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How does a Japanese novel translated into Chinese, a math equation, and some sheet music relate to each other? They all use languages that have various degrees of openness for interpretation. They were also used to demonstrate one student’s take on the question, “Are some types of knowledge less open to interpretation than others?” 

On Wednesday, Gr.11 students exhibited the culmination of a year’s exploration into “what is knowledge” in their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) class. As a new requirement set forth by the IB organization, the students were tasked with contemplating one of 35 questions and choosing three things to demonstrate their answer to the question prompt. Other questions included: “ Should some knowledge not be sought on ethical grounds?” And “What is the relationship between knowledge and culture?” as a couple more examples of the hard-hitting questions that provoked meaningful, critical thinking in the Gr. 11 students.

Not only is a written element required, but the exhibition itself is an integral part of their evaluation. They all did a terrific job, and their presentations elicited some thought-provoking discussions with the teachers and students that took time to visit the exhibition. It was a great demonstration of how the IB values not just what we learn but how and why it is important.