The extended essay is one of the three elements of the core in the IBDP curriculum. It is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. On 15th February, the IBDP department held an extended essay orientation to introduce and explain this vital component of the course. The students were made aware of the significance, structure and assessment of the EE. Since it is a compulsory, externally assessed piece of independent research, the orientation covered areas like aims, benefits and challenges. Students were informed that they would be guided through the process of research and writing by an assigned supervisor (a teacher in the school).
The students would undertake three mandatory reflection sessions with their supervisor, including a short interview, or viva voce, following the completion of the extended essay. The extended essay topics may be chosen from a list of approved DP subjects- normally one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. The students were notified of the various subjects that they can choose from, as they would be conducting an independent research into a topic of their choice, which would be presented as a formal piece of academic writing. Common misconceptions were busted, and they were shown exemplars of topics, so that they would know how detailed the line of enquiry needs to be. They were also presented with sample research questions of each subject, for them to better understand the nature of the EE. Their doubts were addressed and they were instructed about the upcoming sales pitch where they would present their probable options.