What is ESS?

About me:

My name is Marija Maletz, I am IB Environmental Systems and Societies examiner, teacher and tutor.

I have been teaching ESS for 13 years now, in several European countries.
I am currently working as IBDP Environmental Systems and Societies teacher in the IB school in Austria, guiding students for Extended Essay and Internal Assessment.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Geography and Environmental Science and have attended Category 1, 2 and 3 IB ESS workshops.
Teaching ESS and helping students is my passion and it makes me happy.

Frequently asked questions

1.What inspired you to focus on Environmental Systems and Societies?

My academic background in Geography and Environmental Science sparked a strong interest in environmental systems and how human and natural factors are connected. Through my teaching practice and experience, I discovered how important and impactful ESS can be for students, implementing critical thinking and real problem solving.

2. What background do you have in ESS or related fields?

I hold a Master’s degree in Geography and Environmental Science and have a strong professional background in ESS and Geography. I have attended IB ESS Category 1, 2, and 3 workshops, including the IBDP ESS Category 3 Internal Assessment Workshop (May 2022) and the IB MYP Category 3 Managing Assessment in the MYP workshop (June 2021). I have been an IB DP ESS and Geography examiner for the past 10 years.

I have taught ESS and Geography in several international schools in Austria, Slovakia, and Serbia, delivering both IB Diploma Programme ESS and MYP Geography. In addition to this, I have experience teaching IB DP Geography and Cambridge A Level Geography. I have also mentored and tutored students in DP ESS and Geography, supporting them with syllabus, IAs, and exam preparation.

3. How long have you been tutoring ESS?

I have taught ESS and Geography in several international schools in Austria, Slovakia, and Serbia, delivering both IB Diploma Programme ESS and MYP Geography for the past 13 years. In addition, I have experience teaching IB DP Geography and Cambridge A Level Geography. I have also mentored and tutored students in DP ESS and Geography, supporting them with coursework, internal assessments, and exam preparation.

 4. What type of students do you typically work with?

I usually work with IB Diploma Programme students, including ESS and Geography SL and HL students. I also support students who need help with specific topics, as well as dyslexic students, by adapting specific teaching strategies to meet their individual needs.

 5. How do you approach tutoring ESS — what’s your teaching style?

My tutoring approach is supportive, the center is on the student, with a focus on exam preparation and assessment requirements. I use practical, real-world examples and  Case studies to help them understand complex environmental concepts.

6. What results have your students achieved?

My students have achieved improved ESS grades and higher confidence in both short-answer and essay questions. They have also achieved better performance in their Internal Assessments, with improved structure, better data analysis, and higher general outcomes.

7. What topics in ESS do you particularly enjoy teaching and why?

I enjoy teaching air pollution and ecosystems very much because these topics show the connections between natural systems and human actions. They help students understand how human activities influence environmental processes and ecosystems, making the studying relevant, connected and meaningful.

8. How do your lessons help students prepare for the ESS exam?

My online lessons focus on exam preparation through regular past paper practice, command term exercises, and timed questions in order to build exam technique and students confidence. I help the students with the Internal Assessment and how to meet assessment criteria, improve data analysis, graphs, statistic analysis and maximize their overall exam performance.

9. What makes your tutoring different or effective?

My tutoring is highly effective because it’s practical and the focus is on the student. I use resources tailored to each student’s level, so online lessons feel unique rather than generic. Sessions are structured which helps students comprehend what they’re studying and why.

10. What can students expect when working with you?

Students should expect a structured, but flexible lessons. Each lesson has goals and a logical flow with the respect to individual needs and pace. I offer support and understanding, creating space where questions are asked and mistakes are normal part of learning. Lessons offer an understanding of syllabus with the development of important IB skills like critical thinking, and building study habits.

Get a trial IB ESS online lessons (20 min) – 40 €
Pricing:
IB ESS online lessons
1 IB ESS online lesson (60 min)- 130 €