Why is CAS required as an IB student? As you are well aware, not all meaningful learning takes place within the classroom. And not all learning comes from success. The CAS aspect of the IB Program is aimed to extend your talents outside of the academic classroom and develop your success on an intra and inter personal level; you will become an expert reflective practitioner, learning through life experiences.
As IB students you are likely involved in many interesting and valuable activities out- side of your school day – music, athletics, theater, community service, etc. CAS does not ask you to abandon these other activities, but instead calls upon you to consider how they help you to become a better world citizen.
CAS is about:
Reflective Thinking – You will better understand your own existing strengths and how to build and develop areas that may need personal growth.
Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone – You will find ways to seek out, create, and accept new roles and challenges, and learn from obstacles to expand your world.
Knowing Your Place – You will acquire an awareness of how your activity and involvements impact yourself, the community, and the environment.
Being Involved – You will become an active participant in projects developed by you and your peers.
Finding Balance – You will find and extend your limits within a range of activities, building your intellectual, physical, creative, adaptive, and emotional skills.
Now that you are ready to start, you may realize you have no idea what to do first. Here at EAC we have established some great starting points to help you get started on your CAS Journey. Head over to the Meaning of C.A.S and Active Projects part of the site to begin brainstorming your first CAS experiences.
If you have questions about the CAS Program, please feel free to email Paul Strootman at paul.strootman@eac.com.br