IB Prospectus 2026_paperturn_2 - Flipbook - Page 6
THE CORE
Theory of Knowledge
Theory of Knowledge is a central element of the IB in which we ask fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge and
its relationship to the subject areas of the Diploma. Its principal aim is to explore the main categories of knowledge with special
reference to the various problems that students encounter in their everyday learning.
l What is the basis for our understanding of
the world and our beliefs?
l How do individual beliefs relate to the
subjects we study?
l What status should we give to scienti昀椀c
knowledge as compared to artistic or
literary knowledge?
l What is the in昀氀uence of society and
culture on what we think we know and
believe?
l What problems of bias does our own
experience present?
l How does language in昀氀uence our
experience and ideas of truth?
l What problems of communication does
language present?
l What is the relationship between
perception and questions of “reality”?
l How does maths relate to the world?
l Is it possible to have emotional truths?
l How is knowledge acquired and justi昀椀ed
and how might this di昀昀er across subject
areas?
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Students will acquire a set of critical and conceptual tools to enable them to re昀氀ect
upon the many connections between di昀昀erent parts of the IB programme. The course
takes as its content the academic, cultural and individual interests of students. By
applying ToK tools, (which will be of vital and continuing value as you progress through
your courses), insights into knowledge issues will blossom in your beautiful minds. You
will be stimulated to develop as questioning thinkers, who are empowered to explore
the knowledge claims of others with a discerning skill.
Assessment is by coursework:
1. An exhibition of three chosen objects and a 950 word description of how
these objects link to knowledge issues; completed in the summer term of Yr1.
A collaboration with Sussex University Anthropology Dept will introduce this
assignment.
2. A 1,600 word essay from a choice of six essay titles; completed in the Spring Term
of Yr2. The 2024 titles included: 'Is subjectivity overly celebrated in the arts but
unfairly condemned in history? Discuss with reference to the arts and history'.
As well as 'How can we reconcile the opposing demands for specialization
and generalization in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to
mathematics and one other area of knowledge'.
The essay is worth 2/3 of your ToK grade and is marked by the IB, whilst the exhibition
is worth 1/3 and is marked by your teachers and then externally moderated by the IB.
