Extended Essay: Class of 2026

Overview

Note that this only applies to the class of 2026 extended essay. If you are part of the class of 2027, you must refer to the new curriculum here.

An in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Program subjects.
Presented as a formal piece of paperwork with no more than 4,000 words
Compulsory for all diploma students
The result of approximately 40 hours work by the student
A piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the students in cooperation with a supervisor in the school
Concluded with the signing of the new Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF)
Externally Assessed and in combination with the grade for TOK
Contributes a maximum of 3 bonus points to the score of the diploma (with TOK)

The EE is an in-depth study of a focused topic. It gives students the opportunity to:

engage in independent research with intellectual initiative, creativity and rigor
develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills
reflect on what they have learned throughout the research and writing process.

All students must:

provide a logical and coherent rationale for their choice of topic
review what has already been written about the topic
formulate a clear research question:
- - - Clear: Will the reader understand the nature of the research? Will it direct the research being undertaken?
    - Focused: Will the research question be specific enough to allow for exploration within the scope of the task (that is, the number of words and time available)?
    - Arguable: Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned Argument?
offer a concrete description of the methods they use to investigate the question
generate reasoned interpretations and conclusions based on their reading and independent research in order to answer the question.

EE launched week of 4th December
In CORE class, students are introduced to the Extended Essay process including:
- EE process outline
- Exploring suitability of topic areas
- Role of people involved in the process
- Subjects of interest
Students will submit their declaration of subject interest form on December 13th.

In CORE class, students work on their Extended Essay document
On January 28th students submit a proposal declaring a subject and topic. Subject teachers review the pre-proposal and indicate whether the student can continue to develop an EE proposal based on the subject and topic or if the subject and/or topic is not appropriate.
If the subject and/or topic is rejected, students must revise and re-submit a pre-proposal by January 31st.

Supervisors will be announced mid-to-late February.
Students informally meet with supervisors for the first time to refine research questions and develop research plans no later than March 14th.

Supervisors give an indication of student progress on Managebac using the progress dropdown bar by April 14th.
Before April 25th, students must have their first formal meeting with their supervisor. Students must have an approved research question and they must add the research question to the ManageBac worksheet.
With assistance in CORE class, students will draft, revise, and submit the first formal reflection by May 2nd. This reflection is assessed by the IB.
Students continue to independently research.

In CORE class, students will review what generally makes a good outline. There will be a particular focus on outlining introductions and scoring well on criterion A.
Supervisors are expected to provide structure guidance to students before May 19th. This guidance may come earlier in the process, as appropriate; however, by this point students should have been provided subject-specific structural guidance by supervisors.
Students will upload their outline to Managebac by May 30th.

During CORE class students devise EE pre-summer plans:
- ManageBac Update
  - Research Question, topic, subject, and first reflection all posted on ManageBac
- An action plan with deadlines
  - Use to-do list on the ManageBac worksheet tab
- Outline
  - Introduction, methodology, bodies, and conclusion
Supervisors will review the project and use it during the mandatory meeting that will occur by June 23rd - June 26th or before.

Students complete a draft over the summer.
It is advised that they also independently revise this draft before the September submission.

During the first CORE classes of the new school year, students will present their EE status and self-identify if they are struggling.
A formatting and citation review lesson is conducted in CORE before students submit the draft on September 15th.
Students to receive feedback regarding the draft by September 29th.

Students will attend a formal meeting with the supervisor to review feedback AND the interim interview by October 6th.
During CORE class, students revise and submit the interim reflection by October 13th. Based on the feedback received, students independently revise draft for the final submission.
Students submit the final draft of the EE on Thursday 23rd October. No further changes can be made to the EE after October 23rd.

Students meet with supervisors to conduct the viva voce before November 11th.
Students must write and post their viva voce reflection on ManageBac by November 18th.
Supervisors will assess and then moderate the EEs. They will produce predicted grades based on the moderated submission.

Before December 5th supervisors will formalize essay authentication and submit the final EE supervisor report.

In CORE class, students will ensure that ManageBac is up-to-date so that the RPPF form can be generated and uploaded to the IB by the assistant IB coordinator.
In CORE class, students will be required to authenticate their work with CORE teachers as they upload their extended essays to the IBIS submission website.

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