IBDP Theory of Knowledge Exploration Day
May 23, 2023
On the first Wednesday of Term 2, students from four Brisbane International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) schools came together to engage in an enlightening exploration of the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) prescribed titles for the November 2023 session. The event took place at the St Peters campus, where students from St Peters Lutheran College, Indooroopilly State High School, Anglican Church Grammar School, and IES College gathered for a TOK workshop focused on deepening their understanding and fostering collaboration.
The workshop commenced with talks from community leaders who shared their expertise in relation to TOK and its applications in the realms of Mathematics and the Arts. Engineers from Gilmore Space Technology and researchers from Churchie and UQ provided valuable insights.
Following the talks, the students formed small groups to delve into the prescribed titles. Each group concentrated on one title, collectively mapping out their initial thoughts, identifying key issues, and formulating leading questions. The atmosphere was vibrant with robust discussions, and it was heartening to witness the collegial spirit that flourished among students from different schools.
Next, the students embarked on a ‘Gallery Walk.’ During this activity, they circulated around the room, reading and responding to the thoughts shared on each prescribed title. Building upon the initial responses, students added challenges, further prompts, and additional questions, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The workshop concluded with a shared lunch, providing more opportunities for lively discussions. The feedback received from the participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the interschool collaboration as a standout experience of the year. Even teachers acknowledged the richness of the discussions that transpired, acknowledging the event’s value not just for the students but also for themselves. It is our intention to organize this workshop annually, as it proved to be a resounding success in enhancing students’ TOK engagement and fostering a sense of community among Brisbane’s IBDP schools.