CREATIVITY: Although this part of the CAS experience does involve the arts – music, drama, visual arts, it is helpful to look at it for the root of its meaning. “Creativity” comes from the verb “to create.” Anything involving the creation of something else, could be considered to work for this part of CAS. Creativity involves the creation of something, not necessarily being creative in the artistic sense, though it can be. If you are already involved in a creative experience - playing an instrument, for example – this should not hinder you from using it towards your CAS experience, as long as it is not merely “more of the same.”
Examples:
Taking classes to learn to dance the tango.
Playing a song on your guitar using only arpeggios, instead of strumming.
Learning to cook a variety of recipes.
ACTIVITY: When you think of this part of CAS, think “sweat.” If it is physical in nature, contributing to a healthy lifestyle, then it will most likely fulfill this requirement of the CAS Experience. Like the Creativity part of CAS, this one also is about personal improvement, however, through physical activity. If you are already involved in an athletic team/ club, this will not be a problem. Use it to better your contribution to your team and/ or collaborate with your coach to help you achieve your goal. Again, make sure your goal is attainable and not “more of the same,” such as in the previous section.
Examples:
Going to the gym/academia with the goal of decreasing your BMI.
Increasing your free-throw average in basketball.
Choreographing a routine for the school Dance Crew.
SERVICE: This is probably the easiest of the three to understand. This is also the only one that focuses of the betterment of others over self, though you likely will benefit from the experiences as well. It is important to remember, however, that “service” in the CAS Experience in unpaid and must involve an element of autonomy, meaning the student may not simply volunteer their time. Service in the CAS Experience must show leadership and forethought. The IB also requires that the rights, dignity, and autonomy of all those involved are respected.
It is important that your service activities are meaningful to both you and beneficial to those you are serving. Simply volunteering by showing up and performing a predetermined task does not embody the spirit of Service within the CAS Experience. Remember also that any activity involving others must preserve and respect the “rights, dignity, and autonomy of all those involved.”
Examples:
Leading and managing a service group at Grupo Primavera.
Tutoring Middle School students in math after school.
Getting involved with one of the many Rotary service projects at EAC.
