DP Geography at GESS
At GESS, the Geography course offers students an in-depth understanding of the dynamic relationships between human societies and the physical world. The course encourages students to explore how natural processes and human activities shape the environment and affect global systems. Geography at GESS integrates physical, environmental, and human geography, fostering a holistic approach to understanding spatial patterns, resources, and sustainable development. Students will engage with key global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and environmental sustainability, providing them with critical insights into the complex interactions that define our world.

💠 Why Study Geography at GESS?
👉 Interdisciplinary Learning – The course integrates physical geography, human geography, and environmental science, offering a well-rounded perspective on global issues.
👉 Real-World Application – Students apply geographic concepts to address contemporary issues such as resource management, climate change, and sustainable development, making the subject highly relevant to today’s world.
👉 Fieldwork and Research – Geography at GESS emphasizes practical learning, including fieldwork, data collection, and research. Students develop critical geographic skills that are essential for understanding and solving real-world problems.
👉 Global Perspective – The course encourages students to consider global challenges from local, national, and international perspectives, enhancing their understanding of the interconnectedness of the world.

💠 Core Units
The Geography curriculum is structured around three key areas:

• Physical Geography – Studying natural processes such as weathering, erosion, climate, and ecosystems.

• Human Geography – Understanding population dynamics, urbanization, and the impact of human activities on the environment.

• Environmental Geography – Examining sustainability, resource management, and the effects of human intervention on the planet.

💠 Assessment
🔸 Internal Assessment (IA) – Students conduct a fieldwork investigation, applying geographic methods to a specific research question.
🔸 Examinations

• Paper 1 (SL & HL) – Structured questions based on geographic themes such as global change, population, and climate.

• Paper 2 (SL & HL) – Extended-response questions testing students’ ability to analyze and evaluate geographic concepts and theories.

• Paper 3 (HL Only) – A detailed analysis of advanced geographic topics, including global interactions and human development.

💠 Geography at GESS: HL vs. SL
🔹 Higher Level (HL): HL students study more advanced topics in geographic systems and interactions, including the HL extension on global interactions. They also engage with more complex fieldwork and case studies.
🔹 Standard Level (SL): SL students focus on core geographic concepts and gain a solid foundation in physical, human, and environmental geography, with an emphasis on data analysis and research.

Geography at GESS equips students with the skills to critically assess global challenges, apply geographic methods, and contribute to solutions for sustainability and development, preparing them for future studies and careers in environmental science, urban planning, and international relations.