MYP Geography
Embedded Files
Course Overview
Key and Related Concepts
Key concepts in MYP Geography promote a broad and connected understanding of the subject by focusing on big ideas that shape how we study the world. They guide inquiry into geographical issues and help students understand patterns, processes, and relationships across different places and scales.
The key concepts contributed by the study of individuals and societies are;
Change
Change is a conversion, transformation, or movement from one form, state or value to another. Inquiry into the concept of change involves understanding and evaluating causes, processes and consequences.
The concept of change allows examination of the forces that shape the world: past, present and future. The causes and effects of change can be natural and artificial; intentional and unintentional; positive, negative or neutral. The subject group explores the role of individuals and societies in shaping change.
Global Interactions
Global interactions, as a concept, focuses on the connections between individuals and communities, as well as their relationships with built and natural environments, from the perspective of the world as a whole.
Global interactions focuses on the interdependence of the larger human community, including the many ways that people come into conflict with and cooperate with each other, and live together in a highly interconnected world to share finite resources.
Systems
Systems are sets of interacting or interdependent components. Systems provide structure and order in human, natural and built environments. Systems can be static or dynamic, simple or complex.
Systems thinking provides a powerful tool for understanding both natural and human environments, and the role of individuals within them. Social and natural systems rely on a state of equilibrium and are vulnerable to change from internal and external forces.
Time, Space and Place
The intrinsically linked concept of time, place and space refers to the absolute or relative position of people, objects and ideas. Time, place and space focuses on how we construct and use our understanding of location (“where” and “when”).
Time refers to the continuous flow of past, present, and future events, not just the measurement of years or periods. Place and space are flexible concepts. Place is shaped by people and can offer both opportunities and challenges depending on location. Space refers to where places are located and why, including the processes and connections (such as migration and trade) that link different places and create patterns and networks.
Related concepts promote deep learning. They are grounded in specific disciplines and are useful for exploring key concepts in greater detail. Inquiry into related concepts helps students develop more complex and sophisticated conceptual understanding. Related concepts may arise from the subject matter of a unit or the craft of a subject—its features and processes.
Causality (Cause and Effect)
Culture
Disparity and Equity
Diversity
Globalisation
Management and Intervention
Patterns and Trends
Power
Networks
Processes
Scale
Sustainability
Topics
Changing population: natural increase, structure and migration
Sustainable management of urban systems and environments
Globalization: trade, aid, exchange and flows
Management of the extraction, production, consumption of natural resources and their security
Impacts and management of tourism
Sustainable management of river and coastal environments
Global climate change: causes, consequences, and responses
Impacts and management of natural disasters
Impacts and management of tectonically active areas
Sustainable management of natural environments (Biomes)
Application of GIS to enhance the understanding of geography
Assessment Overview
eAssessment in Geography is a digital, externally assessed examination that evaluates students using the four MYP criteria (A–D). Its main purpose is to assess how well students apply skills, concepts, and knowledge in unfamiliar contexts, rather than simply recalling information. The exam is designed to be mostly skills-based (focuses on analysis, investigation, and communication), concept-driven (built around global issues and big ideas (e.g. development, sustainability), and source-based (students respond to unseen materials such as graphs, articles, and maps)
Students are expected to transfer knowledge to new situations, meaning even unfamiliar topics can be answered successfully if core skills are strong.
The exam is structured around four criteria, each assessing a different dimension of geographical understanding. All four criteria are equally weighted, meaning students must balance knowledge, inquiry, communication, and critical thinking.
Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding
This criterion assesses your ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geographical concepts, facts, and processes. You are required to
use a wide range of terminology in context
use specific examples – Support your answers with real-world examples, case studies, and geographical data.
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject-specific content and concepts through developed descriptions and explanations.
Criterion B: Investigating
Criterion B evaluates your ability to conduct research, develop research questions, and use sources effectively. Questions will require you to;
formulate a clear and focused research question and justify its relevance
formulate and follow an action plan to investigate a research question
use research methods to collect and record appropriate, varied and relevant information
evaluate the process and results of the investigation.
Criterion C: Communicating
Criterion C requires students to to organize, document and communicate their learning using a variety of media and presentation formats.
Types of responses could include creative writing, a blog, an article, a letter, an email, a presentation, a poster or infographic, a speech, or an interview.
Questions will require you to;
communicate information and ideas effectively using an appropriate style for the audience and purpose
structure information and ideas in a way that is appropriate to the specified format
document sources of information using a recognized convention.
Criterion D: Thinking Critically
Here, students use critical thinking skills to develop and apply their understanding of individuals and societies and the process of investigation. The criterion evaluates your ability to analyse, evaluate, and make reasoned judgments about geographical issues.
Questions will require you to;
discuss concepts, issues, models, visual representation and theories
synthesize information to make valid, well-supported arguments
analyse and evaluate a range of sources/data in terms of origin and purpose, examining value and limitations
interpret different perspectives and their implications.
Global Contexts
The Global contexts provide a framework for learning by helping students connect subject content to the real world through themes that feel relevant, purposeful, and grounded in everyday life. They also support interdisciplinary learning by helping you transfer knowledge and skills across subjects, encouraging deeper understanding through connections between geography and other disciplines.
Identities and Relationships
This context explores how individuals and communities understand themselves and interact with others. In Geography, it helps students examine how identity is shaped by place, including culture, population dynamics, and the relationships between people and their environments.
Orientation in Space and Time
It focuses on where people and places are located and how they change over time. In Geography, students explore spatial patterns, migration, settlement, and the ways historical processes have shaped landscapes and human activities.
Fairness and Development
This context examines issues of equality, justice, and access to resources. In Geography, it supports the study of development, inequality, and disparities in living conditions, encouraging students to evaluate how resources and opportunities are distributed across different regions.
Scientific and Technical Innovation
This explores how scientific and technological advances transform the world. In Geography, students investigate tools such as GIS, as well as innovations in areas like energy, transport, and environmental management that influence how humans interact with the planet.
Globalisation and Sustainability
The context focuses on the interconnectedness of places and the need to manage resources responsibly. In Geography, it includes the study of global trade, climate change, and sustainable development, helping students understand the balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
Personal and Cultural Expression
This context explores how people express ideas, values, and beliefs. In Geography, it can be seen in cultural landscapes, architecture, land use, and how human creativity shapes and reflects different environments.
Google Sites
Report abuse