The DP curriculum is made up of three mandatory core components – the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, Extended Essay (EE) based on independent research, and participation in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – along with six subject groups.
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, to understand how we know and what we claim to know. The TOK course takes up 100 teaching hours over the period of two years and is assessed through the TOK Exhibition and a 1,600 word essay. The TOK exhibition provides students with the opportunity to make connections between real-life and TOK, while the essay encompasses conceptual elements.
- The Extended Essay (EE) requires students to submit a 4,000 word research paper based on an independent, self-directed inquiry. Students may choose to either investigate a topic of special interest to them or may undertake an issue that has global significance. A subject specialist supervisor is assigned to facilitate students through the process.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to be involved in a range of activities alongside their academic studies involving creativity, sports and voluntary community service.