After relentless hours of homework and months of preparation for the Extended Essay, the senior IB Diploma Candidates have finally submitted their Extended Essays and completed their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class. The submission of these final works signify the end of the IB Diploma program, and the beginning of studying for the actual IB tests. On March 8, the Diploma Candidates will be rewarded with a pizza party during Atom Time to celebrate their completed Extended Essays.
“I’m really relieved everything is submitted because now I have a lot more free time,” senior Brain Khong said.
The beginning of the IB Diploma program starts at the end of student’s sophomore year, when they pick their classes for next year. A student must take three Higher Level classes and three Standard Level classes to be considered an IB Diploma candidate. At the beginning of the second semester of the candidate’s junior year, they begin to take TOK. TOK is a three hour after school class that meets once a week that is required to obtain the diploma.
At the beginning of junior year, the Diploma Candidates have a meeting with the IB Diploma Candidate coordinator Shirley Campbell, who introduces the CAS project. CAS is a series of community service projects done within the community.
In the middle of the third quarter, juniors who are candidates begin to work on their Extended Essay. The extended essay is a 4,000 word essay on any topic the student chooses, as long as it fits within one of the five IB subjects (math, history, science, language, or an IB elective) and is worked on until the day before winter break ends.
“In October, I worked on my outline and draft, then I spent a couple of weeks working on my final draft after school,” senior Jenny Jessen said.
But in the end, they feel this whole process was worth it.
“I learned a lot of study skills and ways to act awake even when I’m really tired,” said Jessen
Now all of the candidates have to do is finish their CAS portfolios and take their tests and hope they score at least a five on each of their tests, which allows them to receive the actual IB Diploma. They will receive their scores during the summer, and will not receive their diploma until their winter break for college.
