At the center of the IB Diploma Programme is its unique Core: Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). These components foster curiosity, personal growth, academic reflection, and global engagement. Together, they ensure IB students are not just scholars, but thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.

The EE is a 4,000-word, independent research paper that allows students to dive deeply into a topic of their choice. It teaches valuable skills in academic writing, time management, and original investigation, skills that colleges value highly.

Key Elements:

• Topic must connect to an IB subject the student is taking.

• Students work closely with a faculty supervisor for guidance.

• Includes reflection sessions and a formal viva voce (exit interview).

Example EE Topics:

• "What role did propaganda play in the Rwandan genocide?"

• "How does the structure of a sonata influence the emotional response of listeners?"

• "To what extent is caffeine a reliable performance enhancer for athletes?"

You can learn more about the EE by visiting the International Baccalaureate Organization's EE page: Extended Essay

TOK is not a traditional subject, it’s a journey into the nature of knowledge. Students explore how knowledge is formed and used across disciplines, cultures, and perspectives. TOK strengthens critical thinking and helps students make interdisciplinary connections.

Examples of Core TOK Questions:

• How do we know what we claim to know?

• What counts as evidence in different areas of knowledge?

• Can emotion and reason coexist in decision-making?

Assessment:

• A TOK exhibition that explores how TOK concepts apply to the real world.

• A 1600-word essay on a prescribed title, evaluated externally.

You can learn more about the TOK course by visiting the International Baccalaureate Organization's TOK page: Theory of Knowledge

CAS encourages students to explore personal interests, embrace new challenges, and engage meaningfully with their communities. Through CAS, students learn how to balance academics with experiences that develop character, resilience, and leadership. CAS pushes students to involve themselves in activities outside of the classroom that help them grow as individuals.

Student Requirements:

• Complete experiences in all three strands: Creativity, Activity, and Service.

• Complete experiences that cover all seven learning outcomes.

• Maintain a CAS portfolio documenting goals, reflections, and learning outcomes.

• Participate in at least one long-term CAS project.

Example CAS Activities:

• 🎭 Creativity: Choreographing a dance, starting a blog, designing graphics.

• 🏃 Activity: Training for a 5K, joining a fitness club, coaching youth sports.

• 🤝 Service: Volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a donation drive.

You can learn more about CAS by visiting the International Baccalaureate Organization's CAS page: Creativity, Activity, and Service