IB JUNIOR THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE AND CAS

RETREAT

Travel to countries rich in history, art, and natural beauty offers students the opportunity to learn through first-hand experience about alternate ways of interpreting reality. Students can see people’s changing values and beliefs through the ages illustrated by magnificent works of art, and they can begin to develop a historical perspective that helps to put ways of life into context. Meanwhile the students experience the language, food, and customs that define a people’s society and observe how the land and its climate have shaped human presence over time.

TASIS Theory of Knowledge students explore the intersection between “Ways of Knowing” and “Areas of Knowledge”. History, Art, Mathematics, Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, Ethics, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Religious Knowledge Systems are viewed through the lens of sense perception, emotion, reason, language, intuition, memory, faith, and instinct. In the Theory of Knowledge Retreat, students will be asked to think critically and imaginatively about the historical and cultural sites visited. They will participate in group-discussions about knowledge questions relevant to the events of the day, and make daily entries in their journals. Based in , IB Juniors will attend this retreat in Italy as part of their Theory of Knowledge course

and CAS program

The Theory of Knowledge Retreat will focus on essential elements of the course’s curriculum, and participation by all Year 1 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma candidates is expected. Any students who are unable to attend will be required to make up the missed work and time (20 hours) through a combination of essays, presentations, and research assignments. Successful completion of the Theory of Knowledge course is a requirement for the IB diploma.

Day 1 - Monday, October 21 We begin our visit to the ‘Eternal City’ at the , and walk to the Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo and considered one of Rome's most beautiful squares. We can see the Altare Monument to Victor Emmanuelle with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Next we have a look at two of Rome’s many churches, which contain some of Italy’s most famous works of art. We begin with the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino. This church houses works by numerous important artists, including the high altar by Bernini, and a cult-figure of the Madonna del Parto by Jacopo Sansovino (1516) on the entrance wall. The Madonna dei Pellegrini, painted by Caravaggio in 1609, was considered scandalous because the pilgrims, who come to pay tribute to the Madonna (who stands barefoot and humbly in her doorway), also had the dirty feet of the real models that Caravaggio used, and this was not considered decorous by the wealthy patrons of the church. Next, we move on to the Contarelli Chapel in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, where Caravaggio executed three canvases. We then make our way to , one of the grandest squares of Rome, with Bernini’s famous , street artists, and stalls. Across the way, we can have a look at the Pantheon, which is one of the best-preserved of all Roman buildings. It has been in continuous use throughout its history, and since the 7th century, the Pantheon has been a Roman dedicated to "St. Mary and the Martyrs" but informally known as "Santa Maria della Rotonda." The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda. Dinner will be in a local restaurant.

Day 2 - Tuesday, October 22 We begin the day with a look at the Trevi . Legend claims that those who throw a coin in the water will return to Rome. From there we walk to the , for a look at the church, shops and hustle and bustle of Rome's most chic shopping area. We continue on to the Piazza del Popolo. The north side the square is dominated by the , which leads to the . Since the Via Flaminia was built in AD 220 to connect Rome with the Adriatic coast, this was the way many travellers first entered the Rome. Near the piazza is the Villa Borghese, the largest public park in Rome. It features a lake, temples, fountains, statues and several museums. There we can visit either the or the Galleria Barberini, the setting of which in itself is incredible, as one gazes up at the breath- taking fresco in the main hall. The fresco, by Pietro da Cortona, dates to 1632 and is a glorification of the Barberini family, and in particular of Maffeo Barberini, Pope Urban VIII. We then take a break for lunch. After lunch we may have time for a quick visit to the Cerasi Chapel of the church of . This chapel houses Caravaggio’s The Crucifixion of Saint Peter and The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Way to Damascus. There is also the central panel that depicts the Assumption of the Virgin by Annibale Caracci.

Day 3 - Wednesday, October 23 This morning we start with a visit to the . We begin with the square and then go into St. Peter's Basilica, with its many Renaissance and treasures. Afterwards, the energetic can walk up the 300 steps to the grand Dome for a fine view of Rome. Next we have a tour of the Vatican Museum and the famous . After lunch we have a look at the various facades and art of some of the churches such as San Carlo alle Quatre Fontane, the Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vittoria and Santa Maria degli Angeli. For dinner this evening, we go to nearby Trastevere, to a lively local restaurant. Afterwards, we go for a taste of that wonderful Italian specialty, homemade ‘gelato’.

Day 4 - Thursday, October 24 In the morning we visit the Catacombs of St. Domitilia. The catacomb of Domitilla with its 15 km of subterranean galleries is not only the largest catacomb of Rome, it also provides an extensive insight into all phases and phenomena of an Early-Christian necropolis. We have a guided tour and will see some of the 80 ‘painted’ tombs and wall frescoes. Following lunch, we visit the . In the afternoon, we’ll work in some last minute free time for shopping if the group wishes. Dinner tonight is in a local trattoria.

Day 5 - Friday, October 25 This morning we have breakfast and do our final packing, before our private coach transfers us to the Rome airport, for our departure back to London.

The order of the visits may change according to the needs of the group and availability.