The Diploma geography course examines the interactions between individuals and societies with physical environments through different concepts and content bases. Students develop geography skills that are relevant across many disciplines. The course also develops student awareness of perspectives.  The course is both challenging and exciting as students look at the world we live in and issues facing the world both in the past, present and future.

Geography requires students to understand key concepts and apply skills in various contexts. In order to succeed in Geography students should keep up with required readings and ensure that they can recall case study information for the internal and external assessments.

Geography and the international dimension

The geography course embodies global and international awareness in several distinct ways. It examines key global issues, such as poverty, sustainability and climate change. It considers examples and detailed case studies at a variety of scales, from local to regional, national and international. Throughout the course, teachers have considerable flexibility in their choice of examples and case studies to ensure that Diploma Program geography is a highly appropriate way to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their precise geographical location. Inherent in the syllabus is a consideration of different perspectives, economic circumstances and social and cultural diversity. Geography seeks to develop international understanding and foster a concern for global issues as well as to raise students’ awareness of their own responsibility at a local level. Geography also aims to develop values and attitudes that will help students reach a degree of personal commitment in trying to resolve these issues, appreciating our shared responsibility as citizens of an increasingly interconnected world.