Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The Heart of the Diploma: Foundations of the DP Core

The transition into the IB Diploma Programme (DP) is about more than just your six subjects; it is defined by the DP Core, which challenges you to think critically and grow as a global citizen. This summer, you will begin your journey with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE). These introductory tasks are designed to shift your perspective, encouraging you to question the nature of knowledge, identify personal growth goals beyond the classroom, and begin exploring the research topics that fascinate you most. Engaging with these components now will provide the essential framework you need to navigate the next two years with curiosity, balance, and academic independence.

CAS in Everyday Life Challenge

CAS is about exploring your interests, developing new skills, supporting others, and reflecting on experiences beyond the classroom. Over the summer, your challenge is to intentionally engage in experiences that help you grow personally and connect with the world around you.

Your challenge

Complete experiences across at least TWO of the following CAS strands:

• Creativity – exploring ideas, arts, design, content creation, innovation, etc.

• Activity – physical activity, fitness, sport, outdoor experiences, wellbeing, etc.

• Service – helping or supporting others and engaging with your community.

Examples of experiences

• Learn a new skill (photography, cooking, coding, music, art, design, etc.)

• Start a small passion project or social media campaign

• Participate in sport, fitness, hiking, swimming, or training

• Volunteer or support a community initiative

• Organize a small event or fundraiser

• Read, create, build, teach, or collaborate with others

• Explore an issue you care about and take action in a small way

Final reflection

By the start of Grade 11, submit ONE of the following:

• A photo collage with captions

• A short video diary (2–3 minutes)

• A digital scrapbook/slideshow

• A written reflection (400–600 words)

Your reflection should include:

• What you did

• What challenged you

• What you learned about yourself

• How the experience connected to CAS learning outcomes

• What you may want to continue in DP

The purpose of this task is not to create the “perfect” CAS project, but to begin developing the mindset of curiosity, initiative, balance, and reflection that CAS encourages.

Books

• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

• Atomic Habits

• Ikigai

• Humankind

• Tuesdays with Morrie

Articles and inspiration

• UN Sustainable Development Goals

• DoSomething Youth Campaigns

• Teen Vogue Social Impact Section

Documentaries and films

• The Pursuit of Happyness

• Pay It Forward

• Inside Out

• Free Solo

• The Biggest Little Farm

Talks and online content

• TED-Ed YouTube Channel

• Goalcast YouTube Channel

• Yes Theory YouTube Channel