IB Environmental Systems and Societies
IB Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course that studies the structure and function of the environment, and the way that human societies need and use that environment. It requires students to apply the knowledge and methodology from both the human and natural sciences in their study of sustainability.
Students can choose to study the subject at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).
Course Structure and Content
The IB Environmental Systems & Societies courses are usually completed in two years, with time spent on theory and on practical investigations. Topics that are studied include: Foundations of ESS, Ecology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Water, Land, Atmosphere and Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Human Populations and Urban Systems. Higher Level students also look at these topics through the Higher Level Lenses.
Practical investigations allow students to investigate environmental issues. A personal practical investigation, together with the final exams, results in their level of achievement for ESS.
Examinations consist of two papers. Paper 1 is a case study where students answer questions about the use and protection of the environment in a given geographical area. Paper 2 consists of data interpretation questions, short answer questions and extended response questions. The papers assess student knowledge as well as critical thinking skills and the application of knowledge and skills.
An Interdisciplinary Course
IB Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary course that is nestled in both the IB Group 3 and Group 4 subject groups. As such, it requires students to apply the knowledge and methodology from both the human and natural sciences in their studies. Students can follow ESS as either a Group 3 or a Group 4 subject, or both, allowing for maximum flexibility as students can choose an extra course.
Tips for success
- Sustainability is the most important concept in the courses. Know what it is, how it relates to environmental issues, and how it can be achieved.
- Read or watch the news. Environmental issues will be featured. Think about the concepts involved and consider what you think about the matter. Some of the items may pop up in our RV questions.
- An IB course is like a marathon - you need to start at the right pace and keep it up. Get organised. Read the textbook, take notes, maintain a vocabulary list, use RV resources and ask when you do not yet understand.
Revision Village Environmental Systems and Societies supports all students as they study the ESS SL and ESS HL courses. A range of questions and tools is available for all parts of the course and for use at different times. Whether you are working steadily on your terminology, want a quick revision quiz right before a test or are in the final leg of the course and are preparing for your exams, RV has the right questions and the right tools for you to succeed.