The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) aims to provide a grounding in conceptual, critical and analytical thinking so that students can assess how certain they can be of the knowledge they acquire in the various subject areas of the IBDP, but also how they can best assess the processes of knowledge production in the individual disciplines.  

TOK provides a strong link between the practical CAS experiences as well as the formal research undertaken in the Extended Essay (EE).  It also aims to show  the links between the subjects so that the key skills of synthesis can be developed in order to help our students become more holistic learners. 

The course, which runs through Grade 11 until the end of term 2 in Grade 12, is composed of weekly classes and  three individual 'TOK Focus Days', when students spend the whole day exploring the complexities of knowledge issues.

(TOK IB Guide, 2015)

In the focus of the TOK course is the development of conceptual thinking and and thinking on the level of metacognition.

Discussion is central to the course and stimuli come from a wide variety of topics. This allows the development of debating skills, and for appreciation of alternative points of view. They will further analyse this spectrum of opinions and explore the reason for these being formed as well as develop an objective understanding of these. 

Students gradually develop the ability to build complex arguments centred around knowledge issues. They learn how to analyse and critically assess different areas of knowledge (AOKs) and through the processes of evaluation and synthesis, gain the understanding of the interconnectedness of these. 

In order to prepare for the assessment of the TOK course, students will gradually enhance their research skills, analytical skills, critical and creative thinking skills as well as writing skills.

In Grade 11, parents will be given the option to talk to TOK teachers at the February-March Parent Teacher Conferences and will be issued with two reports of their son/daughter's progress:

• the first one at the end of Term 1 (student's own self-assessment, with teacher's short comment only in cases where this is necessary),

• the second one at the end of Term 3 (student's own self-assessment, with teacher's short comment only in cases where  this is necessary).

In Grade 12, parents will be given the option to talk to TOK teachers in the November Parent Teacher Conference in Term 1.  

Please be reminded that students do not receive an anticipated grade in TOK.