CAS: Creativity, Action, Service
What is CAS? ... and why do it?
CAS stands for CREATIVITY, ACTION AND SERVICE and is an integral and essential part of the IB Curriculum. It is so important that the student will need to participate fully in the programme if he or she is to be awarded a Diploma, even if the student has scored maximum points in the academic part of the course. Your participation in CAS is also of great interest to universities you may apply to in the future. Your referees will be asked to comment on your commitment and involvement in this area.
The principle is that education is not just about classrooms, information and study. You must have the opportunity to develop your attitudes and values and test these against practical experience. A narrow academic curriculum can be avoided by encouraging you to explore and develop your particular skills, talents and interests in an active way. Hopefully CAS will challenge you in ways you have never experienced before.
We believe that giving something of your time and your skills to others in some form of service will not only allow you to see something of the satisfaction to be gained by helping others but also help you to understand yourself better. IB students have much to offer and it is right that the gifted should give. Naturally, we also hope that your contribution, however small,will make another person's life that little better.
CAS Activities and Project Guide
A Balanced Programme
During your two years of CAS involvement you should attempt to follow a range of activities in the areas Creativity, Action and Service. It is a requirement of the IB that each of the three elments be given an adecuate amount of time to maintain the overall balance. Your CAS activities will hopefully involve you both in and outside school.
Fulfilling the CAS requirements
In order to achieve the award of the IB Diploma you must participate fully in the school's CAS programme. This will require dedicating three to four hourse per week to your CAS activities. Each students should engage in a minimum of two projects a year, one of which is outside the school community.
Choosing your Programme
You must think very carefully about your projects since you will be discouraged from giving it up at any point throughout the year. You must show commitment and persistence in the activity of your choice. When you have decided on your programme for the year you will then need to discuss it with your CAS supervisor; if the programme you have chosen is suitable you may then record it in your "Propuesta de Prográma" section of the handbook given to you. Soon afterwards you will have the opportunity to meet your fellow participants and your activity leader if appropriate to plan your activities for the year.
