16 Sep Important news for ESS students
The new DP environmental systems and societies course was launched in February 2024 for first teaching in August 2024. First assessment will take place in May 2026.
Below you will find an overview of the course updates.
Overview of the new course
Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course that combines a mixture of methodologies, techniques and knowledge associated with both the sciences and individuals and societies. Starting in 2024, it will be offered at both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL).
ESS is a complex and contemporary course that engages students in the challenges of 21st century environmental issues. It requires students to develop a diverse set of skills, knowledge and understanding from different disciplines. Students develop a scientific approach through explorations of environmental systems. They also acquire understandings and methods from Individuals and societies in social, cultural, economic, political and ethical contexts of sustainability issues.
The interdisciplinary nature of the course means students produce a synthesis of understanding from the various topics studied. It also emphasizes the ability to perform research and investigations and to participate in philosophical, ethical and pragmatic discussions of the issues involved from the local through to the global level.
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