IB Geography

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 30th June 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x grade 4-9 including Maths & English at G5

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

IBCP students will take a minimum of three courses of study. All of these will be Level 3 courses (A/AS Level equivalent). The courses will be a combination of vocational BTEC qualification (equivalent to up to 3 A Levels, approximately 10 hours of study per week) and 2 IB subjects (approx. AS level each and studied for 5 hours a fortnight). If you select this subject you must also select one BTEC in your application and one other IB subject.

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. Geography describes and helps to explain 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.

Geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that you acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps you develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.

Course Topics/Units

Geographic themes—seven options: two options are studied at SL, and three at HL

• Freshwater—drainage basins

• Oceans and coastal margins

• Extreme environments

• Geophysical hazards

• Leisure, tourism and sport

• Food and health

• Urban environments

Geographic perspectives—global change: all are studied at SL and HL

• Population distribution—changing population

• Global climate—vulnerability and resilience

• Global resource consumption and security

Geographic perspectives—global interactions: only studied at HL

• Power, places and networks

• Human development and diversity

• Global risks and resilience

For entry into King Ethelbert School Sixth Form all students must attain 5 grades between Grade 9 and Grade 4 (or equivalent) with a Grade 5 in both English Language and Mathematics.