International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
Theory of Knowledge (IB course)
Each student must complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course of
approximately 100 hours, which aims to encourage students to be
critical thinkers and to teach students basic epistemology. To
complete requirements for TOK, diploma candidates must write a TOK
essay of 1200-1600 words on a set title (from a choice of ten
issued by the IBO), and present a TOK issue to their class on their
choice of topic.
The grades that the student receives from the TOK essay and
presentation are compared with the grade for the Extended Essay by
way of a matrix designed by the IBO, which may result in the
awarding of 'extra' points for the candidate's Diploma. The
candidate may get up to three extra points if both works are of a
sufficient standard.
Students must write a 4,000 word essay in any chosen subject (not
necessarily one taken for the final exam) but not across subjects.
The topic may be any that the student feels is researchable. This
task involves teacher guided independent research and requires
producing a written thesis. Each student is paired with a
supervisor who provides insight and orients his or her
work.
