cas faq

1. How many CAS experiences do I need to complete?

There is no set number of CAS experiences you must complete. Instead, students are encouraged to have a variety of meaningful experiences across all three strands (Creativity, Activity, Service) throughout 18 months.

2. How much time do I need to spend on CAS?

While the IB does not prescribe a specific number of hours, students are expected to engage with CAS consistently over the 18 months of the program, showing a balance of Creativity, Activity, and Service experiences.

3. How many reflections do I need to write for each experience?

You need at least three reflections per experience, focusing on the Learning Outcomes you have selected. You are welcome to take this approach below if you are wondering how you should start!

1. Pre-experience reflection -- investigation/planning stage

2. Mid-experience reflection(s) -- action stage 

3. Post-experience reflection -- demonstration stage

4. How much reflection should I write for my experience?

CAS supervisors will look for quality over quantity. This means that supervisors will check whether you have explicitly addressed the learning outcomes you have selected for your experience, and have genuinely considered what you learned from the experience. 

Nonetheless, the recommended length of your reflections is 100-150 words per learning outcome. For example, if you have selected three learning outcomes for your experience, you would produce 300-450 words of genuine reflection.

If your supervisor feels like you do not have sufficient reflection, they will direct you to answer a couple more CAS reflection questions before they check off your experience. Please see the advisor page for more information. 

5. What is the difference between CAS advisors and CAS supervisors?

CAS advisors are your foundation teachers, who will oversee your overall CAS progress for two years. Your CAS supervisors, on the other hand, will supervise your individual CAS experience and/or CAS projects.

6. What is the difference between CAS experience and CAS project?

CAS experience is a smaller, shorter activity focused on one or more CAS strands (Creativity, Activity, Service). 

CAS project, such as organising a community event, is a larger effort with the following requirements: 

• Collaboration with another DP student(s),

• Requires planning,

• Spans at least a month,

• Addresses one or more strands of CAS.

Only full DP students need to complete a CAS project.

7. Do CAS activities have to be linked to my school curriculum?

No, CAS experiences do not need to be connected to your school subjects. However, they should challenge you to develop new skills, explore your interests, and contribute meaningfully to your community.

8. Can paid work (like an internship) count as CAS?

No, CAS experiences should be unpaid. They are meant to contribute to personal growth and community involvement, rather than serve as employment.

9. How do I document my CAS experiences?

SFS uses ManageBac as a way to document your CAS portfolio. For more information on how to do this, please refer to the ManageBac tab on this website. 

10. Can I use the same activity for CAS and for another IB requirement?

No, activities that are used for other IB requirements, such as the Extended Essay or Internal Assessments, cannot be double-counted for CAS. CAS activities must be unique and separate from academic coursework.

11. How does CAS affect my IB Diploma?

CAS is a requirement for earning the IB Diploma. Although it is not graded, students must meet all CAS requirements, including completing a CAS project, documenting experiences, and engaging meaningfully in all three strands, to receive their diploma.

12. What if I struggle to complete my CAS requirements?

Come talk to Ms. Lee or email me: jungmeen.lee@seoulforeign.org