Geography is a Group 3 Individuals and Societies subject and would provide an excellent balance to any IB programme. It will be available to students as both a Higher and Standard Level course. Geography is a flexible subject which is especially attractive to those who want to maintain strong links with the "real world" outside the classroom.   It has many transferable skills relevant to Science, Mathematics and English, as it encourages the development of a range of skills in students. Consequently it is an excellent subject when taken with the varied diet in an IB course. It allows the student with an aptitude for sciences to develop important literacy skills and one who with a propensity for arts to develop important numeracy and graphical skills. Data collection, handling and information technology are central to the subject, and students are encouraged in the use of ICT skills.

What will Sixth Form Geography involve?

IB Geography is a sound mix of both Physical and Human Geography and allows candidates to extend their knowledge of some familiar subjects while learning about new topics such as Arid Environments and their management. It is very accessible to Geographers who have studied a GCSE course in the Fifth Form. At both Higher and Standard Level the IB Programme syllabus consists of the following three compulsory parts and a fieldwork element:

1. Geographical Skills – a range of skills and quantitative techniques building on those
taught at GCSE.

2. Core Theme: Population, resources and development  

3. Optional Themes:
Higher Level:  
Section A Coasts and their management; Lithospheric processes and hazard; Arid Environments
Section B Settlements   

Standard Level:
Section A Coasts and their management; Arid Environments   

There is also a Fieldwork element which comprises of:
Higher Level: One written report (2500-3000 words) (25% marks)
Standard Level: One piece of coursework (1500-2000 words) (20% marks) – can be fieldwork or research.
We hope to run fieldwork trips in the local environment of Edinburgh and also to Iceland or a desert environment (Namibia or Jordan) during the IB course.

How is IB Geography examined?
Candidates sit two exam papers:
A) Core Paper on Population, Resources and Development – 90 minutes long. The paper comprises a number of short-answer and extended questions.
B) Optional Themes on the chosen topics. Here candidates can choose between extended writing (essay questions) or structured questions depending on preference.

The exam is therefore suited to a wide range of candidates with either good essay skills or a preference to more structured questions. The fieldwork is internally marked and then externally moderated as at GCSE.
   
Many Fettesian geographers have entered seemingly unlikely careers, e.g. Accountancy and Law.   Others have been successful in careers where a broad vision is required rather than technical specialisation, e.g. Social Services and Personnel Management.  The versatility of Geographers is highly valued by employers and thus the IB course would be a good choice to make for those seeking balance in their IB diet.

In short, Geography in the Sixth Form is a stimulating but demanding subject, which numerous Fettesians in recent years have chosen to continue at university. Geography at Fettes is currently a very successful subject with 100% gaining A-C grades at A Level, for the fourth year in a row. This is an important thing to consider when thinking about university entry. The Department sets high standards for their students and students are rewarded with an interesting and rewarding two years in the Sixth Form.