IB Theory of Knowledge Exhibition 2025
Theory of Knowledge is one of the core components of the IB programme and, alongside the Extended Essay, can contribute up to three core points for students. In the Theory of Knowledge course, students are asked to select three real鈥憌orld objects to help them respond to a prescribed prompt. During the Michaelmas term, students presented their exhibitions to their peers and a collection of teachers. Many of the exhibitions were excellent, and students should be proud of their efforts. Three in particular stood out, capturing the attention of visitors and addressing their chosen prompts with notable effectiveness.
Elina Q - I chose the prompt “Does some knowledge belong to particular communities of knowers?” because I immediately thought of cultural and religious communities; I already had ideas on how to answer the prompt without researching. When researching and writing the exhibition, I learned to explore other angles to the question that I had previously not thought of. My key advice, therefore, would be to choose a prompt and objects that you already have ideas for prior to any research but keep an open mind to other possibilities of exploration.
Sakura W - For me, the TOK exhibition was a chance to express creativity, not just in building a "good justification” for my own “claim”, but also in graphic design to actively engage the audience. I really value how TOK itself encourages us to approach abstract ideas in such a holistic way. My advice for future IB TOK students would be to strive for every opportunity and leave no regrets in your IB journey.
Jasper G - My TOK Exhibition explored the prompt “Are some things unknowable?”. I chose it because it allowed me to approach the topic from different angles, in my case history, physics, and religion. This made the exhibition easier to diversify and let me include several of my personal interests rather than repeating the same idea three times. I also liked that the prompt was one of the least suggestive. It gave me freedom to decide whether my objects would support the statement or challenge it. My advice to future IB and TOK students is the following: choose areas of knowledge you genuinely enjoy, and make the exhibition as personal as possible.
