Creativity, Activity, Service (often referred to as CAS) is a core component of the IB program at all grade levels that allows our students to explore and learn about their interests outside of the traditional classroom setting.  CAS is not only an invaluable opportunity for gaining real-world experience, but also for personal development and agency.

CAS is intended to facilitate both personal and interpersonal growth, and there are 7 learning outcomes that students are expected to demonstrate across the 11th and 12th grade years. These learning outcomes are what students are supposed to have done during their experiences: 

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth: Students are able to see themselves as individuals with various abilities and skills, of which some are more developed than others. 

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process: A new challenge may be an unfamiliar experience or an extension of an existing one. The newly acquired or developed skills may be shown through experiences that the student has not previously undertaken or through increased expertise in an established area. 

3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience: Students can articulate the stages from creating an idea to executing a plan for a CAS experience or series of experiences. THis may be accomplished in collaboration with other participants. Students may show their knowledge and awareness by building on a previous experience, or by launching a new idea or experience. 

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences: Students demonstrate regular involvement and active engagement in CAS. 

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively: Students are able to identify, demonstrate, and critically discuss the benefits and challenges of collaboration gained through CAS experiences. 

6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance: Students are able to identify and demonstrate their understanding of global issues, make responsible decisions, and take appropriate action in response to the issue either locally, nationally or internationally. 

7. Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions: Students show awareness of the consequences of choices and actions in planning and carrying out CAS experiences. 

Over 18 months, Diploma Program students are required to participate in 3 CAS experiences, or one for each strand as well as a longer-term, collaborative project. Students can find more detailed information in the CAS handbook provided by Mrs. Snow.