Hinkley High School

Diploma Requirements

Theory of Knowledge

Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom, is a course ofstudy unique to the International Baccalaureate Organization and mandatory for every Diploma Programme student; it adds coherence to the programme.  TOK should involve at least100 hours of teaching time spanning the programme’s two years.  

The origins of TOK lie in a fusion of two divergent educational traditions, one pragmatic and the other placing prime importance on the teaching of philosophy. In TOK, students are encouraged to reflect on all aspects of their Diploma Programme work.  It is possible to have informed discussions about the nature and purposes, strengths and limitations of particular knowledge systems, since distribution requirements ensure that course selections include each of the principal domains of knowledge Students are helped to consider how they know what they know (different ways of “knowing”) and to develop habits of reflection which they bring to each subject, resulting in a deeper intellectual experience. 

As befits an international programme, the TOK course explores various cultural traditions and encourages students to think about the strengths and limitations of different ways of knowing. TOK is not another name for philosophy, which exists as a subject option in its own right, yet in a broad sense the aim of TOK is to encourage a philosophical cast of mind and to promote clarity of thought and good judgment..

 The Extended Essay

IB Diploma Programme students are required to undertake original research and write an extended essay of 4,000 words (maximum). This essay offers the student the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and to become acquainted with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. 

The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay. A student may choose to write on a topic in one of 22 subjects, plus some 50 language/literature courses.  The extended essay can serve to deepen a student’s programme of study, for example when the student chooses to focus the essay on a topic included in a higher-level course.  Students may also elect to add to the breadth of their academic experience by writing on a subject not included in their diploma choices. 

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

•  Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects.

•  Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.

•  Service  encompasses a host of community and social service activities.  Some examples include helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people. 

Each school appoints a CAS supervisor who is responsible for providing a varied choice of activities for all Diploma Programme students.  Programmes are CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma Programme experience. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school environment. 

The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.  The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, and sports and community service activities. 

Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, as well as the ability to work cooperatively with other people.  Students are expected to be involved in CAS activities for the equivalent of at least three to four hours each week during the two years of the programme.  A system of self-evaluation encourages students to reflect on the benefits of CAS participation to themselves and to others, and to evaluate the understanding and insights acquired. 

 Diploma Programme
Group 1
Language A1