INTERVIEWS

There must be a minimum of three interviews between a student and the CAS coordinator/adviser where student progress is discussed and appropriate encouragement and advice is given. The interviews should occur at least twice in the first year of the Diploma Programme and once in the second year. Feedback from these interviews is recorded by the CAS coordinator/adviser.

The interviews are documented on a CAS progress form. If concerns arise, particularly with respect to successful completion of the CAS programme, these should be noted at the earliest opportunity and appropriate action taken. The third interview is a summative discussion of the student’s engagement in CAS and his or her achievement of the seven CAS learning outcomes.

THE INITIAL INTERVIEW

This interview is conducted at the beginning of the Diploma Programme. The CAS coordinator/adviser ensures the student understands the requirements for CAS, explains the CAS learning outcomes and how the student might achieve these outcomes, discusses the student’s interests and ideas for CAS experiences, determines what form the student’s CAS portfolio should take, and reviews the CAS stages. If students are already aware of CAS, the CAS interview can be an opportunity to confirm their understandings and assist with any plans and ideas.

THE SECOND INTERVIEW

This interview is normally held towards the end of the first year of the Diploma Programme. The main purpose of the interview is to assess the progress of the student in CAS. Of real interest in this interview is that the students have committed to a range of CAS experiences and they are achieving the CAS learning outcomes. Students at this stage may have completed or are planning to carry out a CAS project. The student’s CAS portfolio is used as a reference in this interview and reviewed for gathered evidence including achievement of any of the seven learning outcomes.

THE THIRD INTERVIEW

This is the summative interview for CAS. It may well be just before the Diploma Programme finishes. In this interview the student outlines how they have achieved the learning outcomes for CAS. In addition, they discuss and evaluate their overall CAS programme and reflect on personal growth. The student’s CAS portfolio is used as reference in this interview. This third interview may provide the opportunity for discussion on development of the CAS programme for future CAS students based on this student’s personal experience.

CAS Guide, pp. 18-20