What is CAS?
CAS is a fundamental part of the Diploma Program 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.
The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in theater or musical productions, and sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves and concern for others, as well as the ability to work cooperatively with other people. 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, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people.
Some of our HHS IB Art students participated in "The Memory Project" as a creative component to their CAS experience. Here is a clip that aired on CBS Evening news August 2, 2010. For more information check out The Memory Project's website!
The focus of CAS is on the learning outcomes listed below. These outcomes help to emphasize that it is the quality of a CAS activity (its contribution to the student’s development) that is of most importance. The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity is approximately the equivalent of half a day per school week (three to four hours per week), or approximately 150 hours in total, with a reasonable balance between creativity, action and service. “Hour counting”, however, is not encouraged.
CAS and Service Learning Resources
As a result of students' CAS experience, there should be evidence that students have:
ManageBac
HHS IB students enter their CAS activities and supporting documentation (journals, reflections, pictures, etc.) on the Humble ManageBac. CAS documentation should be kept current and up-to-date!