In addition to IB subjects, an essential part of the IB philosophy includes participation in TOK, EE and CAS. These elements enrich a student's overall learning and ensure more holistic development of each learner.
TOK is an investigatory study into the question of knowledge. How do we know what we know? What are the factors that influence our knowledge? While other classes focus on content, this course helps students understand how we form our certainty about that content. ToK is a term class in grade 11 for partial/certificate students and worked into the full Diploma IB student’s timetable in tutorial classes in gr. 11 and after school in gr. 12.
Full diploma students are required to write an essay on a prescribed topic and complete an artefact exhibition.
The EE, which is only required of full diploma students, is a 4000-word independent research paper in a student’s chosen subject area that occurs with the guidance of a staff advisor. When possible, students are provided with an opportunity to participate in information sessions with the University of Calgary's Taylor Family Digital Library to gain valuable research skills.
The EE is a one-year process that begins in January of grade 11.
CAS is an expectation of all IB students. Creativity entails an appreciation for aesthetic aspects of life through involvement in the arts. Activity requires participation in group activities such as intramurals, sports, scouts, guides, or similar endeavours. Service requires students to assist or initiate programs, which are helpful to others, giving something back to their community. Volunteer activities are also important here.
I’ve learned a lot, but I’ve also grown to realize just how much there is left to learn, and I cannot wait to grow further in my knowledge and understandings and maybe, to one day contribute, somehow, to the common knowledge.
Nikoo G.
(Studied Engineering at the University of Toronto)