Extended Essay

"The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. As a required component, it provides:

• practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required at tertiary level
• an opportunity for students to engage in an in-depth study of a topic of interest within a chosen subject.

Emphasis is placed on the research process:

• formulating an appropriate research question
• engaging in a personal exploration of the topic
• communicating ideas
• developing an argument.

Participation in this process develops the capacity to:

• analyse
• synthesize, and
• evaluate knowledge.

Students are supported throughout the process with advice and guidance from a supervisor (usually a teacher at the school)."