Number of units
8
Number of lessons
261
Duration
2 years
Level
Higher
About the course
Admissions processOverview
IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS) Higher Level, an interdisciplinary Group 3 and Group 4 course, equips students with a holistic understanding of the interrelationships between environmental systems and human societies. Centred on unifying concepts - perspectives, systems, and sustainability - the course explores topics like ecology, water, land, and human populations through scientific inquiry and socio-cultural, economic, political, and ethical lenses. HL extends this with greater depth in analysis, quantitative skills, and complex evaluations of environmental challenges.
Through Pamoja’s online platform, ESS HL blends rigorous academics with flexible learning. Supported by dedicated IB teachers, students develop research, data interpretation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for university pathways in environmental science, policy, sustainability consulting, conservation, and related fields.
*Environmental Systems and Societies is an interdisciplinary subject that bridges Group 3 and Group 4 and can fulfil the Diploma Programme requirement for either group.
Course structure
The course covers the following topics:
Year 1:
- Foundations
- Ecology
- Conservation and biodiversity
- Water
- Land
Year 2:
- Atmosphere and climate change
- Natural resources
- Human populations and urban systems
Benefits of the course
Taking IB Environmental Systems and Societies HL online will enable students to:
Resources
Explore and access key resources for the IB Environmental Systems and Societies HL course.
Why online?
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Flexibility around other commitments
- Chance for independence
- Wide Pamoja support network
Some things won’t be different though. Standards and expectations will be just as high as in a face to face classroom.
Activities and assessment
Activities include discussions, essays, data interpretations, case studies on current topics, and live lessons with a teacher.
Assessment:
External assessment (4.5 hours)
Paper 1 (2 hours):
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.
(70 marks)
Paper 2 (2.5 hours):
Section A - short-answer and data-based questions.
Section B - two structured essay questions from a choice of three.
(80 marks)
Internal assessment (10 hours):
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
(30 marks)
Testimonials
What our schools say about us
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"The International School of WA is delighted to continue to work with Pamoja, who has supported us in providing a wide range of subjects for our International Baccalaureate students."
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"Pamoja has expanded our subject offerings with programs we couldn’t provide in-house, giving our students valuable opportunities through a reliable and trusted partner."
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"Heidelberg International School has proudly partnered with Pamoja since 2010, enabling us to offer IB subjects beyond our own curriculum and expanding our students’ choices; their teachers bring a vital human connection to online learning, and our students have consistently achieved excellent results through this collaboration."
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"Chatsworth is very pleased to be able to broaden the range of IB Diploma Programme subjects we can offer through our partnership with Pamoja. Knowing the students are taught and assessed by experienced IBDP teachers gives us the confidence to offer this opportunity."
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"Pamoja teachers are fully supportive of the diverse stresses and schedules students face. Learning to proactively and professionally communicate is arguably the most important learning outcome for Pamoja students."
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"Pamoja opens doors for our students to pursue subjects they are passionate about, helping them thrive in areas otherwise out of reach. The team’s support and clear communication make the experience smooth and impactful for everyone."
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"Ermitage International School of Paris is proud to collaborate with PAMOJA. The consistently high-quality and well-structured courses PAMOJA provides play a key role in helping our students pursue their ideal path toward the IB Diploma."
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"Pamoja has been extremely responsive and professional in our partnership. They have helped us to support students in a variety of situations, including those who have transferred in the middle of the IB Diploma, who have scheduling conflicts, or who have strong desire to study a course that we do not offer."
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"Pamoja online courses allow us to expand the range of subjects offered to our students enabling them to pursue subjects they are passionate about that are not currently available within our timetable. The courses also help foster independent learning; an invaluable skill helping students flourish as lifelong learners."
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"Pamoja has enabled us to broaden our subject option choices and provide invaluable support for Extended Essay supervision in popular subjects. As a result, our students have been able to select an individualised course profile which would not have been possible otherwise."
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"Pamoja has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to pursue passions and interests that we can’t offer as a small school. We have found the teachers to be consistently dedicated and support team to always respond with a human touch!"
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"Our partnership with Pamoja provides students with access to a wide range of IB subjects, ensuring greater academic breadth and choice. The online nature of these courses offers the flexibility our student-athletes need to pursue their studies effectively, even while away training or competing."
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"Pamoja has enabled us to expand our subject offerings to better address our students' language acquisition needs. Their highly responsive and accommodating teachers made us feel supported every step of the way."
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"For a school like ours, which is intentionally 'small by design,' Pamoja provides essential strategic flexibility. It allows us to supplement our DP course offerings, ensuring students interested in specialized or low-enrollment subjects can pursue their pre-university plans."
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The variety of subjects offered really allows the school to offer individual pathways for a wide range of students. Students completing a course on Pamoja strengthen the ATL of self-management and are ready for the next steps in life - university or employment.
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Pamoja unlocks opportunities for our students to pursue their passions beyond our high school's course catalog, opening doors to subjects like Economics and Psychology that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
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“Partnering with Pamoja has given our students greater flexibility in shaping their Diploma Programme journey. We value the supportive collaboration that allows us to broaden our course offering and meet diverse student needs.”
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"Working with Pamoja has been a transformative experience, offering quick, responsive service and a student-centred approach that prioritises individual needs and supports success in the IB DP subject."
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"Our school has been proud to partner with Pamoja providing our students with access to high-quality online learning for over a decade. This collaboration has allowed us to broaden subject choices, connect students with expert teachers from around the world, and support personalised learning pathways that align with the IB ethos."
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"Pamoja expands our students' potential and broadens their international perspective. With an online platform accessible anytime, anywhere, and years of established resources, students can advance their learning efficiently."
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Our partnership with Pamoja has been key to our curriculum's success. It allows us to offer a much wider range of subjects and fosters genuine self-management in our students. They learn to take ownership of their deadlines and resources in a supportive, yet independent, environment, which is fantastic preparation for their future studies.
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"We are proud to partner with Pamoja to provide our students with greater flexibility and choice in their IB subject combinations. Pamoja’s well-organised online courses, led by experienced and qualified teachers, allow us to offer a broader and more personalised academic programme. We highly recommend Pamoja as a trusted partner in supporting student success.”
