One of the items that makes the IB Diploma Programme different from many national qualifications is the requirements within the Core: namely, TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay.

The Extended Essay (EE) allows students the opportunity to:

• Pursue independent research
• Develop research and communication skills
• Develop creative and critical thinking skills
• Engage in systematic research
• Experience the excitement of discovery

All Diploma students have to complete an EE, reflecting the IB principle that independent research skills are vital in study and should have a central role in the curriculum. The EE should be an in-depth focused study within a Diploma subject and should take around 40 hours to complete. Each student works with a subject supervisor (usually their subject teacher) who spends around 6 hours offering advice and guidance in the skills of research.