IB Geography HL: Course Structure, Evaluation, and Key Insights

IB Geography Higher Level (HL) is an advanced, integrative subject that merges natural system science with human-social analysis. This course is designed for learners who possess the following qualities:

• Passionate about exploring human-environment interactions
• Able to handle complex quantitative and qualitative data
• Willing to conduct cross-scale spatial analyses (from local to global)

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Course Essence and Academic Positioning

Core Differences Between HL and SL

The primary differences between HL and Standard Level (SL) Geography are found in three key dimensions:

1. Theoretical Depth: HL students need to master advanced models like vulnerability theory and the core-periphery model.
2. Methodological Rigor: Statistical tests and GIS spatial analysis are required at HL level.
3. Complexity of Topics: HL explores cutting-edge contemporary topics such as “risk society”.

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Course Structure and HL-Specific Content

Four Major Modules

HL includes 60 more hours of instruction than SL, providing in-depth learning in the following modules:

Module	HL Depth Requirements	Typical Case Study Analysis
Core Unit: Global Change	– Use systems theory to analyze climate feedback mechanisms – Quantify carbon footprint (including calculation problems)	Simulate an IPCC report: Predict flood risks for the Pearl River Delta under RCP8.5 scenario
HL Extension Unit	Choose one of the following for deep study: – Advanced Urbanization (Global Cities Theory) – Geopolitical Conflict Geography	Apply Friedmann’s World City Theory to analyze the competitive relationship between Hong Kong and Singapore
Two Elective Topics	Analyze 50% more cases than SL (e.g., choose ‘Tourism Geography’ and research six tourist area carrying capacity models)	Compare Venice and Jiuzhaigou’s sustainable tourism management strategies
Internal Assessment	3,500-word fieldwork report (SL is 2,500 words), requiring relevance tests and GIS mapping	Use SPSS to analyze the Pearson correlation between visitor volume and air quality in Hong Kong’s country parks

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HL-Specific Assessment Framework

External Assessment (80%)

1. Paper 1: Core Unit Application Questions
   • 3 questions on data analysis (SL has 2 questions), including:
     • 15-minute essay questions (integrating at least 3 theoretical models)
     • Calculation problems (e.g., deriving dependency ratio from population pyramids)
       Example: Use Malthus and Boserup theories to evaluate Ethiopia’s food crisis.
2. Paper 2: HL Extension Unit
   • Choose one of two 25-point questions, requiring:
     • Cross-country comparison (at least 3 countries)
     • Policy effectiveness evaluation (including cost-benefit analysis)
       Example: Critically analyze the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Central Asia’s water resource geopolitics.
3. Paper 3: Comprehensive Application
   • A unique HL paper based on pre-released case study data:
     • Complete 2 questions in 90 minutes.
     • Propose original solutions (e.g., designing a city resilience index system).

Internal Assessment (20%)

• Advanced Fieldwork:
  • Employ mixed research methods (survey, GIS, field measurements).
  • Verify hypotheses (e.g., “land prices and greenery are negatively correlated”).
  • Include uncertainty analysis.

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HL Core Competencies Development

Key Skills Acquired in HL Geography

1. Spatial Modeling Skills
   • Use QGIS for heatmap analysis
     Example: Map the spatial concentration of subdivided flats in Hong Kong and their accessibility to public services.
2. Critical Evaluation Frameworks
   • Apply DPSIR (Driving Forces-Pressure-State-Impact-Response) model
     Example: Evaluate the ecological and economic effects of the Yangtze River fishing ban.
3. Risk Governance Thinking
   • Design disaster response plans considering political and economic factors
     Example: Formulate priorities for earthquake retrofitting in high-rise buildings in Taiwan’s seismic zones.

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University Pathways and Strategic Learning Tools

University Admission Advantages

• Top Geography Departments:
  The London School of Economics (LSE) requires HL Geography with a score of 6+ and SL Mathematics 5.
• Environmental Engineering:
  ETH Zurich accepts HL Geography as a substitute for Physics.
• International Organization Internships:
  The UNEP Youth Program gives priority to HL Geography students with a score of 7.

Strategic Learning Tools for HL Students

Skill Area	HL-Specific Resources	Application Example
Spatial Analysis	ArcGIS Pro (Heat zone analysis, 3D modeling)	Simulate the impact of sea level rise on the Tokyo Bay area
Statistical Tests	Jamovi (Free alternative to SPSS for ANOVA)	Verify air pollution differences across income groups
Academic Writing	Writing Geography by Kenneth Foote (Report structure guidelines)	Submit IA reports formatted according to Nature journal standards

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Key Success Factors for HL Students

1. Interdisciplinary Integration
   • Apply economic externalities to pollution analysis.
   • Use Theory of Knowledge (TOK) to explore the “political nature of maps.”
2. Data Literacy
   • Complete monthly IMF/World Bank data visualization assignments.
   • Master basic Python libraries for geography, such as geopandas.
3. Current Affairs Sensitivity
   • Maintain a global issue tracking table (e.g., COP28 climate negotiations progress).

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Ideal Learner Profile for HL Geography

The HL Geography course is best suited for learners who:

• Are willing to dedicate 6+ hours per week to in-depth research.
• Have a strong interest in data-driven human analysis.
• Plan to pursue fields such as urban planning, environmental policy, or international development.

Skills Developed Through HL Training

• Equivalent to second-year university spatial analysis skills.
• Ability to formulate policy recommendations with systematic thinking.
• Enhanced critical judgment for tackling “ambiguous problems.”

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Note: The information provided above is for reference purposes only. Please visit the official International Baccalaureate website for more details: www.ibo.org

Draft by AI, Edited by Professor Chen Guo Wei, Responsible Editor: Eric Kong