Frequently  Asked Questions

1. How do I add a new experience on Managebac?

Watch this tutorial to learn how to create an experience and fill out a Supervisor Consent Form.

2. Do I have to do CAS over the summer?

Students are encouraged to stay involved with a limited number of their CAS experiences and upload periodic reflections, but this is not strictly required. A reasonable break in experiences (such as summer break) is allowed.

3. Can I start my programme in the summer before grade 11?

No. The 18 months starts from the first day of school in Grade 11.

4. Can I finish CAS early?

No. You must participate in some form of CAS experiences until February of Grade 12.

5. Does this count as CAS?

Please see the infographic below to work out whether something you want to do can count as a CAS experience.

Ask yourself the following questions:

6. Can the experience incorporate more than one CAS strand?

Yes. It can meet more than one CAS strand, can meet more than one learning outcome, and can be more than once kind of experience (community-based, individual, etc.).

7. Can school clubs count (MUN, StuCo, Green Club)?

Definitely! As long as they meet one of the three strands and at least one learning outcome. 

Please remember that just sitting in a meeting once a week listening to other people talk really isn’t a good CAS experience.

8. Is a supervisor required?

Yes, a supervisor is required for all experiences. If the experiences has some safety risk, the supervisor must be physically present watching you do it.

9. Who can be a supervisor for an experience?

Anyone who can help enrich your CAS experiences can be a supervisor. They should be able to offer you guidance, and also be able to verify your commitment to the experience. 

Be sure to ask them if they would be willing to be your supervisor before you start.

They cannot be a parent or other family member. 

10. Where can I go for ideas of how to get involved in a CAS experience?

See the Creativity, Activity, and Service pages of this website. Look at past CAS Glow-ups. Go online and google it. Ask a friend. Ask your parents. Talk to your advisor. Read messages on ManageBac. Come meet the CAS Coordinator.

The experiences are out there, you just need to be proactive!

11. What is the monitoring process?

The coordinator will meet with your entire class during CAS classes as needed, and also meet with you formally for three personal interviews. You can also schedule appointments when needed.

Your advisor will check in with you periodically. Feel free to talk to them anytime!

Communication will happen frequently through ManageBac, so make sure you’re keeping reflections and experiences up to date.

You will get comments on your report card each quarter.

12. Can I do CAS even if I'm not doing the full IB Diploma?

YES! In fact you have to, as it’s also a requirement for the Seisen diploma.

13. How many CAS projects do I need to complete?

Just one! But many students enjoy working collaboratively so they often have several.

14. What happens if I don’t complete CAS?

Your IB Diploma will be withheld until the requirements have been met. You will have up to one year to finish any outstanding requirements.

15. Can I be paid for my CAS Service?

No. You cannot receive anything for your CAS experiences, not even class credit.

16. Can I do fundraising for my CAS Service?

You need to speak to Ms. X for special approval.

Technically you can, but first ask yourself; where is the authentic need? Are you actually doing something that will genuinely benefit a person or a cause? Or are you simply throwing money at an issue? Before you decide to do a fundraiser, try to think more deeply and creatively about how you could address the same issue. How could you genuinely make a meaningful impact? Does it need to be direct service?

If you do decide to do a fundraiser you need to account for every yen: exactly how much was raised? How will you prove this? Who will you give the money to? How will you prove that all of it has been donated?