Embedded Files
Environmental Systems
This course can count as two subjects:
This course can count as two subjects:
Group 3 AND Group 4 together as one option
Group 3 AND Group 4 together as one option
Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an inspiring and hands-on course that explores how people and the natural world are deeply connected. It reflects our school’s Mission and Vision by empowering students to think critically about the environment and to take informed action toward a more sustainable future.
Through ESS, you will investigate real environmental challenges and discover how scientific, ethical, social, political, and economic perspectives all play a part in shaping solutions. You will learn how the Earth operates as a complex and interconnected system, gaining a deeper understanding of the vital role humans play within it.
This course is perfect for students who are passionate about the environment and want to make a positive impact. As a transdisciplinary subject, ESS brings together ideas from both the Sciences and the Humanities, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Global Politics, and Geography. You will explore issues and solutions at local, regional, and global levels, building the knowledge and skills to become a thoughtful, active global citizen.
Course content
Course content
Topic 1.3 and 4.3 Sustainability and overfishing
Sustainability, systems, worldviews and values (embedded throughout the course)
Ecosystems and ecology
Biodiversity and conservation
Water resources and aquatic food systems
Soil and agricultural systems
Atmospheric systems and climate change
Resource management and energy production
Human population and urban systems
Topic 1.2 Mesocosms (closed systems)
Course outline
Course outline
Topic 1.3: Doughnut Economics!
Grade 11
Grade 11
Sustainability, systems, worldviews and values (concepts taught, embedded throughout the course)
Ecosystems and ecology
Soil and agricultural systems
Water resources and aquatic food systems
Internal Assessment (IA)
Topic 2.2 Ecosystems and complex food webs
Grade 12
Grade 12
Sustainability, systems, worldviews and values (embedded throughout the units and topics below)
Biodiversity and Conservation
Atmospheric systems and climate change
Natural Resources
Human population and urban systems
Topic 2.1/4.4 Measuring abiotic conditions to identify pollution
Fieldwork & Internal Assessment – We’re going to Bintan!
Fieldwork & Internal Assessment – We’re going to Bintan!
As part of the ESS course, students will travel to Bintan, Indonesia to complete their fieldwork, which forms part of the 30 hours of practical work, including 10 hours for the Internal Assessment (worth 25% of their mark).
Students will explore beautiful mangrove forests, coastal zones, and tropical ecosystems while investigating a real-world environmental issue through hands-on research.
This immersive trip combines science, sustainability, and adventure, bringing ESS learning to life!
Skills developed
Skills developed
analyse environmental systems and issues at a variety of scales
facilitate responsible actions on environmental issues
engage with the controversies that surround a variety of environmental issues
evaluate solutions to environmental issues in local and global contexts
apply methods of fieldwork and experimental investigations
select and apply appropriate research and practical skills to carry out investigations
develop scientific reasoning
analyse case studies at a variety of contexts
Assessment
Assessment
Want to learn more about ESS?
Want to learn more about ESS?
Visit our website at https://sites.google.com/view/geopress2/home,
or drop by and chat with Ms. Sally-Anne Ganley (Head of ESS) in B621; she’ll be happy to tell you more!
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