FenDoDo’s IB Geography SL/HL course prepares students for success in the International Baccalaureate curriculum, covering all key topics, exam strategies, and assessment criteria. Whether you are aiming for a 7, need help with the Internal Assessment (IA), or want a deeper understanding of global geographic issues, this course provides complete support.
Course Content
- Core Topics (SL & HL):
- Geographic Perspectives – Global Change:
- Population Distribution: Changing population patterns and their implications.
- Global Climate – Vulnerability and Resilience: Understanding climate systems and their impact.
- Global Resource Consumption and Security: Examining resource distribution and sustainability.
-
- Optional Themes (SL: 2; HL: 3):
- Freshwater – Drainage Basins: Water availability and management.
- Oceans and Coastal Margins: Marine environments and human interactions.
- Extreme Environments: Adaptation and challenges in harsh climates.
- Geophysical Hazards: Natural disasters and risk management.
- Leisure, Tourism, and Sport: Global trends and their effects.
- Food and Health: Agricultural practices and health outcomes.
- Urban Environments: Urbanization and sustainable development.
-
- HL Extension (HL only):
- Geographic Perspectives – Global Interactions:
- Power, Place, and Networks: Political and economic power dynamics.
- Human Development and Diversity: Social development and cultural diversity.
- Global Risks and Resilience: Addressing global challenges and building resilience.
-
Exam Structure
- External Assessment
- Paper 1 (SL: 1 hr 15 min, HL: 1 hr 30 min) — Core themes: Data-based and short-answer questions on population, climate, resources, and global change.
- Paper 2 (SL: 1 hr 15 min, HL: 1 hr 30 min) — Optional themes: Short-answer and extended-response questions on chosen optional topics (e.g., freshwater, urban environments, geophysical hazards).
- Paper 3 (HL only, 1 hr) — Data response and extended questions assessing HL extension topics such as global interactions, human development, and networks.
-
- Internal Assessment (IA)
- Students complete a fieldwork investigation, including research question formulation, data collection, analysis, and evaluation, applying geographic concepts to a real-world context.
-
Skills Developed
- Spatial Analysis: Interpreting and analyzing geographic data.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating global issues from multiple perspectives.
- Research Skills: Conducting fieldwork and analyzing findings.
- Communication: Presenting geographic information effectively.
- Problem-Solving: Developing solutions for complex geographic issues.
Who Should Take IB Goegraphy?
- Students interested in: Urban planning, environmental science, economics, or international relations.
- Learners aiming to: Understand global issues and their local impacts.
- Anyone seeking to: Develop analytical and research skills applicable to real-world problems.
College Credit
Many U.S. colleges grant credit or advanced placement for high IB Geography SL/HL scores. This can satisfy introductory geography or social science course requirements, allowing students to advance to higher-level geography, urban planning, or environmental studies courses earlier in their college curriculum.
- SL (Standard Level): Often qualifies for introductory geography courses.
- HL (Higher Level): Often qualifies for first-year college-level geography courses, depending on the institution.
