Overview of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) Geography

Geography is a subject that explores the environment as a human living place and its relation with us. If you are interested in a subject that blends natural and social sciences, then IB DP Geography is perfect.

If you’re interested in learning geography more profoundly, we will examine what makes this subject special, especially within the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP).

About the IB DP Geography Course

At its core, Geography in the IB DP curriculum is a subject that investigates the relationship between people, places, and the environment. According to official IB guidelines, the subject combines physical and human geography.

This means you’ll study our planet’s natural characteristics (such as mountains, rivers, and seas) and how human civilisations arrange themselves, utilise resources, and deal with global concerns.

Understanding how physical processes and human activities interact throughout time and place is essential to the IB DP Geography study. For example, students may investigate how a river system changes due to climate change and then observe how people adjust their settlements to the river.

By analysing these linkages, the course enables students to see the world as a complex web of environmental and social elements. It also teaches students to value multiple points of view, ideas, and cultural views, which are essential for living in today’s varied, interconnected society.

Course Structure and Key Topics

IB DP Geography aims to give both breadth and depth of knowledge. Depending on your level of study, Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), you will study a selection of core and elective courses.

At the SL, you will study the core content and two optional themes, while at the HL, you will study the core, three optional themes, and an additional extension on global interactions. But overall, key geographic themes available in this course are:

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

Assessment Structure

IB DP Geography uses a mix of internal and external assessments to measure your progress and understanding. Here are the details:

External Assessments (Exams)

External assessments often come in written examinations, where you answer structured and essay-style questions. These exams might present you with maps, graphs, or data sets you must interpret.

The ability to analyse unfamiliar information and see patterns is crucial and something you will develop throughout the course. Here are the components:

• Paper 1: Focuses on optional themes. Includes structured questions and an extended response.
• Paper 2: Centres on core content, such as global change. You may encounter maps, graphs, or infographics you must interpret and discuss.
• Paper 3 (HL only): Involves extended answer questions related to the HL extension on global interactions.

Internal Assessment (Fieldwork Project)

Students can move out of their textbooks and undertake their own research on a particular geographic subject. This includes gathering data, analysing, and drafting a report based on the results.

Skills Developed in IB DP Geography

One of the finest aspects of the Geography course in the IB DP curriculum is the variety of abilities it develops. If you are a student, it will help you develop a wide range of skills, preparing you for university and beyond. Overall, throughout the course, you will:

• Improve critical thinking and data analysis abilities by reading maps, charts, and statistical data, detecting patterns, trends, and anomalies in novel material, and utilising evidence to back up arguments and conclusions.
• Improve communication skills by presenting well-structured essays and reports utilising precise geographical language, arguing complicated subjects, and effectively communicating ideas in both oral and written formats.
• Improve problem-solving skills by assessing alternative approaches to coping with resource scarcity, population expansion, and climate change.
• Develop research skills by creating and carrying out your fieldwork project, and collecting and analysing data.
• Increase global knowledge and cultural sensitivity by acknowledging that various civilisations may have distinct viewpoints on the exact geographical problem.

Advantages of Studying IB DP Geography

There are various advantages to studying geography in the IB DP. This course offers a solid basis for anybody interested in pursuing a career in environmental science, urban planning, international relations, or sustainable development.

Your analytical and research abilities are beneficial in various academic and professional settings. So, even if you focus on something other than geography, the topic broadens your grasp of global issues.

It enables you to assess current events, examine the causes and impacts of change, and grasp why different locations confront unique social or environmental challenges. This course will help students become more aware and empathic global citizens who can participate meaningfully in conversations about our planet’s future.

By the end of the IB DP Geography course, you will have academic knowledge and the mentality and values required to excel in various settings.

Interested? Let’s enroll in BINUS SCHOOL Simprug! Also, before you move on, please check this article to get more references about the IB DP: Exploring IB Diploma Programme Art Projects.

References

https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/individuals-and-societies/geography/

https://www.ibo.org/contentassets/5895a05412144fe890312bad52b17044/geography-sl-hl-2017-en.pdf

https://www.ibgeographypods.org/

https://www.thegeographeronline.net/ib-geography-introduction.html