What is CAS?

CAS is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme (DP). A student who fails to satisfy the CAS requirement will not be awarded the IB diploma even if all other diploma conditions have been satisfactorily fulfilled. The CAS programme ensures that students participate in a range of activities alongside their academic studies.

It is not formally assessed. However, students reflect on their CAS experiences as part of the DP, and provide evidence of achieving the seven learning outcomes for CAS. Students need to demonstrate ongoing, frequent participation in CAS for the duration of the DP (18 months). 

Your CAS experiences can be inspired by an academic course, however, it cannot ‘double dip’. For example, if you are writing a play for your IB English class, you cannot use it as an experience for CAS.

CAS involves:

• Real, purposeful activities, which meet one or more of the 7 CAS Learning Outcomes. 

• Personal challenge: tasks must push the student outside of their comfort zone 

• Students using the CAS stages (iPADR - Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration) to guide CAS experiences and projects. 

• Developing and maintaining a CAS portfolio (using Toddle). The CAS portfolio is a collection of evidence that showcases your CAS experiences and reflection on the learning outcomes. This includes thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress, and reporting on experiences. 

• Achieving all of the seven CAS learning outcomes.

• One CAS project (see section CAS Project). 

• Three formal CAS interviews with your CAS Coordinator that will emphasize reflection. This will inform your learning and growth by allowing you to explore areas for further development.