IB Individuals and Society

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions and examines the processes behind them. Geography is distinctive in that it occupies the middle ground between social sciences and natural sciences. The DP geography course integrates both physical and human geography and ensures that students acquire elements of both scientific and socio-economic methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position between both these groups of subjects to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas. 

IB History of the Americas is a two year history of Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States. The course provides students with a dual perspective: an in-depth chronological study of our region, and a broad comparative analysis of many countries’ responses to the forces and personalities that shaped the 20th Century. As students embark upon their study of History of the Americas, they will ideally be able to develop the following skills:

• 1. The acquisition and understanding of historical knowledge in breadth and in depth, and across different cultures.

• 2. The understanding of history as a discipline, including the nature and diversity of its sources, methods and interpretations.

• 3. International understanding by promoting empathy with, and respect for, people living in different places and at different times.

• 4. A better understanding of the present through an understanding of the past.

• 5. A lasting interest in history that will help shape future behaviours and decisions.