Geography
IB Geography gives a world outlook on current issues and trends from Globalisation to Hazards to Climate Change. Whilst applicants must be capable of undertaking the whole programme, the Geography element is straightforward and is comparable in standard to the A-level; grades are outstanding each year.
Candidates can opt to take the subject at Standard Level or Higher Level. The difference between the two levels is the time spent on the subject and the amount of work undertaken. The higher level option does have an extension paper designed to stretch your abilities.
Current Year 11 students who opt for Geography will have the opportunity of undertaking residential fieldwork in either the UK or abroad.
Pupils who study Geography will be offered the following field trip opportunities:
- There will be an optional overseas residential fieldwork opportunity open to Geography students. In previous years, we have visited Iceland and studied glaciers, geysers, black basalt beaches, the capital Reykjavík, seen the Northern Lights, Geothermal power stations and the Blue Lagoon. We have also visited the Azores - Tea and Pineapple plantations, whale and dolphin watching and walked a volcano. We plan to visit the Azores again in 2024.
- Year 12 residential fieldwork trip to Juniper Hall, a field studies centre in the North Downs area of outstanding natural beauty. This will include group data collection on the River Tillingbourne in preparation for the IA coursework.
- Day trip exploring the Geography of London - in Year 13 we carry out a London fieldwork day looking at gentrification, ethnic enclaves and urban sustainability.
- Geography conference in Year 13 - Tectonic Hazards. The conference is held in London and offers an opportunity to hear top experts deliver engaging and inspirational sessions.
Structure of the course
Part 1: Core theme
- Changing population
- Global Climate - vulnerability and resilience
- Global resource consumption and security
Part 2: Optional themes
- Freshwater – issues and conflicts
- Geophysical hazards
- Urban environments
Part 3: Higher level extension paper
- Power, Places and networks
- Human development and diversity
- Global risk and resilience
IA Coursework:
- One fieldwork report of 2,500 words