Subject Leader: Miss N Croucher – ncroucher@knoleacademy.org
Exam Board: International Baccalaureate
Entry Requirements
Minimum of 5 9-5 grades in GCSE examinations, including English and Maths.
Intent
The aim of the Geography course is to enable students to:
- develop an understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between people, places, spaces and the environment at different scales;
- develop a critical awareness and consider complex thinking in the context of the nexus of geographic issues, including:
- acquiring an in-depth understanding of how geographic issues or wicked problems have been shaped by powerful human and physical processes
- synthesising diverse geographic knowledge in order to form viewpoints about how these issues could be resolved; and
- understand and evaluate the need for planning and sustainable development through the management of resources at varying scales.
Implementation
Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space.
The Diploma Programme Geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio- economic and scientific methodologies. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints, and ideas.
Impact
- Develop critical thinking skills- to learn to analyse data, weigh perspectives and synthesise information
- Foster an international mindset
- Promote equity and justice
- Develop problem-solving skills
- Complete extensive research
Course Outline
Part 1:
Geographic themes
- Geophysical hazards
- Oceans and coastal margins
- Urban environments
Part 2:
Geographic perspectives – global change
- Population distribution – changing population
- Global climate – vulnerability and resilience
- Global resource consumption and security
Part 2 (Higher)
Geographic perspectives – global interactions
- Power, places and networks
- Human development and diversity
Fieldwork:
This course is assessed through a mixture of external and internally assessed work
Examination Information
Exam Board: International Baccalaureate
Qualification: IB Geography Diploma
Paper 1 – Geographic Themes (35%)
External assessment. 2 hours 15 minutes. 60 marks.
Students are examined on three topics:
- Geophysical hazards
- Oceans and coastal margins
- Urban environments
Paper 2 – Global Change Perspectives (25%)
External assessment. 1 hour 15 minutes. 50 marks.
Students are examined on three topics:
- Changing populations
- Global climate
- Global resource consumption and security
Paper 3 – Global Interactions Perspectives (20%)
External assessment. 1 hour. 28 marks.
Students are examined on:
- Power, places and networks
- Human development and diversity
- Global risks and resilience
Written Report (20%)
Internal assessment. 20 hours. 25 marks.
Fieldwork, leading to one written report based on a fieldwork question, information collection and analysis with evaluation
Future Courses and Possible Careers
Town Planning, Hazard & Risk Management, Market Research, Architecture, Transport Planner, Tourism Officer and more.