St Peter’s School (Cambridge)
IB Environmental Systems and Societies
Course Description
Higher or Standard Level
Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary subject. Prepare to dive into the complex tapestry of human societies and their connection to the environment. Engage in lively class debates about the ethics of resource use, environmental justice and the power of the individual and collection action to drive positive change. ESS is hands on, relevant and real. There are field trips to various locations throughout the Waikato and to the St Peter's school farm.
ESS is firmly grounded in both a scientific exploration of environmental systems in their structure and function, and in the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political and social interactions of societies with the environment. It is a course that endeavours to understand environmental issues on a hard science basis, but with a humanities application. As a result of studying this course, students will become equipped with the ability to recognise and evaluate the impact of our complex system of societies on the natural world.
This course can fulfill either the individuals and societies (group 3) or the sciences (group 4) requirement of the IB. Alternatively, this course enables students to satisfy the requirements of both subject groups simultaneously while studying one course. This means that a student can take two arts subjects, or a third language and still meet the criteria of the IB Diploma if they choose ESS. Alternatively, students may like to choose this course alongside either geography and/or biology, to allow similar concepts to be explored from alternative perspectives.
For the first time in 2025 ESS is to be offered at HL as well as SL.
Instructions
Once you have selected a course from this group, please select three more International Baccalaureate courses.
Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Specific Costs
$100 - course book, consumables, field trip.
Pathway
Career opportunities are plentiful and varied. ESS is particularly relevant for future pathways such as environmental law, conservation biology, and environmental engineering.
Sustainability and the environment is a significant growth area in both universities and the employment sphere. Companies are increasingly looking for employees who can show awareness of environmental issues.
Furthermore, ESS develops students' ability to use systems thinking. This highly transferable skill is fantastic preparation for a wide range of disciplines including medicine, engineering, law, science, architecture, social studies, business studies, tourism and agriculture.
Assessment Information
Internal: 25% – Individual investigation (a written report of a research question designed and implemented by the student)External: 75% - Two examination papers
Paper 1: Case study. 25% (1 hour)
Paper 2: Short answers and short, structured essays. 50% (2 hours)
Disclaimer
Specific course content may change from what has been advertised in order to remain current and meet students' needs.
The school has the right to make the best decision based on both staffing, and overall student interest, when preparing the final timetable.
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