IB Group 3: Geography: (*) (**)

Geography is a dynamic subject that is firmly grounded in the real world and focuses on the interactions between individuals, societies and physical processes in both time and space. It seeks to identify trends and patterns in these interactions. It also investigates the way in which people adapt and respond to change, and evaluates actual and possible management strategies associated with such change. Geography describes and helps to explain the similarities and differences between different places. These may be defined on a variety of scales and from the perspectives of a different range of actors, with varying powers over decision-making processes.

Within individuals and societies subjects, geography is distinctive in its spatial dimension and occupies a middle ground between social or human sciences and natural sciences. The Diploma Programme geography course integrates physical, environmental and human geography, and ensures that students acquire elements of both socio-economic and scientific methodologies. Geography takes advantage of its position to examine relevant concepts and ideas from a wide variety of disciplines. This helps students develop life skills and have an appreciation of, and a respect for, alternative approaches, viewpoints and ideas.

(*) Note: Students may take Group 3 Geography at either the higher or standard level.
(**) Note: Students taking Group 3 Geography as an anticipated subject may only complete the subject at the Standard Level.

IB Group 3:  History (SL / HL)(*)

History is a dynamic, contested, evidence-based discipline that involves an exciting engagement with the past. It is a rigorous intellectual discipline, focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation and significance. History is an exploratory subject that fosters a sense of inquiry. It is also an interpretive discipline, allowing opportunity for engagement with multiple perspectives and a plurality of opinions. Studying history develops an understanding of the past, which leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of humans and of the world today.

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) history course is a world history course based on a comparative and multiperspective approach to history. It involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social and cultural, and provides a balance of structure and flexibility. The course emphasizes the importance of encouraging students to think historically and to develop historical skills as well as gaining factual knowledge. It puts a premium on developing the skills of critical thinking, and on developing an understanding of multiple interpretations of history. In this way, the course involves a challenging and demanding critical exploration of the past.

(*) Note: Students may take Group 3 History at either the higher or standard level.

IB Group 3: Digital Society (*)

Throughout this course, students explore the impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities in diverse real-world contexts.  Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. Students will explore ways in which social science research methods can be used to study social change. Rooted in the interdisciplinary perspectives and skills of the social sciences and humanities, the course aims to equip students to explore and critically engage with multiple perspectives and ways of thinking, investigate and evaluate the interactions between individuals and societies, and think and act as informed and principled individuals.

(*) Note: Students may take Group 3 Digital Society only at the standard level.