Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) : International Baccalaureate

Discover Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) International Baccalaureate at Malvern College. This unique IB course combines science and humanities, developing critical thinking skills for careers in environmental science, sustainability, and beyond.

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Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) International Baccalaureate is a unique and engaging interdisciplinary course that bridges the sciences and humanities. ESS is particularly valuable for students interested in university courses in Environmental Science, Geography, International Relations, Sustainable Development, Environmental Law, Conservation Biology, and Urban Planning, as well as courses in Politics, Economics, and Social Sciences with an environmental focus. The course develops critical thinking, systems analysis, and research skills that are highly transferrable across disciplines. As the only IB subject that can count as both a science and a humanities option, ESS fits flexibly into any programme, whether you're pursuing a science-heavy pathway, a humanities and social sciences focus, or seeking to maintain breadth across your subject choices while exploring one of the most pressing challenges facing our generation.

IB Environmental Systems & Societies: Course Specifications

Standard/Higher Level

Aims

  1. ESS aims to develop understanding of pupil’s own environmental impact, in the broader context of the impact of humanity on the Earth and its biosphere
  2. To develop knowledge of diverse perspectives to address issues of sustainability
  3. To engage and evaluate the tensions around environmental issues using critical thinking
  4. To develop a systems approach to provide a holistic lens for the exploration of environmental

Course Content

IB ESS comprises both practical and theory work. It is likely pupils will complete their IA on a field trip so they can really immerse themselves in the data collection and interpretation. 

Topic 1 teaches the foundations of the course and looks at different perspectives and how this can impact a range of environmental requirements. When taking higher level, pupils need to be able to link in 3 core lenses. Environmental law, Environmental economics and Environmental ethics. It is important pupils can make connections between topics and view problems through different lenses and perspectives.  

The course looks at the following tools & Inquiry processes: 

  • Tool 1: Experimental techniques
  • Tool 2: Technology
  • Tool 3: Mathematics
  • Tool 4: Systems and models

Inquiry process 

  • Inquiry 1: Exploring and designing
  • Inquiry 2: Collecting and processing data
  • Inquiry 3: Concluding and evaluating

Assessment Details

External assessment details—Standard Level

The external assessment consists of two written papers and is worth 75% of the final assessment. 

A calculator is required for both papers. Graphic display calculators (GDCs) are permitted  

Paper 1 | 1 hour | 25% | 35 marks 

Students will be provided with a range of data in a variety of forms relating to a specific, previously unseen case study.  Questions will be based on the analysis and evaluation of the data in the case study.  All questions are compulsory.  

The questions in paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. 

Paper 2 | 2 hours | 50% | 60 

Paper 2 consists of two sections: A and B. 

  • Section A (40 marks) is made up of short-answer and data-based questions.
  • Section B (20 marks) requires students to answer one structured essay question from a choice of two.

Each question is worth 20 marks. 

  • The questions in paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Internal Assessment: is 10 hours of work that comprises 25% of the course.  

External assessment details—Higher Level

Paper 1 | 2 hours | 30% | 70 marks

Students will be provided with a range of data in a variety of forms relating to a specific, previously unseen case study. 

Questions will be based on the analysis and evaluation of the data in the case study. 

All questions are compulsory. 

The questions in paper 1 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3. 

Paper 2 | 2.5 hours | 50% | 80 marks 

Paper 2 consists of two sections: A and B. 

  • Section A (40 marks) is made up of short-answer and data-based questions.
  • Section B (40 marks) requires students to answer two structured essay questions from a choice of three.  

Each question is worth 20 marks. 

  • The questions in paper 2 test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Internal Assessment is 10 hours of practical work that is 20% of the course.