THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
The Theory of Knowledge course is the central interdisciplinary core around which the subject areas of the International Baccalaureate revolve. By exploring the knowledge systems of mathematics, natural sciences, human sciences, history, the arts, and ethics through the filters of emotion, reason, language, and depth, students and teachers learn to reflect critically on these essential human processes. The course challenges students to become aware of the complexity of knowledge and to acknowledge the need to act responsibly in a global society. This, in turn, reinforces the Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) components of the IB Diploma Programme. The TOK course requires 100 hours of instruction during the junior and senior years.
The creativity, action, service (CAS) requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some students feel within a demanding school curriculum. Participation in CAS encourages students to share their energies and special talents while developing awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. The IBO’s goal of educating the whole person and fostering more caring and socially responsible attitudes comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books. The CAS extracurriculular component requires 150 hours during the junior and senior years.