2. The Extended Essay is an in-depth study of a focused topic chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects. It provides students with an opportunity to engage in personal research in a topic of his or her choice, under the guidance of a supervisor (a teacher in the school). This is NOT a personal project. This is not about a passion, rather about an ACADEMIC curiosity.

3. It is intended to promote high-level research and writing skills, intellectual discovery and creativity. College-bound students often struggle with writing interesting admissions essays that could separate them from other applicants with similar grades and standardized test scores. The Extended Essay is an ideal opportunity to enter into the recursive writing process required to write an outstanding college admissions essay. It provides students with the opportunity to learn how to construct a major piece of structured writing, which ideas and findings are communicated in a reasoned and coherent manner, appropriate to the subject chosen. This skill is one that will most likely be required when students enter college or the workplace.

4. Approved for All Diploma Programme students:  Language A or B  History  Biology  Chemistry  Physics  Math  Visual Arts

5.  Business & Management  Classical Greek & Latin  Computer Science  Dance  Design Technology  Economics  Environmental Systems & Societies  Film  Geography  Human Rights  ITGS  Literature & Performance  Peace & Conflict Studies  Sports, Exercise & Health  Science  World Studies  Music  Social & Cultural Anthropology  Psychology  World Religions  Politics  Philosophy Personal Approval required: These will be considered after a formal meeting with Extended Essay Coordinator, Diploma Programme Coordinator and parents. Please note that these will likely not be approved unless the student has taken or is currently enrolled in a class that actively supports the academic background required to complete this essay:

6.  a piece of independent research on a topic chosen by the student in cooperation with a supervisor in the school.  chosen from the list of approved Diploma Programme subjects.  presented as a formal piece of scholarship containing no more than 4,000 words.  the result of approximately 40 hours of work by the student.  the student must meet all required deadlines set by the EE team (refer to EE packet).

7. It is not a report-card grade; however, it is a Diploma Programme requirement. The students are assessed using a rubric with 11 criteria (refer to EE packet) The Extended Essay will be sent out to be assessed externally by experts in the field.

8. Students will meet with the Extended Essay Coordinator bi-weekly during advisory to discuss processes and upcoming deadlines. Students will upload documents via Managebac.com where supervisors can communicate with the students about progress, revisions, and questions. (students will receive training on this) Because this is an independent requirement of the Diploma Programme, class time will not be given to work on this. All research and writing should take place outside of school.

9. EE Coordinator: Matthew Reid Supervisors: Matthew Reid Courtney Coady Bonnie Estes Richard AlsaBrook Kim DiDomenico Merrilynne Henderson Sarah Hawkins Ryan Alexander Jill Parker Jill Hartle Richard Luttrell John Tate Clara Eisinger Nicole Jones Shawn Gumbleton

10. What Questions do you still have? Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns you have Mreid@iss.k12.nc.us.  Or Call me at school, or on my Cell: ◦ School: 704-528-4536 ◦ Cell:704-902-5221