Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a multi-disciplinary subject and prepares all pupils for any future higher education course or career. Theory of Knowledge teaches pupils to explore knowledge and think critically in a range of ways, developing the skills of evaluation, analysis, self-presentation, cogent argument and confident reasoning that are highly prized by any University department or any prospective employer.
The TOK course is an integral part of the core of the IB Diploma Programme intended to develop independent, critical thinkers.
Pupils study a wide variety of different approaches to knowledge and information with the emphasis on exploring knowledge questions such as ‘How do I know this?’, ‘To what extent is this source of information reliable?’, ‘What gives someone or something authority?’ and ‘What shapes my perspective?’
The course is structured around a core theme that considers the ideas of ‘Knowledge and the Knower’ followed by optional themes that explore the influence of technology, language and politics on knowledge. A series of collective ‘Areas of Knowledge’ including science, arts and history, also form a basis for analysing different forms of knowledge.
Pupils engage in a variety of classroom exercises, hear speakers from a range of subject areas and explore different knowledge questions through contemporary issues.