Environmental Systems and Societies 

There are a number of key resources that can support you through the course These include:

Textbooks

• SYLLABUS: PDF of syllabus

• Kognity digital textbook for ESS

• Oxford Revision Guide for IBDP ESS (paper copy only)

Study Resources

• Science Sauce 

• Science Sauce all worksheets

• SaveMyExams

• Quizlet flashcard sets

• Revision Village

• Mr G 

• InThinking

YouTubers

• Dr Markham

• Cara Marlowe

• Rachel Clausen

Extension Resources

• Books

• News, Magazines etc.

• Listening

• Documentaries.

Overview

Environmental Systems and Societies is a carefully-named course. 'Environmental' in that you will learn about several components of the earth's environment - its land, its water, its atmosphere and the diverse forms of life than inhabit the planet. 'Systems' in that it emphasises connections, interdependence and a holistic view of the natural world.  And 'Societies' because we look not just at the science, but also how different groups of humans affect, and are affected by, the natural world. Prepare to have your thoughts challenged, supported and extended.

Aims

The aims of the ESS course are to enable students to:

1. Acquire knowledge and understanding of environmental systems, large and small.

2. Apply the knowledge, methodologies and skills to analyse environmental systems and issues at a variety of scales.

3. Appreciate the dynamic interconnectedness between environmental systems and societies.

4. Value the combination of personal, local and global perspectives in making informed decisions and taking responsible actions on environmental issues.

5. Be critically aware that resources are finite, and that these could be inequitably distributed and exploited, and that management of these inequities is the key to sustainability.

6. Develop awareness of the diversity of environmental value systems.

7. Develop critical awareness that environmental problems are caused and solved by decisions made by individuals and societies that are based on different areas of knowledge.

8. Engage with the controversies that surround a variety of environmental issues.

9. Create innovative solutions to environmental issues by engaging actively in local and global contexts.

The Big Questions

When studying the ESS course we should use the big questions to guide us:

1. Which strengths and weaknesses of the systems approach and of the use of models have been revealed through this topic?

2. To what extent have the solutions emerging from this topic been directed at preventing environmental impacts, limiting the extent of the environmental impacts or restoring systems in which environmental impacts have already occurred?

3. What value systems are at play in the causes and approaches to resolving the issues addressed in this topic?

4. How does your personal value system compare with the others you have encountered in the context of issues raised in this topic?

5. How are the issues addressed in this topic relevant to sustainability or sustainable development?

6. In which ways might the solutions explored in this topic alter your predictions for the state of human societies and the biosphere decades from now?

Below is the syllabus outline, the full syllabus content can be found here.

Paper 1

Duration: 1 hour

Weighting: 25%

Marks: 35

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 of the questions are compulsory.

The questions test assessment objectives 1, 2 and 3.

Internal Assessment

Duration: 10 hours

Weighting: 25%

Individual investigation on a topic of your choice. More information and the grade descriptors can be found on the internal investigation page.

Grade 7 Demonstrates: 

• Comprehensive and sound knowledge and understanding of relevant environmental systems and societies (ESS) concepts and issues; 

• well-structured, clearly expressed accounts with consistently appropriate and precise use of ESS terminology; 

• effective use of pertinent, well-explained examples that show some originality; 

• some informed appreciation for a range of viewpoints or value systems alongside their own; 

• thorough, well-balanced and insightful analysis or argument with thorough evaluations; 

• ability to solve complex and unfamiliar problems; 

• explicit judgments or conclusions that are well-supported by evidence or arguments, and that include some critical reflection. 

• Analyses and evaluates quantitative and/or qualitative data thoroughly. 

Practical work demonstrates: 

• insight and independence to design and complete innovative practical investigations with thorough regard to ethical issues and highly competent investigative and analytical techniques; 

• innovative and effective conclusions to resolve authentic problems; an appreciation and effective attempt to minimalize the potentially harmful impacts of the study; thorough discussion of an environmental issue that provides a detailed explanation of the research question..

Click below for descriptors of other grades, see page 21 of the document below