The Extended Essay

The Extended Essay (EE) is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of available IB Diploma Programme subjects. This is normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects within the IB Diploma, or alternatively a World Studies EE focussing on a topic of global significance. It is intended to promote academic research and writing skills, providing students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (an appropriately qualified member of staff within 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. It is mandatory that all students undertake three reflection sessions with their supervisor, which includes a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, following the completion of the EE. An assessment of this reflection process is made under Criterion E (Engagement) using the Reflections on planning and progress form.

The EE is assessed against common criteria, interpreted in ways appropriate to each subject. Key features of the EE:

• The EE is compulsory for all students taking the Diploma Programme and is an option for Courses students.

• A student must achieve a D grade or higher to be awarded the Diploma.

• The EE is externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for Theory of Knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB Diploma.

• The EE process helps prepare students for success at university and in other pathways beyond the Diploma Programme.

• When choosing a subject for the extended essay, students must consult the list of available Diploma Programme subjects published in the Handbook of procedures for the Diploma Programme for the session in question.

• The EE is a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in consultation with a supervisor in the school.

• It is presented as a formal piece of sustained academic writing containing no more than 4,000 words accompanied by a reflection form of no more than 500 words.

• It is the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.

• Students are supported by a supervision process recommended to be 3–5 hours, which includes three mandatory reflection sessions.

• The third and final mandatory reflection session is the viva voce, which is a concluding interview with the supervising teacher.

From: https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/extendedessay/apps/dpapp/guide.html?doc=d_0_eeyyy_gui_1602_ 1_e&part=2&chapter=1

Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS)

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is intended to be a student-directed learning journey to foster international-mindedness and develop self-awareness and a sense of identity. It consists of purposeful engagement in Experiences and Projects in Creativity, Activity, and Service that are challenging, intentional and enjoyable. CAS serves to support the academic aspect of the IB program but also serves as a balance to the academic demands.

CAS Strands

Creativity is defined as exploring and extending ideas, leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.

Music, theatre, film, design technology, visual arts, dance, fashion, and other experiences that involve creative thinking fall under Creativity (for example, joining a choir or engaging with fashion design).

Activity is defined as physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

Involvement in a sport or progressing towards a fitness goal (for example, with football, yoga, dance, aerobics classes, biking, or hiking) can be considered Activity.

Service is defined as collaborative and reciprocal community engagement in response to an authentic need.

By investigating and identifying a community need, then determining a plan of action that respects the rights, dignity, and autonomy of all involved (for example, reading to the aged or advocating for a cause), you are performing service.

CAS experiences may cover more than one strand; for example, planning sports events for children with disabilities may involve both Service and Activity. Some CAS experiences may involve all three strands; for example, choreographing a performance that promotes the work of a non-profit organization involves Creativity, Activity, and Service.

CAS Stages

By using the CAS Stages and engaging fully in the reflective and demonstrative process during CAS Experiences and Projects students are expected to achieve and articulate the 7 CAS Learning Outcomes through active reflection and evidence.