Extended Essay Day

Last week Year 12 students had an Extended Essay Day which provided an introduction to the Extended Essay (EE) component of the IB Diploma, guidance on effective research and time to plan their essays.

The Extended Essay gives students the unique opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic in which they have a special interest - it is comparable to a ‘dissertation’ at university level. It is an inquiry-based experience that is guided by students’ personal engagement and interest in the topic that they select to explore.

Students are allocated a personal supervisor to support and guide them through the process.

Year 12 students provided an insight into areas they were considering exploring in their essays:

I’m interested in exploring how Psychology informs Artificial Intelligence and the ethics involved in this.

TOM

I’d like to study languages at university and am looking to explore to what extent the Spanish and Japanese languages have evolved to meet society’s expectations in relation to gender.

MIA

I’m combining my interests in Classical Civilisation and Astronomy to explore the role of Astronomy in ancient civilisations.

MAYA

My essay will combine Physics and Philosophy and consider the philosophical issues surrounding the commercialisation and colonisation of space.

JET

I’m interested in a career in Clinical Psychology and for my EE I would like to explore how psychoanalysis retrieves repressed memories.

GRACE

I'm studying Higher Level Geography with a view to studying Physical and Human Geography at university. I'm looking to explore how the quality of life differs between London boroughs.

EVA

I’m interested in studying Economics at university and wanted to choose a topic that would broaden my understanding in this area. I’m considering looking at how globalisation influences the British economy and society today.

OSCAR

I’m looking to explore the knowledge/fear of knowledge in the ‘The Dream of Scipio’ and ‘The Nature of the Rose’.

BARNABAS

I’m considering an essay that encompasses either my interest in English and Media or Sport and Psychology.

MADDIE

The Extended Essay is a really valuable part of the Core syllabus and of the whole Diploma. It helps students to learn to research and critically evaluate, as well as developing the skills and confidence to produce a longer academic piece of writing. It prepares them well for life beyond the Sixth Form, whatever path they may take. The skills are transferrable to employment and further studies.

MISS DUNCAN, EE coordinator