For students embarking on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the IBDP core is the beating heart of their academic and personal development.

While the six subject groups form the breadth of the curriculum, it is the IBDP core that provides the depth, encouraging students to grow as thinkers, researchers, and citizens of the world.

At The English Montessori School (TEMS), the IBDP core is not just a requirement – it’s a transformative experience that prepares students for university and beyond. In this post, we’ll look in detail at the different elements that make up the IBDP Core and the skills students develop thanks to it.

IBDP Core: An overview

The IBDP core consists of three compulsory elements:

  1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
  2. Extended Essay (EE)
  3. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Together, these components enrich the IBDP, encouraging students to think critically, explore complex ideas, and contribute to their communities.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is a philosophical exploration of knowledge itself. Students ask: How do we know what we know? This course pushes them to evaluate sources, understand cultural perspectives, and question assumptions. It connects all areas of the curriculum, bridging science and the arts, mathematics and literature.

At TEMS, TOK is taught by experienced educators who foster open discussion and intellectual curiosity. Through TOK, students at TEMS become agile thinkers – a trait highly valued by universities and employers.

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of the student’s choice. It could be an investigation into climate change, an analysis of a Shakespearean play, or a philosophical question.

This component of the IBDP core develops university-level research and writing skills. At TEMS, students receive personalised supervision from subject specialists who guide them through the research process, helping them craft essays that reflect their passions and academic rigour.

The Extended Essay gives students a valuable advantage for university, where strong research and independent study skills are essential.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS encourages students to engage beyond the classroom. Whether it’s volunteering at a local charity, leading a sports team, or learning a new musical instrument, CAS fosters holistic growth.

At TEMS, the CAS programme is vibrant and varied. Indeed, the CaS programme doesn’t start at Pre-University level. From Year 7, students take part in Enrichment sessions on Wednesday afternoons. Students are involved in community outreach projects such as regular visits to a nearby retirement home, artistic endeavours, and physical activities that promote leadership, empathy, and resilience.

The school’s location in Madrid offers rich opportunities for service and cultural engagement. Whether participating in sustainability initiatives or collaborating with local organisations, TEMS students make a real impact.

Why the IBDP Core matters

While academic excellence is a hallmark of the IBDP, the IBDP core ensures students are more than just high achievers. It nurtures reflective, principled, and open-minded individuals who can tackle global challenges.

By completing the core, students demonstrate key skills such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Independent research
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Ethical reasoning

These qualities are invaluable in today’s interconnected world – and they’re exactly what top universities seek.

Why choose TEMS?

TEMS is one of the leading international schools in Spain, offering a British education based on the Montessori principles in a multicultural environment. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, TEMS provides a nurturing yet challenging setting for students at Pre- University level.

Here’s why families choose TEMS:

  • Experienced staff: Teachers are IB-trained and passionate about student success.
  • Small class sizes: Each student receives individual attention and support.
  • Bilingual environment: Students gain fluency in English and Spanish, opening doors globally.
  • University counselling: TEMS supports students through every step of the university application process, both in Spain and abroad.

Whether they choose to study the IBDP or one of the other of our three Pre-University pathways – A Levels or Spanish Bachillerato – TEMS students consistently achieve strong academic results and go on to study at top universities across Europe, the UK, and North America.

The IBDP Core at TEMS: A launchpad for the future

At TEMS, the IBDP core is more than a curriculum requirement – it’s a foundation for personal growth and global readiness. Through TOK, the Extended Essay, and CAS, students develop the tools to succeed in any field, from medicine to the arts, engineering to international relations.

If you’re considering the IBDP for your child, TEMS offers an outstanding environment in which to flourish – academically, socially, and personally.