Group 3: Individuals & Societies

History is a dynamic, contested, evidence-based subject which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of societies and of the world today. The course is comparative and multi-perspective in nature, we study a variety of types of history, including, political, economic, social and cultural history. Students are encouraged to explore historical events that have played a key role in shaping the world today. In order to understand many of the global challenges which the world is facing today such as conflict, rights and governance are rigorously studied basing their writing on theory and philosophy as well.

Each topic studied is done so in-depth, for example, the Cold War looks at a variety of variables including political (governments/ideologies), economic (global and national), social (the arts, education, health, minorities and women) as well as the ethical debates surrounding this subject. History at DP level is very much preparingt he students for a University path as it is also concerned with methodology and analysis based on research projects.

Paper 1: The Move to Global War: Japanese expansion in East Asia (1867-1941), German and Italian expansion (1920-1940). Ideology, economic recession and political extremisms is studied. Special attention is paid to source analysis, teaching evidence based disputation.

Paper 2: Students study two world history topics, Authoritarian States (20th century) and Causes and Effects of 20th- century wars. The case studies used for this paper are Hitler-Germany, Stalin-Russia, Mussolini-Italy, Mao-China, Pinochet-Chile, Castro-Cuba, World War 1, World War 2, The Cold War and the Mexican Revolution.

Paper 3: This paper is only for HL students, however, they only need to cover two extra topics as the Mexican Revolution is also studied in paper two with SL students. Political developments in Latin America (1945-1980). The US Civil Rights Movement including, minorities, student and feminist movements. Other topics which are also covered range from International Relations, Constitution and the law, Global economics and domestic responses. Cultural movements are incorporated throughout the course as it provides crucial historical context for all units.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT - EXAMS 80%

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT (In-depth research paper, students choice, 2,200 words)- 20%

Paper 1: The Move to Global War. Source Analysis.

Paper 2: World history topics; Authoritarian States- 20th century and Causes and Effects of 20th – Century Wars.

Paper 3: History of the Americas.

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT (In-depth research paper, students choice, 2,200 words) - 20%

Paper 1: The Move to Global War. Source analysis.

Paper 2: World history topics; Authoritarian States- 20th century and Causes and Effects of 20th – Century Wars.

• Critical thinking / analysis skills

• Research skills - methodology

• Academic writing skills (excellent for essays and exam assessments)

• Communication skills: Public speaking and debating

• Self-management skills

• Interdisciplinary thinking: Political, economic and social perspectives

• Promotes global engagement and an intercultural understanding

And beyond...

The history course is still fairly broad in nature and it is mainly based on skills and conceptual learning which provides the students with an excellent foundation to a multitude of university degrees. Apart from in-depth historical knowledge the DP history course is really best understood when the student has a complete overview of society including the economic, political, social, cultural, military and religious aspects.

Careers in: Law, politics, civil servant, economics, international relations, journalism, sociology, psychology, media and communication, literature, the arts, education, humanities, global studies, business etc.

Thinking: Be able to describe, analyse and evaluate information. The ability to make well-substantiated decisions and relate them to real world events.

Communication: Be able to express opinions in a coherent way and logically structured ideas using terms and concepts from History taking into account audience and purpose.

Research: Be able to critically evaluate resources, combine data from primary and secondary sources, and apply historical concepts to real life situations. Develop a method of investigation and be rigorous in referencing the work.

Social: Participate in classroom discussions in which concepts and theories are developed and applied.

Self-Management: Well-disciplined, organized and independent learner. Taking initiatives as there is always something to read or watch related to the subject we cover in class.

Subject Specific: Be able to develop understanding relating to international perspectives, foster a concern for global issues, and raise awareness of the students own responsibilities at a local, national and international level. Apply the use of theory, concepts, factual knowledge and historiography in order to develop essay writing skills both for research papers and under exam situations.

Standard Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• A second term report grade in IAS of 4 or higher.

• It is strongly recommended students have completed the History course in MP5 however, Geography students can also apply.

Higher Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• A second term report grade in IAS of 5 or higher.

• It is strongly recommended students have completed the History course in MP5 however, Geography students can also apply.

• Students should have a grade 5 for criterion D in in History of Geography.

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in contemporary issues and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and the physical environment. The syllabus has a global perspective and emphasizes issues relating to human welfare and development, environmental quality and the need for planning and sustainable development.

Both Higher and Standard level students follow the core geography course (paper 1) and two options (paper 2). Additionally, Higher level students take a third option and the global interactions course (paper 3)

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 80%

Paper 1: 35% Three Optional Themes from: Geophysical hazards, extreme environments, leisure, sport and tourism, food and health, and urban environments.

Paper 2: 25% Core: Changing populations, global climate - vulnerability and resilience, and global resource consumption and security.

Paper 3: 20% HL extension ‐ global interactions

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 20% Written Report based on group fieldwork (2,500 words)

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 75%

Paper 1: 35% Two Optional Themes from: leisure, sport and tourism, food and health, and urban environments.

Paper 2: 40% Core: Changing populations, global climate - vulnerability and resilience, and global resource consumption and security.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT – 25%

Written Report based on group fieldwork (2,500 words)

• Ability to interpret and analyse maps and satellite imagery

• Ability to effectively research contemporary issues

• Ability to use quantitative methods of analysis

• Ability to communicate ideas effectively in discussions and in written reports

• Apply concepts and theories to real situations

And beyond...

Geographers can find opportunities in the following fields:

• International Aid and Development working for NGO’s

• Urban planning and community development

• Geographical information systems

• Environmental management and conservation

• Tourism

• Transport management and logistics

• Market research

• Demographic planning and research

• Regional and economic development

Thinking: Be able to describe, analyse and evaluate information, both quantitative and qualitative.

Communication: Be able to use a range of ICT skills to research and present information.

Social: Be active in the lessons, ask questions and participate in discussions. Work effectively in a team.

Self-Management: Well-disciplined and organized to meet deadlines. Be motivated to work to the best of your ability.

Research: Enthusiasm to follow and research contemporary geographical issues in the news. Ability to critically evaluate sources and data.

Subject Specific: Have an international awareness and interest in global issues. Be familiar with a range of geographical data sources e.g. Google Earth, and be able to interpret maps. Have a good knowledge of general world geography e.g. location of countries, cities and physical features.

Standard Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• A second term report grade in IAS of 4 or higher.

• It is strongly recommended that students have completed the Geography course in MP5.

Higher Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• A second term report grade in IAS of 5 or higher.

• It is strongly recommended that students have completed the Geography course in MP5.

Economics is a dynamic social science and this course is designed to provide the student with the core knowledge of the subject and to promote an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics. Students will develop disciplined economic reasoning skills; an ability to apply tools of economic analysis to situations and data; and an understanding of how individuals and societies organise themselves in the pursuit of economic objectives. Economic theories and concepts will be evaluated in relation to the economic realities in which individuals and societies function. The course prepares students for the further study of economics or a related field in the social studies.

The main sections of the syllabus drive assessment: microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics and development economics. Students in DP1 and DP2 prepare for external examinations that take place at the end of the two year course. They also must complete three commentaries throughout the assessment period. HL students prepare for three examinations and SL students prepare for two.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 30% Four extended‐response questions based on all four sections of the syllabus. Candidates must attempt two questions.

Paper 2: 30% Article-based questions, requiring definitions and explanations with the help of diagrams.

Paper 3: 20% Data‐response paper: calculations and graphs based on all four sections of the syllabus.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

Portfolio of three commentaries. Each commentary is limited to 750 words.

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 80%

Paper 1: 40% Four extended‐response questions based on all four sections of the syllabus. Candidates must attempt two questions.

Paper 2: 40% Article-based questions, requiring definitions and explanations with the help of diagrams.

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 20%

Portfolio of three commentaries. Each commentary is limited to 750 words.

• Knowledge and understanding of the role of economic institutions in domestic and international settings

• Appreciation of the diverse nature of world economics

• Ability to understand and interpret economic data and information and present them in a clear and logical manner

• An understanding of the inter‐ relationships between economic variables and ability to predict possible consequences and outcomes arising from changing these variables

And beyond...

• There is much economic content in a wide range of degree courses such as Business Studies, Management, Accounting and Surveying.

• Economics develops transferable skills in evaluation and application which can be used in further studies and in the workplace.

• Economics degrees have a prestigious place in the business world and in education as they show evidence of an ability to deal with both theoretical concepts and real world applications.

Thinking: Be able to describe, analyse and evaluate quantitative (HL only) and qualitative information. The ability to make well-substantiated decisions and to relate them to real world contexts. The ability to apply different perspectives to a situation, which might result in different answers to the challenges that are posed.

Communication: Be able to express your point of view in a coherent way and logically structured manner using terms and concepts from Economics and taking into account audience and purpose.

Social: Participate in classroom discussions in which concepts are developed and tested and actual situations are evaluated.

Self-Management: Well-disciplined and organized as deadlines are issued without intermediate checks. Interest in the subject keeping up-to-date by reading news articles.

Research: Be able to critically evaluate resources, combine data from primary and secondary sources, and apply economic concepts to real life situations.

Subject Specific: Be able to develop international perspectives, foster a concern for global issues, and raise awareness of your own responsibilities at a local, national and international level. Apply the use of diagrams to explain mechanisms from an economic perspective.

Standard Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• The subject of choice within Humanities (Geography or History) with a 2nd Term report grade of 4 or higher.

Higher Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• The subject of choice within Individuals and Societies (Geography or History) with a 2nd Term report grade of 5 or higher.

• Students should have a strong 5 for criterion D in the IAS-subject of their choice in MP5.

• Mathematics (standard) class with a 2nd Term report grade of 4 or higher.

Business management is a rigorous, challenging and dynamic discipline in the individuals and societies subject group. The role of businesses, as distinct from other organizations and actors in a society, is to produce and sell goods and services that meet human needs and wants by organizing resources. Profit-making, risk-taking and operating in a competitive environment characterize most business organizations.

Business management studies business functions, management processes and decision-making in contemporary contexts of strategic uncertainty. It examines how business decisions are influenced by factors internal and external to an organization, and how these decisions impact upon its stakeholders, both internally and externally. Business management also explores how individuals and groups interact within an organization, how they may be successfully managed and how they can ethically optimize the use of resources in a world with increasing scarcity and concern for sustainability. Business management is, therefore, perfectly placed within the individuals and societies subject area: aiming to develop in students an appreciation both for our individuality and our collective purposes.

Like any other subjects, assessment is divided into external and internal assessment. The external assessment consists a final examination at the end of the two years program consisting of 2 different papers. Within the two year program, students will have the opportunity to write numerous TESTS and three sets of INTERNAL EXAMS. The internally assessed components: a written commentary (SL) or research project (HL) are designed to allow students to demonstrate the application of business management tools, techniques and theories to business issues or decision making.

HIGHER LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 75%

Paper 1: 35% (2h 15) Based on a pre-released case study and extra unseen data.

Paper 2: 40% (2h 15) Short case studies and essay questions

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 25%

Research report (30h): Students research and report on an issue facing an organization or a decision to be made by an organization (or several organizations).

STANDARD LEVEL

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT 75%

Paper 1: 30% (1h 15) Based on a pre-released case study and extra unseen data.

Paper 2: 45% (1h 45) Short case studies and essay questions

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT 25%

Written commentary ( 15 h): Students produce a written commentary based on three to five supporting documents about a real issue or problem facing a particular organization.

• Critical thinking skills

• Research skills

• Effective writing skills (excellent for essays and exam assessments)

• Communication skills

• Self‐management skills

• Critical analysis skills

• Interdisciplinary thinking

• Promotes global engagement and an intercultural understanding

And beyond...

An IB Business Management course can lead to careers and further studies including:

• International Business

• Accountancy and Financial Management

• Human Resource Management

• Marketing and Promotions

• Management consultancy

• Risk management

• Psychology

Thinking: Be able to describe, analyse and evaluate information from different sources. The ability to make well-substantiated decisions and to relate them to real world contexts and real-life business cases.

Communication: Be able to express your point of view in a coherent way using terms and concepts from Business Management taking into account audience and purpose.

Social: Participate in discussions to evaluate business activities at different levels

Self-Management: Well-disciplined and organized to meet deadlines for individual as well as group projects.

Research: Identification of relevant materials, design of data collection techniques, the collection and analysis of data and the ability to evaluate and draw conclusions from data.

Subject Specific: Be able to link the concepts of change, culture, ethics, globalization, innovation and strategy to the content of business management tools, techniques and theories from the syllabus and contexts in terms of case studies and examples from current business practices.

Standard Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• The subject of choice within Individuals and Societies (Geography or History) with a 2nd Term report grade of 4 or higher.

• Mathematics (standard) class with a 2nd Term report grade of 4 or higher.

Higher Level

• The overall report grade on the second report is decisive.

• The subject of choice within Individuals and Societies (Geography or History) with a 2nd Term report grade of 5 or higher.

• Mathematics (standard analysis) class with a 2nd Term report grade of 4 or higher.