What is ESS and IB? (2)

ESS and IB

What is ESS and IB? (2)

WHAT IS IB? The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous course of study for highly motivated students in the 11th and 12th grades. Student work is graded on global standards by assessors around the world, and an IB diploma is internationally honored by universities as proof of excellent preparedness for college work.

But the IB program is far more than a fine academic program. IB focuses on the whole person, seeking to create “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Students working towards an IB diploma are therefore required to complete Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) hours, to take a unique course in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and to write an extended essay under the supervision of a mentor. This comprehensive and international approach to student learning aims to develop the whole person as a citizen not only of the local community, but of the world at large.

WHAT IS ESS? Environmental Systems and Societies is a cross-disciplinary subject that draws together elements of Biology, Ecology and Geography. ESS contains both science and humanities elements and counts as either a Group 3 or Group 4 subject (at SL), making it one of the most versatile subjects that the IB offers. This allows pupils who do it in Group 3 to study up to three sciences (including ESS), or pupils who take it in Group 4 to study up to three humanities (including ESS), it works in combination with subjects such as Geography, Business and Politics. It can also count as both a Group 3 and 4 subject, allowing pupils who take it to study up to three languages in Group 2 or pick up additional creative subjects from Group 6. ESS could act as a tactical choice to make IB viable for certain higher education paths. However, you should only choose it if you are fundamentally interested in the course.

Read part one.

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