DP Core

What is the IB Core?

IB Core requirements push students to find connections across disciplines and outside the classroom. The IB core is what makes IB unique in comparison with other, stand-alone advanced classes.

Theory of knowledge. Class where students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know. Required of IB Diploma and Medallion candidates.
The extended essay. An independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Required of IB Diploma Candidates.
Creativity, activity, service. Required for IB Diploma and Medallion students to track experiences in these three areas and Diploma candidates are required to complete a project they design.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

REQUIREMENT

Theory of Knowledge is a year-long course that takes place 2nd semester of 11th grade and 1st semester of 12th grade. It is open to all students as an elective, but required for IB Diploma and Medallion candidates.

FOCUS AREAS OF THE COURSE

TOK is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these is "How do we know?" The course examines five areas of knowledge: the arts, history, human sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences.

ASSESSMENT

The TOK course is assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600 word essay. This essay must respond to one of six given prompts. This year's prompts can give you an idea of what students learn about in TOK.

Can there be knowledge that is independent of culture? Discuss with reference to mathematics and one other area of knowledge.
To what extent do you agree with the claim that “there’s a world of difference between truth and facts” (Maya Angelou)? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
Is there solid justification for regarding knowledge in the natural sciences more highly than knowledge in another area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
How do historians and human scientists give knowledge meaning through the telling of stories? Discuss with reference to history and the human sciences.
How can we distinguish between good and bad interpretations? Discuss with reference to the arts and one other area of knowledge.
If we conclude that there is some knowledge we should not pursue on ethical grounds, how can we determine the boundaries of acceptable investigation within an area of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS EXPERIENCES

provide an opportunity to learn and grow in new, non-academic, ways
are required for IB Diploma candidates
take place outside of class

HELPFUL MATERIALS

CAS Overview is a presentation shared with 10th and 11th graders who want to pursue the IB Diploma or Medallion.

CAS Tracking Spreadsheet is a place to keep track of experiences.

CAS Handbook provides a detailed explanation of requirements for students.

CONTACT

Ms. Schultz is your contact person for all things related to CAS: christol.schultz@mpls.k12.mn.us

Extended Essay (EE)

REQUIREMENT

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. The extended essay is required for all IB Diploma candidates, but not Medallion candidates.

SUPPORT

Although this essay is completed outside of class, students receive in-school support from:

the DP Coordinator, Sarah Wernimont, to understand the task, learn advanced research skills, and choose a subject area for research;
a supervising teacher who can support the student with their research process and with expertise matches the subject/topic they’ve chosen;
A frequently updated RHS EE Student Resource website full of resources to help you on your way.

Ms. Wernimont is your contact person for all things related to the Extended Essay: Sarah.Wernimont@mpls.k12.mn.us, or stop into the IB Office (109.)

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