The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course plays a special role in the DP by providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature, scope and limitations of knowledge and the process of knowing. In this way, the main focus of TOK is not on students acquiring new knowledge but on helping students to reflect on and put into perspective what they already know. TOK underpins and helps to unite the subjects that students encounter in the rest of their DP studies developing critical think skills. It engages students in explicit reflection on how knowledge is arrived at in different disciplines and areas of knowledge, on what these areas have in common, and the differences between them. as a human construction.

Creativity, Action/Activity, Service (CAS) involves students in a range of experiences alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value while meeting a genuine need in the community. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and by enabling journeys of self-discovery.

The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying.  The extended essay is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity, while engaging students in personal research. The aims of the extended essay are to provide students with the opportunity to engage in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigour; develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills; and reflect on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process.