DP Core

The extended essay (EE) is a compulsory, externally assessed piece of independent research into a topic chosen by the student and presented as a formal piece of academic writing.

Students produce a major piece of formally presented, structured writing of up to 4,000 words in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned, coherent and appropriate manner.

Students are guided through the process of research and writing by an assigned supervisor (a teacher in the school). All students undertake three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor, including a short interview, or viva voce, following the completion of the extended essay.

EE topics may be chosen from a list of approved DP subjects—normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma or the world studies option.

EE is externally marked by the IB examiners. Grades are given on the A-E scale. In combination with TOK, the EE can provide up to 3 points to the Diploma.

For more information and to view the timeline go here.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course about critical thinking and inquiring into the process of knowing, rather than about learning a specific body of knowledge.

At Nova, students take TOK across three semesters starting in Year 1, thereby fulfilling the requirement of meeting 100 instructional hours.

Internally students are marked on a Pass / Fail scale based on class participation and logbook completion.

As part of the IB, students complete two pieces of coursework: the presentation (1/3 of the final grade) and the essay (2/3 of the final grade). The final result is a sum of the two components, producing a grade on the A-E scale. In combination with EE, TOK can provide up to 3 points to the Diploma.