What is CAS?
By Alicia (DP1), CAS
CAS can be arguably the most important part of an IB student’s journey. Not only is it a pass or failing criteria for the diploma (high stakes but high reward) but it can also dramatically improve their experience.
CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service and is one of the three core components of the IB Diploma Programme. Alongside their studies, every IBDP student must participate in activities which cover the three strands in balance. The idea is to broaden the experience, provide opportunities for collaboration, promote personal growth and to counterbalance the full on academic requirements. At the beginning of each experience, the student sets a goal to work towards and as they participate in the activity and gain skills and knowledge they reflect on their experience. When done well, the CAS component can provide a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment.
The three strands are:
Creativity: arts, languages, music or any activity involving creative expression or thinking
Activity: sports, dance, or any activity involving physical exertion
Service: volunteering, teaching, or any activity which provides a service to the community
At Westbourne, we receive one period per week (Monday afternoon) to set up clubs (e.g. Chess club) or to go out and participate in events of our choice. This time is also a chance to ensure we are on track with our reflections. However, it is recommended that students integrate many activities throughout the week to enhance their CAS experience.
The final component of the CAS experience is the CAS project. This entails a series of CAS experiences completed in collaboration with others (doesn’t have to be within the school or diploma programme) which occur over a month. The CAS project promotes perseverance and sustained collaboration and can involve one, two or even three of the CAS strands.
If you would like to learn more about the CAS core component or if you would like to gain some inspiration for some potential CAS opportunities, there are a variety of links below.
See Jaslin’s (DP2) work of art as she flourished at Chinese Painting in 2021.