Made up of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
In TOK, students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know. Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600 word essay. It asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.
The EE is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. It provides practical preparation for undergraduate research and an opportunity for students to investigate a topic of personal interest to them. Participation in this process develops the capacity to analyze, synthesize and evaluate knowledge. Through the research process for the extended essay, students develop skills in:
formulating an appropriate research question
engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
communicating ideas
developing an argument
CAS is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme; it involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. It is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP, and provide evidence of achieving the seven learning outcomes for CAS.
How is CAS structured?
The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows:
Creativity: arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
Activity: physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.
Service: an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.
In order to demonstrate these concepts, students are required to undertake a CAS project. The project challenges students to:
show initiative
demonstrate perseverance
develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision making.
What is the significance of CAS?
CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience. It provides opportunities for self-determination and collaboration with others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from their work. At the same time, CAS is an important counterbalance to the academic pressures of the DP.