Core Requirements

DP Core Requirements

The DP core is made up of three required components comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE). Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service. 

The TOK, unique to the IB programme, is an interdisciplinary course intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyse evidence. 

Studied throughout the Diploma Programme, CAS involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies. It is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP and provide evidence of achieving learning outcomes. CAS emphasises the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing an essential  counterbalance to academic pursuits. 

The EE is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating with a 4,000-word paper. It provides students with the opportunity to investigate a topic of personal interest which relates to one of the student’s six DP subjects. The EE exposes students to research skills and develops their capacity to analyse, synthesis and evaluate knowledge. Students are supported throughout the process of researching and writing the extended essay, with advice and guidance from a supervisor who is usually a teacher at the school.