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Geography

Why Geography?
 
Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. It also investigates the way that people adapt and respond to change and evaluates management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between spaces and places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from a range of perspectives.
 
Within group 3 subjects, geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences, not only taking advantage of its position between both these groups of subjects to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines, but also helping students to develop an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, human and environmental geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio-economic methodologies.
 
Geography seeks to develop international understanding and foster a concern for global issues as well as to raise students’ awareness of their own responsibility at a local level. It examines key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change. It considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international, regardless of the nationality and experience of the students, as inherent in the syllabus is a consideration of different perspectives, economic circumstances and social and cultural diversity. Geography also aims to develop values and attitudes that will help students reach a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interconnected world.
 
Students of group 3 subjects study individuals and societies. As with other subject areas, there is a variety of ways of gaining knowledge in group 3 subjects. In Geography, Students are required to evaluate knowledge claims by exploring knowledge issues such as validity, reliability, credibility, certainty and individual as well as cultural perspectives. Therefore, the relationship between each subject and theory of knowledge is important and fundamental to the Diploma Programme, as students should be able to reflect critically on the various ways of knowing and methods used in human sciences. During the Diploma Programme geography course, a number of issues will arise that highlight the relationship between theory of knowledge and geography.
 
 
What is the course about?
 
The IB Geography syllabus is divided into three parts: the Core Theme, Optional Themes and a Higher Level Extension. In IB1 students will complete the Core Theme (Paper 1) of the course – which focuses on the key global issues of our time, in particular poverty, gender equality, health and education and environmental sustainability –, and will also start the study of the Optional Themes (Paper 2) – which include 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.In their IB1 year, students will complete a field study that is required for internal assessment by the IBO and will count for 20% of their final mark for this course. This requirement is the same for both SL and HL students. 
 
On the first part of IB2, students will continue to build upon geographical skills utilized in IB1, while completing the remaining optional themes of the course and the HL Extension, which looks at global interactions, flows and exchanges arising from the disparities that exist between places. The remaining time will be spent on mock exams, revision and study leave for the IB examination.
 
Geographical skills, while not being a distinct unit, will be integrated throughout the entire course to ensure that students will have competency in a number of skills such as map interpretation, basic statistical techniques, the analysis and interpretation of graphical data.
 
Throughout both years, a wide variety of teaching and learning methods is employed; didactic teaching, teacher-directed, group work, student presentations, role-play simulations, project work, examination practice, computer-based learning and fieldwork, films, documentaries, news reports, satellite images, GIS mapping, photographic resources, Internet resources are all employed in this visually stimulating and relevant subject.
 
 
Are there any requirements?
 
No subject specific minimum requirements, although ideally an IGCSE in Geography, English Language and Mathematics would help in coping with the demands of the subject. It is not necessary to have studied Geography at IGCSE level.
 
 
What materials will I need?
 
Apart from an open mind and a willingness to learn, you will not need any materials for the course, as these will be provided to you. Further reading and Internet resources will be suggested throughout the course.   Start reading and watching the news, if you don’t already. And by the way…how often do you go to the library?
 
 
How will I be evaluated?                            

What will I learn?
 
Apart from the specific content of the course, you are going to:
• Develop a global perspective and a sense of world interdependence.
• Develop an understanding of the interrelationship between people, place and the environment.
• Develop a concern for the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need to plan and manage for present and future generations.
• Appreciate the relevance of Geography in analysing contemporary world issues, and develop and modify values and attitudes in relation to geographical problems and issues.
• Recognize the need for social justice, equality and respect for others; appreciate diversity; and combat bias, prejudice and stereotyping.
• Develop an appreciation of the range of geographical methodologies and apply appropriate techniques of inquiry.
 
 
Where can I find more information about the course?
 
Your teacher will provide you the Geography course outline. Please also feel free to meet with him at school or email him at nunesvilhena@gmail.com.
 
 
Where Next?
 
Geography is not career-specific, but it is highly regarded as an established academic subject, which produces students who have been trained in the use of many key skills. Students who continue their geographic education post-18 will often decide to specialise at some stage in one aspect of the subject and eventually seek employment in that particular specialism. Otherwise, Geography provides an excellent foundation from which to launch into an extremely varied range of careers.Geography will give students wishing to follow a career related to international business, government/diplomacy, journalism or law, an in-depth understanding of the key issues in today’s world. The Food and Health Optional Theme will be of particular interest to students wishing to study Medicine. Indeed Geography would be suitable Group 3 subject for any student wishing to follow a science-based career,as many universities will accept Geography as a Science subject.

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Patrick Lagendijk
​​IB Co-ordinator

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