IBDP Theory of Knowledge Excursion

Are some things unknowable? What is the relationship between personal experience and knowledge? How can we distinguish between knowledge, belief, and opinion?

Our year 11 IBDP Theory of Knowledge class carefully selected questions like these ahead of their visit to the South Australian Museum and State Library, on Wednesday 7 August. With their question in mind, the students worked in large and small groups, and reflected individually. They sought out objects from the collection that helped stimulate discourse about these questions. Ultimately, they aimed to identify the stories that objects in the museum told in their own right, and the narratives that they share when we consider where the objects are now, and where they are not. The students represented the school exceptionally, and were open-minded and respectful of the cultural significance of the experience.

Reflecting on the day, our students said:

“It was amazing to reflect on other perspectives, in my group I came at the question from a personal perspective, but my group shared generalisations that were really interesting” – Natara

“I learned that context tells us so much, and that there are stories that sit behind every aspect, not just the one on the plaque” – Abner

“The objects I chose to focus on told three different stories, one was purchased, one was a gift, and the other was ‘obtained’, which really opened my eyes to different perspectives” – Kalana

“I learned that history says so much about where we have been and also where we are going” – Elia

Thank you to James Champ and his year 12 History class, and Ronnie Dang for joining us on the fascinating excursion.

Michael Murphy
IB Diploma Programme Leader