What is CAS?
“Creativity, action and service (CAS) is at the heart of the IB Diploma Programme. It is one of the three essential elements in every student’s Diploma Programme experience. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows:Creativity: arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking. Action: physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the Diploma Programme. Service: an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.”
From Creativity, action and service guide, IBO (2008)
What is not CAS?
- Any activity for which there is financial reward
- Domestic duties
- Activity where no leader or adult supervision is present
- Passive pursuits
- Religious activities
- Tedious activity
- Fund-raising with no clear objective
- Work experience
New for 2008-2010
Students are now required to participate in at least one major project of significant duration that involves teamwork and that combines two or more aspects of CAS. This will contribute to the 150 hours of their minimum CAS experience.CAS Student Outcomes
- Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas for growth
- Undertaken new challenges
- Planned and initiated activities
- Worked collaboratively with others
- Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
- Engaged with issues of global importance
- Considered the ethical implications of their actions
- Developed new skills
Responsibilities of the student
It is important that students have ownership of their CAS programme, with appropriate guidance from mentors or advisors. Students are required to:- Self-review at the beginning of their CAS experience and set personal goals that they hope to achieve
- Plan, do and reflect
- Have at least one interim and one final interview with a CAS advisor (form teacher)
- Take part in a range of activities, including at least one major project
- Keep records
- Show evidence of having achieved the learning outcomes
Useful Forms and Information Sheets
CAS Choice Sheet 08/09 (pdf file) SJHS CAS Activity Form (pdf file) CAS Diary (pdf file)CAS News
SJHS: December 18, 2008CAS Calendar 2009 - CAS News
Dear Parents,We would like to inform you that the calendar for the CAS Project has now been published and will be on sale for 10 Euros before and after the Carol Service at Santa Maria del Carmine thi
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SJHS: December 1, 2008Amnesty International Visit and CAS. - CAS News
In preparation for our IB Diploma Programme next year, which will include significant courses dedicated to understanding and questioning all aspects of the society in which we live , Year 11s have bee
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Milan: May 29, 2008Esther Benjamins Trust - Commission a Mosaic - CAS News
Last term both Lower School and Upper School were delighted to host a visit from Camilla Kinchin of the Esther Benjamins Trust (EBT), the leading UK registered charity that works exclusively for disad
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Milan: May 29, 2008Esther Benjamins Trust Visit report by Denise Wilkinson, Year 11 - CAS News
Attached is a moving article written by Editor of Sir James Space newspaper, Denise Wilkinson of Year 11.
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Milan: May 29, 2008Esther Benjamins Trust (CAS project) - CAS News
Enclosed is the official Esther Benjamins Trust April update.
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Milan: May 29, 2008Esther Benjamins Trust/CAS Football Club initiative - CAS News
Dear Parents,Re: CAS/Esther Benjamins Trust InitiativeLast term, both Lower School and Upper School were delighted to host a visit from Camilla Kinchin of the Esther Benjamins Trust (EBT), http://www.
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