemporary culture, morality, ethics and your place in the wider world. You should be prepared to read widely in your free time, and also take time visiting museums, geographical sites and researching online.

  • For more information on studying Geography IB, please see here.
Back to ks5 curriculum

Curriculum map

Topics / Units

Oceans and Coastal Margins

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • Ocean Currents
  • Climate events including El Nino and La Nina
  • Hurricanes
  • The Coastal System and Sediment Cell
  • Erosion landforms
  • Depositional landforms

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Can I explain the operation of ocean currents, including their distribution, nutrient and energy transfers and the importance of oceanic conveyor belts?
  • Can I explain the atmospheric-ocean interactions associated with ENSO cycles and their climatic, environmental and economic effects?
  • Can I explain the formation, distribution and physical impact of hurricanes on coastal margins, including storm surges?
  • Can I explain the changing role of oceans as a store and source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

Topics / Units

Oceans and Coastal Margins

Core Declarative Knowledge
What should students know?

  • How do physical processes link to the Earth’s atmospheric and ocean systems?
  • How are coastal places shaped by their interaction with the ocean?
  • How powerful are different stakeholders in relation to coastal margin management?
  • What are the future possibilities for managing the oceans as a Global commons?

Core Procedural Knowledge
What should students be able to do?

  • Can I explain operation of ocean currents, including their distribution, nutrient and energy transfers and the importance of oceanic conveyor belts?
  • Can I explain the atmospheric-ocean interactions associated with ENSO cycles and their climatic, environmental and economic effects?
  • Can I explain the formation, distribution and physical impact of hurricanes on coastal margins, including storm surges?
  • Can I explain the changing role of oceans as a store and source of carbon dioxide (CO2) and impacts of ocean acidification on coral reefs?