CAS is not a race to list the largest number of experiences. Some students populate their CAS Portfolio with tons of activities in the hope of impressing future universities. In fact, this can backfire on you. What happens in most cases is that these students spread themselves thin and cannot fully participate. They either end up skipping meetings, neglecting their tasks, or incurring the wrath of team members. Moreover, their reflections on what they have achieved are often questioned by their supervisors. Focus instead on a balance of fun and challenging C,A,S  experiences you can truly commit to, participate actively in, and make an impact. Ideally commit to one experience for each strand so you can give it your full commitment and meet the learning outcomes. 

Any class activity or project where you receive a grade and/or is part of the Diploma Programme is not considered for CAS. However, you can extend these for CAS. For example, if your work in Science involves research that helps the local community and you contact local officials to share your insights and get involved in the discussions, then it becomes CAS. Or in the case of Art, you could use your finished art pieces and showcase them at an art exhibit in a senior home to allow more intergenerational interaction. Thinking this way allows your school work to be more meaningful and make more impact as it becomes part of your CAS experience.

Any experience where you are personally rewarded either financially or with some benefit will not be considered for Service. 

Any passive pursuit such as attending a march, visiting a museum, art exhibit, concert or sports events is not CAS.

All forms of duty within the family are not CAS. As a reminder, family members cannot serve as CAS Supervisors.  

Work experience that only benefits you is not CAS. 

Religious activity which can be interpreted as trying to convert people is not CAS. That said, if you’re part of the church choir, then we consider the singing part for Creativity. If you’re assisting child care for Sunday school, then we focus on the skill of managing little children for CAS, which could meet several CAS strands. 

Fundraising with no clearly defined goals is not CAS. Before starting any fundraiser or donation collection, you will be asked to provide evidence that the recipient of the funds/donation has confirmed that monetary support or donation(s) is needed/wanted. 

Outside experiences that have no responsible supervisor to confirm student performance is not CAS.

Any experience that causes division among groups in the community is not CAS.

CAS is not counting hours.