The Extended Essay

The graduating Diploma class of 2013 is to be congratulated for their outstanding results in the Extended Essay. Forty-five percent of the group were awarded an A grade for their Extended Essay compared to a global A grade average of twelve percent. The level of achievement the students attained this year is a reflection of their determination, focus and maturity.

The College also congratulates the Diploma teachers for their supervision of students throughout the process. Their expertise in their various fields of knowledge and generosity of time throughout the process contributed to our students' success.

The Extended Essay requires Diploma students to engage in independent, in-depth research on a topic related to one of their areas of study. It provides students with an opportunity to develop independent skills as they face the challenges of designing, conducting and reporting on the findings of their research. The Extended Essay follows a natural inquiry continuum from the Personal Project, however, rather than making a 'product', students are required to generate and investigate an academic research question.

The purpose of the Extended Essay is to enable students to continue to develop a variety of skills including analysis of data and sources, enhancing independent and critical thinking skills and the ability to build a sound, plausible argument informed by clearly documented evidence. Students are then required to present their information in a 4000-word essay that is marked externally by globally located subject specialist academics.

Loreen Kerrigan

Extended Essay Co-coordinator