IB Geography: Complete Guide

Comparing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Geography course with A-Level Geography can help students make informed decisions on which curriculum best suits their academic needs and future plans. Both are globally recognised qualifications but have different areas of emphasis and assessment methods.

The IB Geography courseis diverse and dynamic, combining physical, human, and environmental geography. It's renowned for its holistic approach, requiring students to understand the interconnectedness of geographical phenomena at different scales. Additionally, the Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Geography provides hands-on experience in conducting fieldwork and writing a comprehensive report. This could provide students with a more practical understanding of geographical issues.

In contrast, A-Level Geography is more traditional in its focus. Though it does explore human and physical geography, its approach is more compartmentalised compared to the integrated approach of the IB. A significant portion of the A-Level course is also assessed via written examinations, with less emphasis on coursework.

In terms of exam performance in a recent session, 19.9% of IB Geography HL students achieved a score of 7/7, compared to 27.2% of A-Level Geography students achieving the top grade of an A*, illustrating that A-level Geography may be comparatively easier to achieve top marks in.

When choosing between IB and A-Level Geography, it's essential to consider university requirements. Some universities may favour one qualification over the other, depending on the course. For instance, the University of Cambridge explicitly mentions both A-Levels and IB as suitable entry qualifications for its geography course.

Thus, the decision should be based on individual preferences, university requirements, and long-term career aspirations. For more information on the differences between these two qualifications, read our article comparing the IB and A-levels.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Geography Study Notes and IB Geography Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

What level of Geography should you choose in the IB?

Choosing between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) in IB Geography is a significant decision that will depend on your interests, aspirations, and academic strengths. Both levels offer a solid understanding of the subject, but the depth and breadth of study vary.

HL Geography is more intensive and covers additional topics under the theme 'Global Interactions', such as cultural diversity, economic interdependence, and globalisation. If you have a keen interest in Geography or plan to pursue it or a related field at university, HL Geography could be a great choice.

On the other hand, SL Geography offers a comprehensive overview of key geographical concepts and issues but involves a lesser workload. If you enjoy Geography but are not considering it as a major focus for further study, SL could be a good fit.

The International Baccalaureate Organization states that IB students must choose three subjects at HL and three at SL. Balancing your overall subject choice considering your strengths, workload, and university requirements is crucial.

It's also worth noting that some universities might have specific requirements. For example, the London School of Economics specifies that at least two HL subjects are needed for most of their undergraduate courses. Therefore, researching and consulting with your school counsellor can also be beneficial in making this decision.

Below is an overview of the grades achieved in each level in 2021, giving interesting insights into HL which attained higher mean grades.

Number of IB Geography SL & HL candidates and mean grades in 2021

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Understanding the IB Geography grading system

The grading system of IB Geography, like other IB subjects, follows a 7-point scale, with 7 being the highest attainable score. The grade is a reflection of a student's overall performance in the course, including both external assessments (written examinations) and internal assessments (fieldwork report).

The IB Geography Guide details how these components contribute to the final grade. For Standard Level (SL), external assessments count for 75% and the Internal Assessment (IA) 25%. Higher Level (HL) students have 80% of their grade derived from external assessments and 20% from their IA.

The external assessments consist of two or three papers, depending on whether you are an SL or HL student. Paper 1 covers core themes, Paper 2 examines optional themes, and Paper 3 (only for HL students) explores the 'Global Interactions' theme.

The IA, a fieldwork report, allows students to investigate a local geographical issue or question. Students collect data, analyse it, and write a 2,500-word report.

Each component of the assessment is marked against specific criteria, with an emphasis on understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation of geographical concepts.

While understanding the grading system is important, it's equally crucial to approach the subject with curiosity and a genuine desire to learn. A grade is ultimately a measurement of learning, but the real value lies in the knowledge and skills acquired along the way.

IB Geography exam format

The final IB Geography grade is significantly determined by written exams, which follow a specific format as per the IB Geography Guide. Understanding this format is crucial for students aiming for high scores.

For Standard Level (SL) students, there are two papers.

Paper 1, focusing on core themes, is divided into two sections: Section A, where you answer short-answer questions on each of the two topics studied, and Section B, where you write an extended response to one of the topics.

Paper 2, assessing optional themes, follows a similar format: Section A requires short-answer responses on each of the two studied topics, and Section B demands an extended response on one of these.

For Higher Level (HL) students, there is an additional Paper 3, focusing on the 'Global Interactions' theme. Here, students respond to two extended response questions.

The duration of each paper is 1.5 hours for SL and 2.5 hours for HL. Paper 1 and Paper 2 each contribute to 35% of the SL final grade, whereas Paper 1 contributes 25%, Paper 2 contributes 35%, and Paper 3 contributes 20% to the HL final grade.

Preparing for these exams requires a firm understanding of the syllabus content and good exam technique, including time management and understanding of command terms. Practice papers, such as those available on IB Past Papers, can be useful for familiarising oneself with the format and refining these skills.

What is a good IB Geography score?

In the context of the International Baccalaureate, a score of 7 is the highest achievable grade, and is generally regarded as excellent. However, what constitutes a 'good' IB Geography score can vary depending on the perspective.

From a university admissions viewpoint, a good score would be one that meets or exceeds the entry requirements for your chosen course. For example, the University of Oxford generally requires a score of 6 or 7 in Geography HL for its Geography course.

Lastly, from a personal standpoint, a good score could be one that reflects your best effort and the mastery of the subject's key concepts. It's also important to remember that the IB, with its emphasis on critical thinking and real-world application of knowledge, values the learning process just as much as the final grade.

In any case, achieving a 'good' score typically involves a combination of consistent study, understanding the syllabus, and effective exam technique.

How to revise and get a 7 in IB Geography?

Achieving a 7 in IB Geography requires a strategic approach to revision that incorporates understanding the syllabus, consistent practice, and effective study techniques.

1. Start early and create a study plan: Consistency is key in studying. Break down your study material into manageable chunks and spread your revision over several weeks or months before your exam. Remember, last-minute cramming is generally not effective for long-term retention.

2. Understand the assessment criteria: Familiarise yourself with the IB Geography assessment criteria. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the knowledge and skills required to excel in the exams and internal assessments.

3. Practice past papers: Familiarise yourself with the exam format by practicing past papers. This will help you become comfortable with the style of questions and improve your time management skills. Analyse the mark schemes to understand the expectations of examiners.

4. Engage in active learning: Instead of passively reading or highlighting, actively engage with the material. Summarise information in your own words, teach concepts to others, or engage in group discussions to reinforce your understanding.

5. Seek support: Collaborate with classmates, form study groups, or seek guidance from your teacher or IB Geography tutor. Exploring different perspectives and discussing challenging topics can enhance your learning experience.

6. Utilise online resources: Take advantage of online resources specifically tailored to IB Geography revision. Websites like IB Geography Revision and IB Documents offer study materials, revision guides, and practice questions.

This is what Isabella Grayson shared with us about her experience successfully completing IB Geography:

"Securing a high score in the IB Geography exam was no overnight success. My approach was multifaceted: I consistently reviewed the syllabus, making sure I understood the core concepts. Weekly revision sessions helped me keep the information fresh in my mind. Using flashcards for quick recall and group discussions to explore different perspectives were my go-to techniques. Most crucially, I dedicated time to complete and review past papers, which gave me a clear understanding of the exam format and the types of questions asked. It's a journey that demands dedication, but the outcome is more than rewarding!"

Ultimately, the path to achieving a 7 in IB Geography hinges on a deep understanding of the subject matter, rigorous revision, and employing effective exam strategies, all of which can be significantly enhanced with the assistance of IB tutoring. Remember that patience and consistency are key in this journey, and integrating regular sessions with an IB tutor can provide tailored guidance and reinforce your understanding. Alongside this, don't forget the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid burnout, ensuring a balanced approach to your studies.

Overview of IB Geography Internal Assessment

The Internal Assessment (IA) in IB Geography is a crucial component of the course, contributing to 25% of the final grade for SL and 20% for HL students, according to the IB Geography Guide. The IA is an independent investigation where students conduct fieldwork and produce a 2,500-word report.

The IA process starts with selecting a suitable geographical question. This question should be linked to the syllabus, but also be narrow enough to allow for an in-depth investigation.

The second phase involves planning and conducting fieldwork. This could involve primary data collection methods such as surveys, observations, and experiments, or secondary data collection like research from books, databases, and online resources. It's important to ensure data is collected ethically and with appropriate permissions.

Next is the data presentation and analysis phase. Here, students are expected to present their data effectively using appropriate geographical tools (like graphs, charts, and maps) and thoroughly analyse their results, identifying patterns and relationships.

Finally, students must conclude their report by answering the research question and evaluate their methodology, acknowledging any limitations and suggesting improvements.

The IA requires students to apply the geographical knowledge and skills they've acquired throughout the course, demonstrating understanding and critical thinking. IB Geography IA examples can be helpful for students to understand the requirements and expectations better.

Top resources for IB Geography preparation

In your journey to conquer IB Geography, reliable resources can be a significant asset. Here are some of the top resources that can assist in your revision and preparation:

1. The Official IBO Geography Guide: This guide should be your starting point as it contains the complete syllabus and assessment criteria.

2. IB Past Papers: These are vital for getting used to the format of the exams and for practising under timed conditions. Websites like IB Past Papers have extensive collections of past papers.

3. IB Geography Textbooks: These provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus content. Notable examples include 'Geography for the IB Diploma' by Garrett Nagle and Briony Cooke and 'Planet Geography' by Stephen Codrington.

4. Online platforms: Websites like Geography All The Way offer extensive resources, including IB Geography Q&A Revision Notes, case studies, and interactive quizzes.

5. News Websites: Stay updated with current global events relevant to your syllabus. Websites like BBC, The Guardian, and National Geographic are good starting points.

Remember, these resources are tools to supplement your classroom learning. Use them strategically, and don't overwhelm yourself by trying to use all of them at once.

Exploring career opportunities with IB Geography

With a grounding in IB Geography, an array of exciting career opportunities opens up. Here are a few potential paths you could consider:

Urban Planning and Development: Geography helps you understand spatial relationships and environmental implications, making you well-suited for careers in urban planning and development. This could involve designing urban spaces, planning housing projects, or managing public utilities. Information on this career can be found at the Urban Land Institute.

Environmental Management: With climate change becoming an increasing concern, there's a growing need for professionals who can manage and protect our natural resources. A career in environmental management might involve creating sustainability plans, conducting environmental assessments, or working on conservation projects. More information can be found at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.

GIS Specialist: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a rapidly growing field, and geography students, with their understanding of spatial data, are well-positioned to enter this industry. A GIS Specialist might create maps, analyse spatial data, or develop GIS software. More details can be found on the Esri website.

Teaching and Research: If you're passionate about the subject, why not consider a career in teaching or academic research? Inspiring the next generation of geographers or contributing to the academic field could be highly rewarding. Check out the British Educational Research Association for further insights.

Remember, the skills and knowledge you gain from IB Geography, such as data analysis, problem-solving, and critical thinking, are transferable and highly valued across many sectors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IB Geography offers a comprehensive and exciting exploration of our ever-evolving world. Not only does it equip you with a nuanced understanding of key global issues, but it also hones transferable skills highly prized in the modern job market. The subject offers a broad spectrum of potential careers, including urban planning, environmental management, and GIS. When properly armed with the right resources and a strategic revision plan, achieving a top score in IB Geography becomes an attainable goal. Dive into the intriguing world of geography, and you'll find it's not just about places but about understanding the intricate dynamics of our world.