What are the Core Components of the IB?
The IB involves three core components alongside the six main subject areas. Here, we take a deep dive into what these components look like, and how they are assessed.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
The Theory of Knowledge component is designed to help students develop their critical thinking skills. It encourages students to question knowledge claims and explore the nature of knowledge across disciplines, as well as how knowledge is constructed, assessed, and communicated in various fields.
One key component within this is Ways of Knowing, which explores perception, reason, emotion, language, and intuition as different means of acquiring knowledge. The second component is Areas of Knowledge, which examines natural sciences, human sciences, mathematics, history, the arts, ethics, and indigenous knowledge systems. Finally, Knowledge Questions encourages students to analyse and evaluate the nature and scope of knowledge.
The Theory of Knowledge component is assessed through oral presentations, called an ‘exhibition’ (33% of the grade, assessed internally) and a 1,600-word essay that explores a title prescribed by the IB examiner themselves (67% of the grade, assessed externally). You can find examples of TOK essay titles here.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
The CAS component aims to promote holistic development, encouraging students to engage in a balanced range of activities beyond academic studies. It is designed to foster and encourage creativity, physical activity, and community service, promoting self-discovery and social responsibility.
There are three main components to this. Creativity involves activities related to arts, design, and innovation. Activity focuses on physical activities, sports, and personal fitness goals. Finally, Service engages students in community service and voluntary work.
The CAS element is not formally examined but requires students to document and reflect on their experiences in a CAS portfolio, demonstrating achievement in all three areas.
Extended Essay (EE)
The purpose of the Extended Essay component is to offer an introduction to independent research by encouraging students to undertake an in-depth investigation of a chosen topic. Your IB teacher will guide you through the process of independent research and academic writing.
There are three main stages to the writing of the Extended Essay:
Choosing a research question: students select a research question within the scope of one of the IB subject areas.
Conducting independent research: students conduct extensive research, analysis, and evaluation of sources.
Formal Writing: students present findings in a 4,000-word essay, following academic conventions with regard to format and referencing. Students can choose which referencing style they wish to use (Chicago, Harvard etc.) but must be consistent throughout the essay.
The Extended Essay is assessed externally by IB examiners based on criteria such as research, analysis, organization, and critical thinking skills.
IB Tutoring at Chapkin Edwards
Chapkin Edwards is a leading provider of expert tuition, homeschooling and school and university admissions support. If your child requires tutoring in the Core Components of IB, or any individual subject, please contact us here.