Geography

Geography is at the interface of the humanities and the sciences;  it is social science that examines the manner in which people and life are distributed and how they interact with their environment.   It also has an applied dimension:  through the critical evaluation of spatial processes it helps decision-makers in planning and development at a variety of geographical scales.   It also plays a crucial role in fostering international understanding and a respect for different cultures.

HIGHER AND STANDARD LEVELS

The Geography IB is a two year course which can be studied at Higher or Standard Level, whichever best suits the student concerned.   The Standard Level considers the topics of agriculture, population, natural hazards, urban environments and economic growth and development.   The Higher Level also covers all these areas of geography, but also considers an in-depth study of the natural environment and natural resources and their management.   A good grounding in GCSE Geography is beneficial, though a committed student may well take on this course without such a background.

AIMS OF THE COURSE

The aims of the course at Higher and Standard Level are as follows:

• To develop a global perspective and a sense of world interdependence.

• To develop an understanding of the relationship between people, place and the environment.

• To develop a concern for the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need to plan and manage for present and future generations.

• To appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary world issues, and develop and modify values and attitudes in relation to geographical problems and issues.

• To recognise the need for social justice, equality and respect for others; appreciate diversity; and combat bias, prejudice and stereotyping.

• To develop an appreciation of the range of geographical methodologies and apply appropriate techniques of inquiry.

COURSE CONTENT

 STANDARD LEVEL:

Population, Resources and Development

Population distribution and density, related to fertility, mortality, movement and structure.

Specific resource production and consumption.

Food as a resource, its production, and link with trade and aid.

Issues in development, including sustainability and resource management.

Lithospheric Processes and Hazards:

Tectonic processes, linking plate tectonics and the earthquake and volcanic hazards.

Mass movement as a hazard and its link to weathering.

Topographic Mapping:

Mapping skills and their use in the study of physical and human spatial patterns on maps.

HIGHER LEVEL: 

In addition to the Standard Level content, Higher Level students also study:

Climatic Hazards and Change:

Climatic hazards, as illustrated by tropical cyclones, tornadoes and drought.

The causes of global climatic change, including the greenhouse effect, acid rain, ozone depletion and the El Nino effect.

Local climatic change, as illustrated by urban and rural microclimates.

Globalisation

The globalisation of economic activity resulting from economic integration and global transport.

Cultural integration, its effects and impact on indigenous populations.

Tourism, its global growth, changes to the industry, and its use as a development strategy.

SKILLS

The skills covered in the course are many and varied.  They include:

• Location and differentiation of elements of the Earth’s surface.

• Reading, interpretation, analysis and production of maps.

• Interpretation of topographic maps.

• Reading, interpretation, analysis and construction of graphs.

• Undertaking statistical calculations to show patterns and change.

• Manipulation and interpretation of data using quantitative techniques.

• Undertaking geographical investigations.

• Producing written material, including essays, reports and investigations.

FIELDWORK

Fieldwork is an essential component of the course and the Department is committed to the development of the subject in the local and international setting.  Fieldwork includes:

• A study of hazards due to coastal erosion and mass movement along the South Wales coast.

• Various field excursions relating spatial patterns to topographic maps.

ASSESSMENT

STANDARD LEVEL

External assessment - Paper 1: Two from three structured questions based on Population, Resources and Development (1½ hours) 40%  

                              Paper 2:  A choice of essay or structured question based on Lithospheric Processes, with a structured question based on a map for Topographic Mapping (1½ hours) 40%             

Internal assessment                Coursework based on one fieldwork investigation and on research assignment, internally assessed and externally moderated. 20%                                         

HIGHER LEVEL

External assessment - Paper 1:  Two from three structured questions based on Population, Resources and Development (1½hrs) 25%                            

                               Paper 2: A choice of essay or structured questions based on Lithospheric Processes, Climatic Hazards and Globalisation, with a structured question based on a map for Topographic Mapping (2½ hours) 50%

Internal assessment -              Two fieldwork studies, internally assessed and externally moderated. 25%