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The Extended Essay supervision process is built around three clear stages that guide students from their first ideas through to the final viva voce. Each stage has a specific purpose and is supported by structured meetings that help students make thoughtful, ethical and informed decisions.
Supervisors are not responsible for teaching content. Instead, the role is to guide the student’s thinking, ask purposeful questions and support an independent research journey.
Stage One
Stage One
Subject and Topic Selection
One to two months
Purpose:
Students move from broad interests to a focused and viable research question.
Supervisor supports:
Early exploration and background reading
Checking that the topic fits the subject
Identifying ethical issues
Helping the student refine a clear question
Meetings:
Check in One
Early ideas, interests, initial reading.
Check in Two
Source viability, shaping a stronger question.
Reflection Session One
Refined proposal confirmed as focused and ethical.
Stage Two
Stage Two
Developing the Essay
Two to three months
Purpose:
Students carry out research, strengthen their argument and write their first full draft.
Supervisor supports:
Deepening inquiry
Strengthening focus
Encouraging analysis and structure
Evaluating sources and methods
Meetings:
Reflection Session Two
Progress, challenges and developing understanding.
Check in Three
One complete draft discussed. Only open questions and process focused comments permitted.
Stage Three
Stage Three
Completion and Final Reflection
One to two months
Purpose:
Students finalise their essay and reflect on their learning journey.
Supervisor supports:
Preparing for the viva voce
Confirming authenticity
Encouraging evaluation of skills and decisions
Meeting:
Reflection Session Three (viva voce)
Short final conversation about growth, insights and next steps.
Supervision Process Inforgraphic
Supervision Process Inforgraphic
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