Creativity, Activity, Service recognises the importance of life outside the classroom

What does it involve?

IB pupils must take part in activities under the three strands of CAS:
Creativity – Any experience 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 or Career-related Programme.
Service - An unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the pupil.

Pupils must take part in two activities under each heading and prove that they are participating in CAS activities weekly. Pupils must also be involved in at least one project involving teamwork of significant duration.

Student development

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

Outcomes

Over the two years, pupils must 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 St Leonards, in recent times our IB pupils have taken part in a range of activities as part of CAS. 

• Sharing specialist knowledge with the Junior years.
• Tree planting and conservation projects.
• Helping in local charity shops.
• Duke of Edinburgh expedition training and assessed expeditions.
• Riding for the Disabled.
• Taking up a new musical instrument or organising a concert.
• Helping to teach languages to non-native speakers in local schools.
• Helping to set up and coach sports teams.

ManageBac

At St Leonards we use an online management system called 'ManageBac’ to help pupils to keep a record of their CAS programme over the two years. This enables them to plan all endeavours and contact supervisors and advisors easily. The pupils reflect on each activity in any form they choose, be it through a word document with photos, a PowerPoint presentation, a blog, or a film, which is then uploaded to their CAS file on ‘ManageBac’.

For an overview of ManageBac please see the ManageBac website.