The Core: CAS
“...if you believe in something, you must not just think or talk or write, but must act.”
Alec Peterson, 2003
Mr David Prochaska - CAS Coordinator - dprochaska@dresden-is.de
Aims
The CAS programme is at the heart of the DP. With its holistic approach, CAS is designed to strengthen and extend students’ personal and interpersonal learning from the PYP and MYP. A meaningful CAS programme should be a journey of discovery of yourself and others. The CAS programme lasts for 18 months and aims to develop students who:
enjoy and find significance in a range of CAS experiences
purposefully reflect upon their experiences
identify goals, develop strategies and determine further actions for personal growth
explore new possibilities, embrace new challenges and adapt to new roles
actively participate in planned, sustained and collaborative CAS projects
understand they are members of local and global communities with responsibilities towards each other and the environment
What is CAS?
Any CAS experience must:
fit within one or more of the CAS strands
be based on a personal interest, skill, talent or opportunity for growth
provide opportunities to develop the attributes of the IB learner profile
not be used or included in the student’s Diploma course requirements
Responsibilities of the student
As far as possible, students should “own” their personal CAS programmes. With guidance, students should choose activities for themselves, initiating new ones where appropriate. Your advisor is also your CAS Advisor, and the first person you should go to with a question. The CAS Coordinator is also there to help you with larger issues.
Students are required to:
Self-review at the beginning of their CAS experience and set personal goals for what they hope to achieve through their CAS programme
Plan, do and reflect (plan activities, carry them out and reflect on what they have learned)
Meet regularly with their CAS Advisor
Take part in a range of experiences
Take part in at least one CAS project - a collaborative project that can be creative, active, and/or service-oriented that involves investigation, planning, action, and reflection.
Document their experiences on Managebac by adding evidence and reflections.
Show evidence of achievement of the seven CAS learning outcomes
Resources
Here you can find resources, directions, and general information
This is the website where students document experiences by adding goals, evidence and reflections
Timeline
By the very nature of the goals of the programme, CAS must be pursued throughout the two years of grades 11 and 12. The CAS programme formally begins at the start of the Diploma Programme and continues regularly, ideally on a weekly basis, for at least 18 months with a reasonable balance between creativity, activity, and service.Per Semester Requirements
Grade 11 Semester 1 and 2, Grade 12 Semester 1:
2 completed ongoing experiences
2 completed single experiences
These experiences must have at least one C, A and S.
Grade 12 Semester 2:
1 ongoing experience
1 single experience
Ongoing experiences should have 4 written reflections and evidence of ongoing participation.
Graduation Requirements
7 completed ongoing experiences
7 completed single experiences
There is a balance of C, A and S experiences.
All 7 Learning Outcomes must be met.
Completed CAS Project with evidence of research, planning, action, and reflection
Participation in a CAS panel final interview
