Last week, our International Baccalaureate (IB) students were joined by IB students from Bedford Girls’ School to enjoy an enlightening Theory of Knowledge (TOK) trip to Oxford. The journey was filled with engaging discussions, hands-on learning and a deep dive into the nature of knowledge itself.
The trip began with a series of stimulating TOK conversations. Students explored fundamental questions about the nature of knowledge, such as “What is knowledge?” and “How do we know what we claim to know?” These discussions set the stage for a day of intellectual curiosity and discovery.
A Visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Pitt Rivers Museum. Here, students attended a TOK lecture about the issue of epistemicide, the concept of knowledge being destroyed due to outside actions and the forced integration and assimilation of indigenous cultures. They also learnt how local environments affect the manner of our understanding of the world and how it affects the development of culture.
They enjoyed a talk about the development of technology and the symbols of identity for various indigenous groups or areas in the past. Specifically, the students looked at four artefacts where they looked closely at their components, and how they gave clues about the area they came from and the conditions that the people who used them faced. One artefact was a rattle made of wood and deer hide, with various rocks inside with a small red flag with two eagles drawn on the front. This was particularly interesting as it gave an insight into how a particular group of people lived in mountainous/forested areas in eastern Canada.
Lower Sixth Former Tristan Cooper told us, “The talk inspired me to cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the importance of objects and cultures to differing groups of people and how we can categorise items based less on time period and origin and instead based on purpose and function.”
After the lecture, the boys and girls had the opportunity to explore the museum’s vast collection of archaeological and ethnographic objects. This hands-on experience allowed them to reflect on the production and acquisition of knowledge, considering how different cultures create and interpret these objects.
Exploring Oxford
The day concluded with a walking tour of Oxford, where students marvelled at the city’s stunning architecture and rich history. They visited the impressive Bodleian Library, further fuelling their curiosity and appreciation for knowledge.
Lower Sixth Former Johnny Hall commented, “Personally, I loved it when we explored Oxford looking at the Bodleian Library, which I found particularly interesting. The history and the number of books that would’ve been and still are housed was incredible, in addition to seeing the beautiful old architecture and feeling the atmosphere of an almost outdated academic setting.” 
“Our visit to Oxford and seeing the beautiful university campuses definitely motivated me to try harder in my studies as I would particularly like to apply for Oxford in the coming years. The trip overall allowed me to have a greater appreciation for genuine research and learning, pushing me to explore beyond the surface in the subjects I’ve chosen for the IB programme.”
This TOK trip was not just an educational excursion but a memorable experience that brought the IB students from both schools closer together. It provided them with a deeper understanding of the complexities of knowledge and the importance of critical thinking. The lessons learned and the memories made will undoubtedly stay with them as they continue their academic journey.
