An extended essay (EE) in the arts gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigation into a topic within an arts subject of particular interest to them.

The EE must demonstrate in-depth understanding of the subject matter studied. This should be shown in the form of:

  • a coherent analysis and interpretation of their chosen area in relation to a posed research question

  • the testing and validation of the research and consideration of its effect on the practice of the investigated area of the arts

  • development and exploration in a disciplined and imaginative way of an area of study specifically appropriate to the curriculum area chosen

  • a link to a practical dimension.

The research outcome should always include a link with a practical dimension. Where relevant and possible, students may wish to consult practitioners and professionals, such as performers, directors, researchers, writers, designers, painters, sculptors, composers or critics; or they may wish to visit theatres, galleries, museums and arts centres.

For more specific information, visit the Group 6 pages and linked documents on the IBO website.

Group 6 Categories

Group 6 is broken into a variety of subject-specific categories. The requirements and marking varies between them. Below you will find links to the Group 6 pages on the IBO website. For each page, there are several sub-pages as well as linked documents.

Dance

Film

Music

Theatre

Visual Arts

To start planning your EE use one of the Group 6 planning documents. You might also wish to look at some samples from DAA or samples from the IB.