Geography Higher Level International Baccalaureate group 3 subject

Applications Open - 3 November 2025

Applications Close - 23 January 2026 (This is the official deadline, when planning for the new timetable will begin; however, applications will still be accepted after this date.)

Entry Requirements

IBCP: 3 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IBDP: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

IB course option: 6 x Grade 6 & 2 x Grade 5 (inc English & Maths)

How to Apply - Please apply via KentChoices

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Georgraphy describes and helps to expalin the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

1. Core (SL and HL)

Geographic perspectives - global change

• Population distribution - changing population
• Global climate - vulnerability and resilience
• Global resource consumption and security

2. Optional themes (SL select two; HL select three):

• Freshwater - drainage basins
• Oceans and coastal margins
• Extreme environments
• Geophysical hazards
• Leisure, tourism and sport
• Food and health
• Urban environments

Core extension (HL only)

• Geographic perspectives - global interactions
• Power, places and networks
• Human development and diversity
• Global risks and resilience

Opportunities are given throughout the course to enable student learning through practical fieldwork, including a three day residential trip. The higher level course consists of 220 hours of externally assessed taught theory and 20 hours of fieldwork based investigation; the standard level course consists of 130 hours of externally assessed taught theory and 20 hours of fieldwork based investigation.

Higher level:

External assessment (80%)

• Paper I Option Themes 35%
  • Paper 2 Core25%
  • Paper 3 Core extension 20%
  • Internal assessment — 2,500 word fieldwork report 20%

Standard level

External assessment (75%)

• Paper 1 Option themes 35%
• Paper 2 Core 40%
• Internal assessment — 2,500 word fieldwork report 25%

General entry requirements:

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme: 3 x grade 6 and 2 x grade 5 at GCSE or equivalent.