Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is a non-examined component of the Diploma Program which emphasizes experiential learning. Over the two-year program you must engage in activities outside the classroom and develop a number of personal skills achieving the eight learning outcomes given by the IBO. In order to have sufficient time to do this, you should aim to spend about 3 – 4 hours a week. Therefore, CAS activities should continue on a regular basis for as long as possible throughout the program, and certainly for at least 18 months.
- CAS is about taking risks, exploring, challenging oneself, and personal development
- CAS is designed to encourage students to take up NEW ROLES and to learn NEW SKILLS.
- Although there are three elements – Creativity, Action, Service, it is important not to consider them as mutually exclusive.
- It is based on the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate program – learning beyond the classroom.
- This document is to make the CAS program a reflective process, and not merely a record of hours clocked in.
Creativity is interpreted as imaginatively as possible to cover a wide range of arts and other activities outside the normal curriculum which include creative thinking in the design and carrying out of service projects.
Action can include participation in expeditions, individual and team sports, and physical activities outside the normal curriculum; it also includes physical activity involved in carrying out creative and service projects. Action may involve participation in sport or other activities requiring physical exertion – such as expeditions and camping trips, or digging trenches to lay water pipes to bring fresh water to a village. Students should be encouraged towards group and team activities, and undertaking new roles, but an individual commitment is acceptable where the general requirements of CAS are met, goals are set, and the student reflects on progress.
Service involves interaction, such as the building of links with individuals or groups in the community. Service activities should not only involve doing things for others but also doing things with others and developing a real commitment with them. The relationship should therefore show respect for the dignity and self-respect of others.
