IB Geography HL tutor

Nature and Academic Positioning of the Course

IB Geography HL is a high-level, integrative subject that combines natural systems science with social-human analysis, designed for learners who:

• Are passionate about theoretical exploration of human-environment relationships
• Are capable of managing complex quantitative and qualitative data
• Are willing to conduct multi-scale spatial analysis (from local to global scales)

The core differences from the SL version are reflected in three main aspects:

1. Theoretical Depth: Mastery of advanced models such as vulnerability theory and the core-periphery model
2. Methodological Rigor: Requires statistical testing and GIS-based spatial analysis
3. Complexity of Topics: Covers cutting-edge issues like the concept of a “risk society”

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Course Structure and HL-Specific Content

Four Core Modules (60 more teaching hours than SL):

Module	HL Depth Requirements	Typical Case Study
Core Unit: Global Change	– Use systems theory to analyze climate feedback mechanisms – Quantitative evaluation of carbon footprints (with calculation questions)	Simulate IPCC-style report: Forecasting RCP8.5 flooding risk in the Pearl River Delta
HL Extension Unit	In-depth study of one of the following: – Advanced urbanization (Global Cities Theory) – Geopolitical conflict geography	Apply Friedmann’s World City Hierarchy Theory to analyze competition between Hong Kong and Singapore
Two Optional Topics	Analyze 50% more case studies than SL (e.g., for “Tourism Geography”, study 6 models of site carrying capacity)	Compare sustainable tourism strategies between Venice and Jiuzhaigou
Internal Assessment	3,500-word field investigation report (2,500 words for SL), including correlation testing 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 System

External Assessment (80%)

1. Paper 1: Core Unit Application Questions
   • 3 data-based questions (2 for SL), including:
     ✓ 15-mark essay (must integrate at least 3 theoretical models)
     ✓ Calculation questions (e.g., dependency ratio derived from population pyramid)
     Example: Use Malthus and Boserup theories to evaluate Ethiopia’s food crisis
2. Paper 2: HL Extension Unit
   • Choose 1 out of 2 25-mark questions, requiring:
     ✓ Comparative analysis across at least 3 countries
     ✓ Evaluation of policy effectiveness (including cost-benefit analysis)
     Example: Critically assess how the Belt and Road Initiative impacts water geopolitics in Central Asia
3. Paper 3: Applied Synthesis
   • HL-exclusive paper based on pre-released case material:
     ✓ Complete 2 questions in 90 minutes
     ✓ Propose original solutions (e.g., design a framework for urban resilience indicators)

Internal Assessment (20%)

• Advanced Fieldwork:
  ✓ Use mixed research methods (survey + GIS + field measurements)
  ✓ Test a hypothesis (e.g., “land value is negatively correlated with green space coverage”)
  ✓ Include uncertainty analysis

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Core Competency Development in HL

1. Spatial Modeling Skills
   • Use QGIS for heatmap analysis
     Example: Map the clustering of subdivided flats in Hong Kong and their accessibility to public facilities
2. Critical Evaluation Frameworks
   • Apply the “DPSIR” model (Driving forces – Pressures – State – Impact – Response)
     Case Study: Assess ecological and economic effects of the Yangtze River fishing ban
3. Risk Governance Mindset
   • Design disaster emergency plans (considering political-economic factors)
     Assignment: Develop a prioritization strategy for retrofitting high-rise buildings in Taiwan’s earthquake zones

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University-Level Advantages

▸ Top Geography Programs: London School of Economics (LSE) requires HL Geography score of 6 + SL Math score of 5
▸ Environmental Engineering: ETH Zurich accepts HL Geography as a substitute for Physics
▸ International Internships: UNEP Youth Program prioritizes students with HL Geography score of 7

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Strategic Learning Tools

Skill Area	HL-Specific Resources	Example Application
Spatial Analysis	ArcGIS Pro (Hot Spot Analysis, 3D Terrain Modeling)	Simulate sea level rise impacts in Tokyo Bay
Statistical Testing	Jamovi (free SPSS alternative) for ANOVA	Validate air pollution level disparities among income zones
Academic Writing	Writing Geography by Kenneth Foote for report structure standards	Internal Assessment formatted to meet Nature journal standards

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Key Success Factors

1. Interdisciplinary Integration
   • Apply economic concepts like “externalities” in pollution analysis
   • Explore “the political nature of maps” in Theory of Knowledge (TOK) context
2. Data Literacy
   • Submit monthly data visualization tasks using IMF/World Bank datasets
   • Learn basic Python libraries for geography (e.g., Geopandas)
3. Global Awareness
   • Maintain a “Global Issues Tracker” (e.g., COP28 climate negotiations progress)

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Ideal Student Profile

This course is best suited for students who:
✓ Can devote 6+ hours per week to in-depth research
✓ Have a strong interest in data-driven human geography
✓ Plan to pursue careers in urban planning, environmental policy, or international development

Through HL training, students will develop:

• Spatial analysis capabilities comparable to second-year university level
• Systems thinking for formulating policy recommendations
• Critical judgment in addressing “wicked problems” with ambiguity

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Note: The above information is for reference only. For details, please consult the official IB website: www.ibo.org
This draft was generated and compiled with the assistance of AI.
Editor: Dr. Jonathan Chan | Chief Editor: Eric Lau