Course Outline - IB Diploma - Geography

The IB Diploma programme’s Geography syllabus at Higher and Standard level is divided into 3 parts:

• Geographical skills
• Core theme
• Optional themes

All students are required to develop a number of geographical skills, which are introduced and developed throughout the syllabus, building on the skills acquired during the Middle Years Programme. The study of the core theme of Population, resources and development is also compulsory for all students.

For higher level, five optional themes are studied. These are:

• Drainage basins and their management
• Coasts and their management
• Lithospheric processes and hazards
• Globalisation
• Topographic mapping

For standard level, just three optional units are studied. These are:

• Coasts and their management
• Globalisation
• Topographic mapping

Assessment and Methods of Assessment 11-12 Geography

The course is assessed both externally and internally in order to arrive at an overall level of 1 to 7 for the subject.

Internal Assessment - All students will undertake fieldwork in order that they can fulfil the requirements of the internally assessed component. For Higher Level, one written report of 2500 words, based on fieldwork, needs to be produced, contributing 25% of the final mark. For Standard Level, one piece of coursework (approximately 1500 words) also has to be produced, contributing 20% of the final mark. Deadlines for both Higher and Standard Level Coursework vary each year, but are generally in December of year 12.

In addition, tests, essays and sample questions are undertaken.

External Assessment – All students sit two examinations.

	Paper 1	Paper 2
Syllabus Content	Core theme	Optional themes
Method	Two structured questions (extended response)	Four questions for Higher Level, two for Standard Level (choice of essay or structured, stimulus response for each theme)
Component Time	1 hour 30 minutes	2 hours 30 minutes (HL) 1 hour 30 minutes (SL)
Assessment Weighting	25% (Higher Level) 40% (Standard Level)	50% (HL) 40% (SL)