At the heart of the IB philosophy, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core mandatory component of the IB Diploma Programme. It recognizes the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to academic studies. By fulfilling the CAS component, IB students are able to present to university admissions tutors a truly rounded CV.

What does it involve?

IB students must take part in activities under the three strands of CAS:

Creativity – Any experience or project that involves creative learning and thinking, for example Art, Music or Drama.
Activity – Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the Diploma Programme, for example sporting activities.
Service – An unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. It encourages students to take action in the service of others.

Students must take part in at least two activities under each strand and at least one group project that expands beyond one month and meets more than one strand, and prove that they are participating in CAS activities weekly.

Student development

CAS seeks to achieve demonstrable development in students. To ensure this, students’ individual CAS programmes should involve real, purposeful activities with significant outcomes. Tasks involve thoughtful consideration such as planning and reviewing. Reflection on outcomes achieved and personal learning must take place.

Outcomes

For the two years of the IB programme, students need to show evidence that they have achieved all seven of a set of outcomes which includes: increased awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth; undertaking new challenges; planning and initiating activities, worked collaboratively with others; show they have considered the ethical implications of their actions; demonstrate commitment and perseverance as well as global engagement.

Examples of CAS activities

At MICS, in recent times our IB students have taken part in a range of activities as part of CAS. Below are examples of the activities: