What is CAS?
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) is placed at the heart of the IB Diploma Programme because it where the student is focused on their individual talents and channelling them into the all important role of being a responsible citizen who has a sense of her community on both a local, national and international scale. Creativity focuses on aspects of the individual such as Drama, Music and Art. Action focuses on physical work such as a new sport or a personal fitness programme and service is where the student gets involved in their local community. The aim of CAS is to encourage independent thinking and a sense of self development.
How does CAS work?
Each student is monitored by the CAS co-ordinator and a supervisor (usually their tutor). Each student will create their own CAS programme which will involve 150 hours balanced between the three areas, ideas might include organizing a charity event, taking up a new sport, working as a volunteer in a local community project. The Sixth Form already operates a very wide reaching enrichment programme and many of these activities embrace the CAS criteria, for example the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and vinvolved (the national volunteering programme that has replaced Millennium Volunteers).
How will CAS be assessed?
CAS will be assessed firstly in the form of a regular meeting between the co-ordinator and the student. There will also be a project report that each student will be asked to create outlining what they have achieved and each student will be expected to base this on a journal which they keep for the duration of their time on the course.