MLC’s IB students explore, question and discover

At Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC), the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program encourages students to become independent thinkers, critical inquirers and globally minded learners.

Two of the programs most distinctive components, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay, challenge students to think deeply, question assumptions and engage in rigorous independent research. Recently, our Year 12 Diploma students showcased their impressive work in both areas.  

Exploring knowledge in the real world: The Year 12 TOK Exhibition  

In Term 1, our Year 12 IB Diploma students presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) projects at the TOK Exhibition at MLC. This event gave parents and peers a valuable insight into the students' critical thinking and analytical skills, both of which are fundamental to success in the IB Diploma Programme.  

The TOK Exhibition forms part of the IB’s internal assessment and focuses on exploring how knowledge appears in the real world. Each student selects one of the 35 prescribed prompts – such as “Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?” - and chooses three real-world objects to illustrate their response. They then write a 950-word commentary explaining how these objects connect to their chosen prompt. 

At the exhibition, students actively engaged their audience by explaining their choices and the concepts behind them. Families and fellow students moved between displays, asking questions to gain a deeper understanding of each students’ unique perspective. Many were impressed by the intellectual rigour on display and how the exhibition challenged and broadened their perspectives. 

Year 12 student, Aurelia, described how TOK has reshaped her understanding of the world:  

“Theory of Knowledge is very different from our other subjects, as it pushes us to question what knowledge actually is and what it means to learn.  

“I’ve developed an interest in culture and learned that traditions form when knowledge is shared by a group and passed down. TOK is not just a subject to fill our timetables but an opportunity to look at the world in a different light. When hearing about news, I am more aware now of the loaded languages and masked biases that could be impacting how it is received.  

“The world is made of knowledge, so learning about the theory of it makes us more aware and more informed knowers.” 

Developing research skills: the IB Extended Essay  

The Extended Essay is another pillar of the IB Diploma Core. The 4,000 word independent research project requires students to investigate a self-selected topic within one of their IB subjects. This in-depth writing process equips students with valuable skills in research, analysis, and formal academic writing—key competencies for university success. 

In March, students attended an Extended Essay Retreat, a dedicated day of workshops and focused writing sessions. With expert guidance from their supervisor, students refined their research questions and incorporate feedback as they progress towards their final submission on May 2.  

This year’s Extended Essay topics reflect the diverse interests and academic curiosity of our students. Some of their research questions include:

• Biology: To what extent do human disturbances, specifically trampling, impact Homorsia Banksii distribution at Point Lonsdale, Victoria?
• English: How do Circe and The Odyssey characterise Circe to explore the strength of women in patriarchal worlds?
• Psychology: To what extent is there a correlation between biological markers in Major Depressive Disorder and Working Memory function?
• History: To what extend could burial practices in Ancient Egypt reflect the socioeconomic hierarchy of the time? 

Congratulations to our Year 12 IB students on their thought-provoking TOK Exhibitions and best wishes as they continue to develop their Extended Essays. We look forward to seeing the incredible research and insight they produce!