Learning

Creativity, Action & Service (CAS)

Creativity, Action, Service is known by its acronym CAS and is a fundamental part of the IB Diploma experience. The CAS requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a refreshing counterbalance to the academic self-absorption some may feel within a demanding school environment. The IB goal of educating the whole person and fostering a more compassionate and active citizenry comes alive in an immediate way when students reach beyond themselves and their books.

CAS involves three essential elements:

Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects.

Action can include not only participation in individual and team sports but also taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.

Service encompasses a host of community and social service activities. Some examples include helping children with special needs, the Tanzania project at M.I.S., visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people.

Students must complete 150 hours of CAS. Students must do CAS in both 11th and 12th grade regardless if they have completed all 150 hours in 11th grade.

Contact

Neil Sideco Neil Sideco
CAS Coordinator

 

Every CAS activity brought a specific challenge with it. I was able to meet challenges, progressed in new roles, learned from my experience and more than once was made aware of my personal limitations. I would never have thought that the combination of Creativity, Action, and Service could and would bring with it all these experiences. I furthermore learned to be more self-confident, take responsibility, show commitment, and take initiative. Whilst I am usually a very individual worker, CAS helped me to improve my adaptability, collaboration, as well as, a sense of justice and fair play in working with others.

Overall, CAS surprisingly had an effect on me, and my attitude towards my environment and community – which I would have not expected at first.

Beatrice Kuhlin 12E
Class of 2009