All students undertaking the IB Diploma Programme must complete the three core programs in addition to their six academic subjects. The three core programs are:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Extended Essay (EE)
Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
Theory of Knowledge is a compulsory course for students studying the IB Diploma. It draws together all the knowledge that is learned in other courses and questions the validity of what we know, prompting critical engagement. At the center of the course is the student as a ‘knower.’
TOK challenges students to:
Question the basis of knowledge
Be aware of subjective and ideological biases
Develop the ability to analyse evidence
Examine the grounds for moral, political and aesthetic judgement
Critically reflect on knowledge and experience
Aims:
To help students to discover the richness of knowledge, and to realise how empowering knowledge can be.
To examine how knowledge is built up, examined, and evaluated by individuals and societies.
To reflect on how we learn - both inside and outside school - and to make links between the academic disciplines and our thoughts, feelings and actions.
To reinforce that there are many different ways of thinking and knowing - perspectives being shaped by historical, socio-cultural and individual positions which may influence the way we see the world.
To explore some of the responsibilities that may come with knowledge.
Theory of Knowledge Subject Brief: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/theory-of-knowledge/
Students are involved in and reflect on a range of activities alongside their academic studies. Through the CAS project, students develop the skills of collaboration, problem-solving and decision making. The emphasis is on learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences, then reflecting on these experiences over time.
Education of the whole person:
Creativity - develop creative skills
Activity - develop your physical condition
Service - develop empathy/change and challenge attitudes
CAS Subject Brief: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/creativity-activity-and-service/
Students investigate a topic of special interest to them related to one of the six subjects studied. This provides practical preparation for university academic writing.
The Extended Essay is:
Compulsory for all Diploma Programme students
Externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for TOK, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma
An independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a school-based supervisor
Presented as a formal piece of academic writing of no more than 4,000 words
The result of approximately 40 hours of work completed by the student across Year 1 and 2 of the Diploma Programme
Concluded with a short interview, or viva voce, with the supervising teacher
In the Diploma Programme, the Extended Essay is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm about a topic/subject of their choice.
Extended Essay Subject Brief: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/dp-core/extended-essay/