What Is CAS?

CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service and is one of the three elements of the Diploma Programme Core: Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and CAS. “The Core is seen as the heart of the Diploma Programme and strives to make a difference to the lives of students. It provides opportunities for students to think about their own values and actions, to understand their place in the world, and to shape their identity.”

IBO, Creativity, activity, service guide, 2015, p. 3.

Fast Facts:

  • Is one of the three elements of the Core of the Diploma Program, along with TOK and Extended Essay

  • Formally begins at the start of the Diploma Programme

  • Is a requirement for the award of the IB Diploma.

      • The school and students must threfore give CAS as much importance as any other element of the Diploma Programme

  • Continues regularly, ideally on a weekly basis, for at least 18 months

  • Has a reasonable balance between Creativity, Activity, and Service

  • Students must achieve the seven CAS learning outcomes.

  • All CAS students are expected to maintain and complete a CAS portfolio as evidence of their engagement with CAS.

        • It contains a collection of evidence that showcases CAS experiences, the student’s reflections, and how they have achieved each learning outcome

        • This is done via Managebac, it is not formally assessed

  • Students demonstrate attributes of the IB Learner Profile in real and practical ways

  • CAS makes the IB holistic, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment.

  • A meaningful CAS programme is a journey of discovery of self and others.

  • For many, CAS is profound and life-changing.

      • Each individual student has a different starting point and different needs and goals. A CAS programme is, therefore, individualized according to student interests, skills, values and background.

      • See the Impact of CAS

  • CAS emphasizes reflection which is central to building a deep and rich experience in CAS.

      • Reflection informs students’ learning and growth by allowing students to explore ideas, skills, strengths, limitations and areas for further development and consider how they may use prior learning in new contexts.

  • There are three formal documented interviews students must have with their CAS coordinator/adviser.


The CAS Aims

The CAS programme aims to develop students who:

  • enjoy and find significance in a range of CAS experiences

  • purposefully reflect upon their experiences

  • identify goals, develop strategies and determine further actions for personal growth

  • explore new possibilities, embrace new challenges and adapt to new roles

  • actively participate in planned, sustained, and collaborative CAS projects

  • understand they are members of local and global communities with responsibilities towards each other and the environment.


IBO, Creativity, activity, service guide, 2015, p. 8.

CAS is part of the IB continuum and builds upon the action and service students experienced in the MYP and PYP. With its holistic approach, CAS is designed to strengthen and extend students’ personal and interpersonal learning from the PYP and MYP.

IBO, ‘Creativity, Activity, Service Guide’ 2015, page 8