Extended Essay Coordinator

Mr. Sherwin

•  jsherwin@wcpss.net
•  (919) 662-2379 ext. 22277
•  EE Site for students     h requires WakeID login

The extended essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of their own choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school). This leads to a major piece of formally presented, structured writing, in which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. Completion of the written essay is followed by a short, concluding interview, or viva voce, with the supervisor.

The extended essay is assessed against common criteria, interpreted in ways appropriate to each subject.

The extended essay is:

• compulsory for all Diploma Programme students
• externally assessed and, in combination with the grade for theory of knowledge, contributes up to three points to the total score for the IB diploma
• a piece of independent research/investigation on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school
• chosen from one of the student’s six chosen subjects for the IB diploma
• presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words
• the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student
• concluded with a short interview, or viva voce, with the supervising teacher.

In the Diploma Programme, the extended essay is the prime example of a piece of work where the student has the opportunity to show knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm about a topic of his or her choice.