- IB DP core elements
Extended Essay
Theory of Knowledge
- Group 1: Studies in language and literature
English A Language and Literature HL
English A Language and Literature SL
- Group 2: language acquisition
French ab initio
Mandarin ab initio
Spanish ab initio
Spanish B SL
- Group 3: Individuals and societies
Business Management HL
Business Management SL
Digital Society HL
Digital Society SL
Economics HL
Economics SL
Information Technology in a Global Society HL
Information Technology in a Global Society SL
Philosophy SL
Psychology HL
Psychology SL
- Group 5: Mathematics
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations HL
Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations SL
- Group 6: The arts
Film SL
IB Diploma
Theory of Knowledge
Course structure
The course is being updated for September 2020 to reflect the requirements of the revised IB syllabus (first examinations May 2022).
- Updated Area of Knowledge units to reflect the updated subject guide
- New units on two of the optional themes: Language and Technology (we do not explicitly cover the other optional themes but they may be touched upon during the other parts of the course)
- Updated content supporting the external assessment; the Essay
- New content relating to the new internal assessment; the Exhibition
The new course covers the following:
Year 1
- Introduction to Theory of Knowledge
- The Arts
- Mathematics
- History
- Natural Sciences
- Technology
Year 2
- Language
- Human Sciences
- Knowledge and the Knower
- The Essay
- The Exhibition
What is Theory of Knowledge?
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme; it plays an essential part in practicing the IB philosophy and inviting students to reflect on their learning. The IB defines Theory of Knowledge as “providing an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know”.
Activities
The course material conveys the theoretical foundation of essential concepts or questions, while providing an environment in which these concepts can be discussed and debated. The global online classroom naturally presents opportunities for collaboration through the development of wikis and class projects, and the participation in live lessons and discussion forums. Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning and make regular journal entries throughout the course.
Assessment
Summative assessments in the form of essay or presentation occur at the end of each unit (each six weeks). Specific time is allotted in the final weeks to complete a final essay and exhibition. Formative assessments include writing in wikis, journals and discussion forums throughout the course.
Benefits to students
Upon completion of course, students should be able to:
- Analyse knowledge claims and respond to knowledge issues in the context of different areas of knowledge and Ways of Knowing
- Express ideas accurately and honestly, using examples from their own experiences as learners and from their broader life experience
Content calendar
This course follows the same calendar as other Pamoja Taught courses but finishes early in Year 2 (at week 53) to allow for timely submission of the essay and completion of the exhibition.
Preparation time for the essay and exhibition is included within the course.
Pilot the Pamoja Online Course for up to four weeks from the day the course commences.
Please note, that all courses offered are subject to receiving a minimum of 5 students at the beginning of the academic year. We will contact the school prior to the course start date if we are unable to take a course forward.
Powered byPilot the Pamoja Online Course for up to four weeks from the day the course commences.
Please note, that all courses offered are subject to receiving a minimum of 5 students at the beginning of the academic year. We will contact the school prior to the course start date if we are unable to take a course forward.
Resources
Hodder Education eTextbook
This course is dependent on student etextbooks provided by Hodder Education and hosted on the Dynamic Learning platform. Please ensure you check the Hodder Dynamic Learning guidance to ensure your systems are able to access this service. This service is provided as part of the Pamoja course fee - find out more.