Core Requirements

The core of the diploma programme has three parts.

Extended Essay
Students write an independent research essay of 4,000 words to investigate a topic of individual interest. Students gain independent research and writing skills expected at university level.

Theory of Knowledge

The ToK course requires students to consider how knowledge is constructed. In discussion-driven classes we consider shared knowledge in external areas such as Maths, the Sciences, History, the Arts and Religion. We also consider personal knowledge which is influenced and shaped by – among other factors – family values, educational systems, customs and culture, geography and local religion.

TOK students are encouraged to reflect on the degree to which their own and other people’s motivations, beliefs, thought processes and emotional reactions influence what they know and what they are capable of knowing.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Participation in the College’s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering their awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena. Importantly, a requirement of this course is that students reflect in some detail on their learning through these experiences. Please go to the Extra-Academic section of the website to find more information on the CAS programme of the College.

IB Learners strive to be:

Inquirers

They develop their
natural curiosity.
They acquire the skills
necessary to conduct
inquiry and research
and show
independence
in learning.
They actively enjoy
learning and this
love of learning
will be sustained
throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable

They explore concepts,
ideas and issues
that have local and
global significance.
In so doing,
they acquire
in-depth knowledge
and develop
understanding
across a broad
and balanced
range of disciplines.

Thinkers

They exercise
initiative in
applying thinking
skills critically
and creatively
to recognize
and approach
complex problems,
and make reasoned,
ethical decisions.

Communicators

They understand
and express ideas
and information
confidently
and creatively
in more than
one language and
in a variety of modes
of communication.
They work effectively
and willingly in
collaboration
with others.

Principled

They act with
integrity and honesty,
with a strong sense
of fairness, justice and
respect for the dignity
of the individual,
groups and communities.
They take responsibility
for their own actions
and the consequences
that accompany them.

Open-minded

They understand and
appreciate their
own cultures and
personal histories,
and are open
to the perspectives,
values and traditions
of other individuals
and communities.
They are accustomed
to seeking
and evaluating
a range of
points of view,
and are willing
to grow from
the experience.

Caring

They show empathy,
compassion and
respect towards
the needs and
feelings of others.
They have a
personal commitment
to service, and act
to make a
positive difference
to the lives
of others
and to
the environment.

Risk-takers

They approach
unfamiliar situations
and uncertainty
with courage
and forethought,
and have the
independence
of spirit to
explore new roles,
ideas and strategies.
They are brave
and articulate
in defending
their beliefs.

Balanced

They understand
the importance
of intellectual,
physical and
emotional balance
to achieve
personal well-being
for themselves
and others.

Reflective

They give thoughtful
consideration to
their own learning
and experience.
They are able
to assess
and understand
their strengths
and limitations
in order to support
their learning and
personal development.