GROUP THREE
Economics | Geography | History | Psychology
Group 3: ECONOMICS Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
The aims of the course are to provide students with a core knowledge of the subject area and to encourage students to think critically about economics. It also promotes an awareness and understanding of internationalism in economics and enables a student to recognise their own tendencies for bias.
COURSE CONTENT:
The core content for Higher Level and Standard Level includes: an introduction to economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade theory, and economic development.
ASSESSMENT:
There are three external examination papers for the Higher Level and two for Standard Level.
Higher Level:
Internal:
School-based assessment (portfolio) 20%
External:
Written examination 80%
Standard Level:
Internal:
School-based assessment (portfolio) 25%
External:
Written examination 75%
An interest in reading newspapers and current affairs magazines and an ability to write analytically and evaluate evidence.
Group 3: GEOGRAPHY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
The aims of the course are to:
1) develop a global perspective and a sense of world interdependence
2) to understand the interrelationship between people, place and the environment
3) to develop a concern for the quality of the environment, and an understanding of the need to plan and manage for future generations
4) to appreciate the relevance of geography in analysing contemporary world issues, and develop and modify values and attitudes in relation to geographical problems and issues.
COURSE CONTENT:
The course examines the relationship between the natural world and human activity. The course is made up of three parts. All students complete parts 1 & 2 and Higher Level students complete four optional themes while Standard Level students complete only two.
Part 1 - Geographical Skills
¨ Locate and differentiate elements of the Earth’s surface.
¨ Read, interpret, analyse and produce maps.
¨ Topographic map interpretation.
¨ Statistical analysis and representation.
¨ Read, interpret, analyse and construct graphs.
¨ Manipulate and interpret data using quantitative techniques.
Part 2 – Core Theme
¨ Population, Resources and Development.
Part 3 – Optional Themes
¨ Topographical Mapping (HL only).
¨ Lithospheric Processes and Hazards.
¨ Drainage Basins and their Management or Coasts and their Management.
¨ Globalisation (HL only).
ASSESSMENT:
Higher Level:
Internal: School-based assessment (fieldwork) 25%
External: Written examination 75%
Standard Level:
Internal: School-based assessment (fieldwork) 20%
External: Written examination 80%
REQUIREMENTS:
Field Trips are a COMPULSORY part of the course and may be residential.
Group 3: HISTORY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
The selection of the twentieth century as the core course meets the increasing interest of students in the contemporary world. At the same time, it is a sound foundation for training students to understand the nature of historical evidence, to develop the capacity to evaluate evidence and to readjust historical views in the light of new evidence. Finally, it aims to promote:
1) The acquisition and understanding of historical knowledge in breadth and in depth, and across different cultures.
2) A lasting interest in history.
Course Content:
The core content for both HL/SL students covers the following Twentieth Century World History Topics:
- Nationalist and independence movements in Africa and Asia and post-1945 Central and Eastern European states
- The Cold War
- Communism in Crisis, 1976-1989
The Regional Study, for HL students ONLY, is:
Aspects of the History of Africa, with a focus on:
- Nationalist and independence movements in Eastern and Central Africa
- Post-independence politics to 2000- case studies of two African countries
- Africa, international organizations and the international community
ASSESSMENT:
Higher Level:
Internal: Historical investigation 25%
External: Two written examinations 75%
Standard Level:
Internal: Historical investigation 20%
External: Three written examinations 80%
REQUIREMENTS:
An ability to write analytically and evaluate evidence critically is essential to success in this course.
Group 3: PSYCHOLOGY Higher and Standard Level
AIMS:
Psychology is the systematic study of the human condition through a variety of approaches. Such investigative approaches include the experimental method, observations, clinical interviews and questionnaires. Psychological knowledge provides insightful life applications which range from the treatment of mental and emotional disturbances to counselling people with family and personal adjustment problems; improving personal motivation and efficiency in study skills; designing educational programmes geared to developmental needs of children; assessment and selection of individuals for educational and occupational purposes; and implementing changes in behaviour such as the treatment of alcoholism, smoking and weight problems.
COURSE CONTENT:
We study Psychology through perspectives developed over the last hundred years: Behavioural, Cognitive, Humanistic/Phenomenological and Biological. Aspects of Psychology that are addressed include learning, social interaction, language and thinking, memory and emotion. Students are engaged in a variety of practical activities in and out of the classroom. All students follow a course in Research Methodology, Statistics and a Special Options program. There is an emphasis on writing as a way of thinking.
ASSESSMENT:
Higher Level:
Internal: School-based assessment (written study) 20%
External: Written examination 80%
Standard Level:
Internal: School-based assessment (research study) 20%
External: Written examination 80%
PREREQUISITES:
Interest in the subject, an ability to write analytically and evaluate critically and a good level of mathematics.
