Extended Essay
The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. As a required component, it provides:
practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required at tertiary level
an opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject. The subject can come from any of the six groups (Areas of Knowledge).
Emphasis is placed on the research process:
formulating an appropriate research question
engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
communicating ideas
developing an argument.
Participation in this process develops the capacity to:
analyse,
synthesize, and
evaluate knowledge.
Students are supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor (usually a teacher at the school).
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS)
Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) is an IB Diploma requirement, which means that without meeting a total of 8 pre-set outcomes, a student cannot achieve their IB diploma. It was created to motivate students to participate in a broad range of activities.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a compulsory subject all IB diploma students are obligated to take. It focuses on the ways of knowing and different areas of knowledge as listed below:
Four Ways of Knowing:
Sense Perception
Reasoning
Language
Emotion
Areas of Knowledge:
Natural Sciences
Human Sciences
Arts
Mathematics
Ethics
History