Learning Outcome Descriptors

The following chart shows example descriptors for each CAS learning outcome. These descriptors are provided only as suggestions; they are not exhaustive, and can be adapted, edited, and more may be added.

Learning outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• is aware of own strengths and weaknesses

• is open to improvement and growth opportunities

• is able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

• is willing to participate in different activities

• is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

• is able to see themselves as individuals with various abilities and skills, some more developed than others.

Learning outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

• is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

• acquires new skills and abilities

• increases expertise in an established area

• shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area.

Learning outcome 3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• is able to articulate the CAS stages including investigation, preparation, action, reflection (ongoing) and demonstration, moving from conceiving an idea to carrying out a plan for a CAS experience or series of CAS experiences

• demonstrates knowledge and awareness by building on a previous CAS experience

• shows initiative by launching a new idea or process

• suggests creative ideas, proposals or solutions

• integrates reflective thoughts in planning or taking initiative

• is aware of roles and responsibilities when designing an individual or collective CAS experience

• shows responsible attitude to CAS project planning

• is able to develop a coherent action plan taking into account the aim or purpose, activities and resources.

Learning outcome 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

• is able to foresee potential challenges to the initial plan and consider valid alternatives and contingencies

• demonstrates adaptability to uncertainties and changes

• gets involved in long-term CAS experiences and CAS project.

Learning outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• shares skills and knowledge

• listens respectfully to proposals from peers

• is willing to take on different roles within a team

• shows respect for different points of view and ideas

• makes valuable contributions

• is responsible for participating in the group

• readily assists others

• is able to identify, demonstrate and discuss critically the benefits and challenges of collaboration gained through CAS experiences.

Learning outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• recognizes the global implications of local issues

• is able to identify global issues in the local or national community

• shows awareness of issues of global importance and takes concrete and appropriate actions in response to them either locally, nationally or internationally

• gets involved in CAS projects addressing global issues in a local, national or international context

• develops awareness and responsibility towards a shared humanity.

Learning outcome 7: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Suggested descriptors

The student:

• recognizes ethical issues

• is able to explain the social influences on one’s ethical identity

• takes into account cultural context when making a plan or ethical decision

• identifies what is needed to know in order to make an ethical decision

• articulates ethical principles and approaches to ethical decisions

• shows accountability for choices and actions

• is aware of the consequences of choices and actions regarding self, others involved and the community

• integrates the process of reflection when facing an ethical decision

• shows awareness of the potential and varied consequences of choices and actions in planning and carrying out CAS experiences.