In the 1999 - 2001 IB programme, the region selected will be Europe. It is a subject which studies issues facing contemporary society, issues which should concern us all. Further, it seeks to foster international understanding and a respect for different cultures. The IB curriculum is divided into five core themes for both Standard and Higher levels. In addition, there are further skills of fieldwork and the analysis and interpretation of topographic maps At both levels, assessment has an external and internal component.
Fieldwork is optional.
Among the challenges common to all societies is the search for acceptable levels of economic well-being. This quest remains with us all, not only because of the vast gulf separating the poorest and the richest inhabitants of our planet, but also because of the limits to resources, time and effort. Individuals, firms and governments must constantly make choices which will affect both their own economic well-being and that of society as a whole. Due to its importance in the economics curriculum, there is no difference in terms of content between SL and HL in the Development Economics section. Students keep a portfolio in which they collect short extracts from published news media and comment on them in the light of their understanding of economics at that stage of the course.