Secondary eNews – November 18, 2022
DP CORE – THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE
Theory of Knowledge is one of the three CORE subjects for our DP students. It encourages students to think critically and use evidence and examples to share their thoughts while using the TOK concepts. Although TOK is scheduled once a week, as a CORE subject it overlaps with all other areas of knowledge and is not solely taught during TOK hour.
To encourage the integration of TOK further there are several activities scheduled throughout the year. In October we had our TOK-tober month where there were a variety of activities planned as for example the subject bingo, additional debating activities as well as an interesting guest speaker.
This year the Grade 11 students began the course with the two optional themes, namely Knowledge and indigenous Societies and Knowledge in Politics, in that order. Concurrently we teach the core theme—Knowledge and the knower, which allows students to reflect on themselves as knowers and thinkers, through the lenses of both these themes and to consider the different communities of knowers to which they/we belong. This way, from the very start of the course students reflect on the central question, “How do we know that?”, and learn to really recognize the value of asking that question. To be aware of their own perspectives and to reflect critically on their own beliefs and assumptions. Their engagement with the myriad perspectives these two optional themes encompass really fosters open-mindedness and develops intercultural understanding. Guiding questions include, “what shapes my perspective as a knower?” How am I influenced by the different communities of knowers I belong to? Where do my values come from? And, “how do I distinguish between claims that are contestable and claims that are not?
Students will complete this course with the exhibition in grade 11 and the essay towards the end of grade 12. For the essay the IB releases 6 essay titles of which students can select one. This year the following titles have been released;
- Is replicability necessary in the production of knowledge? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
- For artists and natural scientists, which is more important: what can be explained or what cannot be explained? Discuss with reference to the arts and the natural sciences.
- Does it matter if our acquisition of knowledge happens in “bubbles” where some information and voices are excluded? Discuss with reference to two areas of knowledge.
- Do you agree that it is “astonishing that so little knowledge can give us so much power” (Bertrand Russell)? Discuss with reference to the natural sciences and one other area of knowledge.
- Are visual representations always helpful in the communication of knowledge? Discuss with reference to the human sciences and mathematics.
- To what extent is the knowledge we produce determined by the methodologies we use?
Discuss with reference to history and one other area of knowledge.
While we discuss these titles in class, grade 12 students do need to find their own ideas and direction for the title they select. One way we support our students is through the ‘TOK-Speeddates’ which will take place next week in the library. DP teachers from all subject areas have prepared the titles and students will have a ‘speedy’ check-in session with faculty to discuss ideas and approaches. Last year this was a great success and we are looking forward to another valuable ‘Speeddate’ session this year.
Upcoming ACT Test Date and Registration Deadline
Login/Create MyACT account to register
Upcoming SAT Test Date and Registration Deadline
Update from AP Exam School Year 2022-2023
For students in grades 11 and 12 who would like to register for the AP exam in May 2023, please contact Ibu Thari in the Counseling Office at: counselorsecretary@baliis.net
The 2023 AP Exams will be administered in school following the regular schedule in May 2023: May 1–5 and May 8–12. Registration deadline November 15th, 2022 – additional fee applied to each exam for the late registration
More information about AP Exam:
- AP Online Courses and Exams (Web)
- Register for AP Exam (Web)
- College Board student account help (Web)
Update from Counseling Corner Site
- EHL Summer Courses Program 2023 brochure
- Study in Canada Workshop – STAND OUT from the crowd: How to compose an Attention-Grabbing application letter to dream universities and employers – Saturday 19th November click here to register
- Hong Kong Baptist University | Webinar: Solving Global Challenges through Transdisciplinary Studies – Tuesday 22 November click here to register
- University of York | Join our Undergraduate Discovery Day – Tuesday 29 November click here to register
For more updates, please visit
Counseling Corner at BIS
Info for Parents
Invitation for Parent : Success Beyond School
How to coach teenagers towards a successful career
We are delighted to announce the first events in our Success Beyond School series for this academic year. These are live online seminars featuring career experts, designed to help parents amplify their children’s career potential. The events are for parents of students aged 12-18 and are free to attend.
12th October: Making it in Medicine
Expert advice on how to get into medical school
16th November: Future-Proofing Students
Preparing students for the jobs of the future
30th November: Finding a Future in Finance
Gaining the skills for a career in Finance
We are indeed delighted to invite your institution to the ‘Singapore International Science Camp’ (SISC), an Advance Science program conducted in Singapore which will hold On-Campus at the National University of Singapore in Dec-22.
SISC is specially designed for students from Grade-9 to Grade-12 to showcase the developments in science and build insight into technologies and scientific developments that will transform our future.
Counselor Workshop Series
Thursday Coffee with the Counselor
Join Ms. Noortje every Thursday morning at 7:45 (droff-off) for a coffee and informal chat at Fun Bites*
*Except first Thursday of each month when there will be a workshop