More on the IB Program: What is Theory of Knowledge about?

Ask five Graded teachers and/or students what Theory of Knowledge (ToK) is about and you'll get five different answers. Chances are that many of the answers will be totally off base. It's one of the classes that you have to experience to truly understand what it means. Of course, even after 3 semesters students leave the course with more questions than answers. According to the guide, the most central question is "How do we know?"

As of this year, the IBO opened up ToK to all students, even if you're not an IB diploma candidate. If you're looking for a taste of what this year's juniors have done, check out their "This I Believe" audio statements.  

  

As 10th graders are having important conversations around the IB diploma program with parents, teachers, counselors and friends and this article may offer you ideas. Thanks to Ms. Stoneman for sharing this recent article from The Independent newspaper.

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International Baccalaureate - 'It teaches you not to give up'

Below are a few excerpts from the article.

"Before starting the IB I felt extremely intimidated," admits Josh Hammond, a student at St Clare's school, Oxford. "I had heard countless complaints about the difficulties of the IB. But, once you get going, you become more efficient at time management and the work seems less daunting."

Although students need to sharpen their organisational and study skills, they needn't do it silently – or without support. "IB students are expected to be risk-takers and communicators," says Sarah Jinks, a biology teacher at St Clare's. "But the tasks we set are designed to help them develop those skills. You're not expected to have them when you arrive."

"They may struggle in one subject but be a master of another, and that can be very humbling," he explains. "But it's also really powerful, it will teach them not to give up and help develop their self-respect."

Do Graded IBDP students refer to themselves by their candidate number?

This seems like the perfect time to share this video that a former IB Diploma student posted on Youtube. 10th graders are considering whether or not to take on the full diploma. 11th grade diploma candidates are now in full gear and our 12th graders are counting the days until exams. What do you think about inothingam's 16 comments?