CAS Experiences

A CAS experience is a specific event in which the student engages with one or more of the three CAS

strands.

A CAS experience can be a single event or may be an extended series of events.

Typically, a student’s CAS programme combines planned/unplanned singular and ongoing experiences. All

are valuable and may lead to personal development. However, a meaningful CAS programme must be more

than unplanned/singular experiences. A series of planned CAS experiences are recommended for a more

engaging CAS programme.

CAS experiences may incorporate one or more of the CAS strands. For example:

• Going for a mountain hike could be a singular experience within the “Activity” strand.

• A student plans a number of visits to a nursing home resulting in a series of CAS experiences within

the “Service” strand.

• A group of students plan and stage a basketball tournament for the local community, resulting in a

series of CAS experiences involving the strands of “Activity” and “Service”.

Guidelines for CAS Experiences

A CAS experience must:

• Fit within one or more of the CAS strands

• Be based on a personal interest, skill, talent or opportunity for growth

• Provide opportunities to develop the attributes of the IB learner profile

• Not be used or included in the student’s Diploma course requirements

Guiding Questions

• Will the experience be enjoyable?

• Does the experience allow for development of personal interests, skills and/or talents?

• What new possibilities or challenges could the experience provide?

• What might be the possible consequences of your CAS experience for you, others and the

environment?

• Which CAS learning outcomes may be addressed?

While it is not necessary for each CAS experience to address a CAS learning outcome, upon completion of the CAS programme, CAS students are required to present evidence demonstrating achievement of all CAS learning outcomes.