The Extended Essay (EE) is one of the central components of the International Baccalaureate Programme, as students are required to conduct in-depth research and compile an essay in the topic and field of their choice.
With only a maximum limit of 4,000 words, students are free to demonstrate their understanding and passions with the extended essay.
Each essay must be submitted under a given content area, which include English, Spanish, French, German, Economics, History, Human Rights, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Film, Music and Visual Arts.
The content areas are modeled after IB courses and students are encouraged, but not required, to chose a content area that they are studying.
After students chose their content area, they are then asked to formulate a specific, detailed re- search question that will pose as the focus of their essay.
From there, students will conduct research on their own, while developing their own conclusions and assessments along the way.
Students are given time in their English classes to work on their Extended Essay. English teachers will assign deadlines for the students.
Current Juniors are expected to have their Extended Essay finished before the end of the spring semester and seniors are expected to complete their first draft before the Christmas holidays.
To aid in the research and writing process, there are many teachers to help the students. Becky Coker is the Extended Essay Coordinator, who will aid students in the general process of conducting the extended essay. Each student will also have a specific, Extended Essay supervisor who is trained in the student’s content area.
Students are expected to lead their own research and writing processes under the guidance of the EE Coordinator and EE Supervisor.
As a required component of the International Baccalaureate Programme, students must complete the Extended Essay to receive their IB Diploma.
In addition to completing the Extend Essay, students must also receive a sufficient amount of points to graduate. The IBO awards grades of A-E on the Extended Essay, and the grade is combined with a student’s Theory of Knowledge grade to receive between 0-3 points that go towards the student’s diploma.
A matrix depicting the potential points a student could earn from different grades is avail- able in the IB Binder that each student assembled at the Sunday Sessions.