By Simon Underhill, IB Diploma Programme Coordinator
All IB Programmes have a capstone achievement, an individual inquiry that allows a student to engage authentically and deeply with an area they are passionate about. In the PYP, Grade 5 students take action through the Exhibition. In the MYP, Grade 10 students demonstrate their creativity through the Personal Project. In the DP, the students demonstrate their intellectual curiosity through an academic exploration of a topic of personal interest - the Extended Essay (EE).
The EE is a 4000 word, 40 hour independent study that students undertake either in a subject they study, or through the lens of two subjects in an interdisciplinary approach. Similarly to the Personal Project, students work with a supervisor to help guide and support them through this process.
Two weeks ago, our Grade 11 students stood before a panel of teachers to pitch their proposal for their extended essay topic. A key part of the EE is that it allows students to explore a topic in depth that they may not be able to within the time and curriculum limitations of their subject classes. As such, it embodies the IB Mission of developing lifelong learners who are curious, appreciate diverse perspectives and engage with international issues. I was privileged to hear a number of pitches in the fields of biochemistry, biology, neuroscience and biostatistics. The sources of inspiration varied: Grade 9 science class, an internship at the University of Basel, a specific topic in chemistry, their parents profession, their own medical history. Topics pitched ranged from nanomedicine to the effects of ADHD medication, from CRISPR gene editing and therapy to phages and infection. What they all had in common was passion, care and an excitement to understand these topics more deeply.
Many pre-University high school curricula, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or A-Levels, focus on specialised subject knowledge. The IB is unique in offering students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, research, communication and self-management skills in the pursuit of their own, personal area of interest. We are excited to see what our students will produce through this process!