Environmental Systems and Society

Years 12-13: IB1 & IB2

Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course that combines environmental science with the study of human societies. Because it sits across both areas, it can count as either a Group 3 or a Group 4 subject, which gives students extra flexibility when building their Diploma. It is offered at Standard and Higher Level.

Students learn to see the environment as a set of connected systems. Topics include ecosystems and biodiversity, water, soils and food production, climate change, energy and resource use, pollution and population. Students also study environmental value systems, and why people looking at the same evidence can reach very different conclusions about what should be done. Fieldwork is an important part of the course and includes a field trip to Cyprus.

Assessment is through examinations and an individual investigation into an environmental question chosen by the student. ESS suits students with interests in both the sciences and the social sciences, and leads on to degrees in environmental science, geography, sustainability, and environmental law and policy.
 

IB Diploma Programme Subject Brief Environmental systems and societies

Through a combination of classroom learning, practical activities, and fieldwork in Cyprus, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand and address the pressing environmental issues of our time.