Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)

“Think globally, act locally”

The purpose of the CAS component of the Diploma Programme is fundamental to the philosophy of the IB as stated in the Mission Statement and described in the Learner Profile.

The IBO’s goal is to educate the whole person, to help students become responsible, and compassionate citizens. The (CAS) encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others. Students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, athletics and community service activities. Through these activities, students develop greater awareness of self and concern for others, & the ability to work cooperatively with others.

Creativity is defined as aesthetic or performance pursuits such as theatre, painting, music, sculpture, or something similar. Planning creative activities could also be included. Participation in debating or designing and implementing service projects are other examples.

Action is defined as physical activity including, but not limited to, competitive sports. All CAS activities must be supervised & they must be developmental. Ongoing activities are strongly encouraged, as they add weight to a university application.

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. Service involves interaction, such as the building of links with individuals or groups in the community. The community may be the school, the town, or it may exist on national and international levels.

The record-keeping associated with participation in CAS is important. All activities must have prior approval of the CAS Advisor.

CAS Guide (pdf format)

CAS activities should involve 4 main elements:
• A real, purposeful activity
• A personal challenge – extend yourself beyond your comfort zone
• Consideration prior to (planning, goal setting) and during (progress, analysis) the activity
• Reflection on completion (Guidelines for Reflection)

What should you expect to gain from your CAS experience?
• Better self awareness, personal growth
• Better sense of responsibility
• Time management experience
• Improved problem solving skills
• More experience working collaboratively
• See your 'Theory of Knowledge' into action
• Establish what will become a lifelong process

Student Responsibilities:
• To set goals for what you wish to achieve during your CAS participation (CAS Goal Setting)
• To plan each activity, to complete it & to write a reflection (CAS Interim Activity Report)
• To do a range of activities &, at least one larger project, in which you have planned & coordinated with others
• To keep records of activities under appropriate headings & to log hours & obtain signature of CAS Supervisor
• Show evidence of the 8 CAS outcomes ( CAS Supervisor's Report)

Evaluation of CAS
Successful completion of CAS will be awarded providing there is evidence, over a variety of activities, of the
following expectations (CAS Guide 2008)
• Increased awareness of personal strengths and areas of growth
• New challenges have been undertaken
• Activity planning – alone or in collaboration with others
• Working cooperatively
• Perseverance and commitment
• Issues of global import (ex. environment, caring for the elderly, poverty issues)
• Consideration of implications of actions on others
• New skills have been developed

What do you need to do now?
• Examine the Learner Profile. What aspects represent your present strengths? Which aspects require more
growth? Record this information for future reflection
• Set goals for CAS experience – both long and short term goals
• Consider your present interests, long-standing hobbies or favourite activities. How can you incorporate these into your CAS experience?
• Talk with others. What might you do collaboratively?

What is NOT CAS?
• Tedious, repetitive work with no ultimate purpose or service to someone else
• Anything passive (visiting a museum or an art gallery)
• Any activity with no leader or supervisor to evaluate your contribution.
• Anything in a religious context such as teaching Sunday School in your church.

Rule of thumb:
Consult the evaluation outcome expectations. If they are being honoured in some meaningful way and a goal can be set, the activity can be considered CAS. Check with the CAS supervisor if you are not certain.

Forms:
• CAS Goal Setting
• CAS Interim Activity Report
• CAS Supervisor's Report
• Guidelines for Reflections