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The Core: TOK, EE, & CAS Information

THE CORE: TOK, EE, and CAS 

The Core is what makes IB, IB!
 
To be awarded an IB Diploma, a candidate must fulfill the three core requirements, in addition to passing his or her subject examinations.
 
TOK (Theory of Knowledge)
 
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is the capstone of the IB program. The course is designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language, and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical, and historical). It challenges students to reflect critically and ask questions about ways of knowing and areas of knowledge. The TOK class is composed almost entirely of questions. The most central of these questions is 'How do I know that a given assertion is true, or a given judgment is well justified?' Assertions or judgments of this sort are termed 'knowledge claims', while the difficulties that arise in addressing these questions are termed 'problems of knowledge'. After completing TOK, students will have an appreciation of the quest for knowledge, in particular its importance, its complexities, and its human implications.
 
EE (Extended Essay)
 
The extended essay is an opportunity for the student to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. In the Diploma Program, the extended essay is the prime example of a piece of work where the student has the opportunity to show knowledge, understanding, and enthusiasm about a self-chosen topic.          
 
See Extended Essay Details page for more information.
  
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)
 
Creativity, activity, service requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one separately.
  • Creativity: exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance
  • Activity: Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle
  • Service: collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need
 
Completion of CAS is based on student achievement of the seven CAS Learning Outcomes. CAS emphasizes reflection which is central to building a deep and rich CAS experience
 
Learning Outcomes – there must be evidence that students have:
  1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
  2. Demonstrate that challenges undertaken, developing new skills in the process
  3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
  4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
  5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
  6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
  7. Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
All seven outcomes must be present for a student to complete the CAS requirement. Some may be demonstrated many times, in a variety of activities, but completion requires only that there is some evidence for every outcome.