The Central Elements--Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and CAS--are required for all full IB Diploma Candidates.


THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE

Theory of Knowledge is a unique course offered to IB Diploma Candidates in the senior year. The course is an important component in providing a holistic education to students in the IB Program. The purpose of Theory of Knowledge is to explore the ways in which different disciplines search for truth. Students will be asked to reflect critically on the subjects they have already encountered in their school experience with an eye to understanding the fundamental concepts of the various disciplines and their validity. This approach helps students to analyze and integrate knowledge that they have already gained.

 EXTENDED ESSAY

The Extended Essay is an independent study project completed by IB Diploma Candidates by January of their senior year. This work is done under the supervision of a teacher-mentor and may be done in any of the IB subject area courses. 

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE 

CAS is a required component of the IB Diploma Program. It involves those learning experiences undertaken by IB Diploma Candidates outside of the classroom under the general headings of Creativity (e.g. engagement in the arts, designing and implementing service projects, etc.), Activity (e.g. participation in athletics, dance, expeditions), and Service (community and social service activities). Students are expected to be involved in CAS over the two years of the Diploma Program. Working with a CAS advisor, the students will engage in systematic self-evaluation of their experiences.