Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) in the IB Diploma Programme: Examples and Insights
One of the components of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (IBDP) is the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirement. If you are a student, there are many CAS IBDP examples that you may try. These experiences allow you to explore your passions, serve the community meaningfully, and develop key attributes of the IB Learner Profile.
But first of all, as a student, you must know exactly what CAS is and how to maximise this fantastic chance. Here, we will provide some inspirational CAS project examples that students have worked on to assist you with ideas for creating your great ones.
What is CAS in the IBDP?
Let’s start with the definition before digging into CAS IBDP examples. It stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, a core component of the IB Diploma Programme.
Thus, it is neither a course nor a subject but rather a need for students to participate in projects and activities challenging them to grow beyond the classroom. The concepts are to advance community involvement, cooperation, and personal growth. This experiential component complements classroom learning by encouraging students to apply knowledge in authentic, real-world contexts.
- Creativity: encourages students to explore and extend their creative thinking
- Activity: requires physical exertion that contributes to a healthy lifestyle
- Service: involves voluntary engagement that has a meaningful impact on others
These strands help students balance their intellectual, emotional, and physical growth.
Students must engage in various experiences spanning these three domains to effectively complete CAS. They also have to finish at least one significant project, which often involves more than one strand.
During this process, students can reflect on their education and personal growth and document their progress on a CAS portfolio. Thus, this program challenges students to be self-aware, critical thinkers, and positive contributors to the world or community.
Examples of CAS Experiences
CAS IBDP examples can vary widely. It’s flexible enough to let students follow their interests while following the rules. Let’s look at some inspiring examples of what students have done and can do:
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Creativity
Creativity in CAS is not limited to the arts, although many students choose artistic projects. It’s about thinking outside the box, whether through music, writing, drama, or event organising.
One great example of a successful creativity project is a group of IB students from the United Nations International School in New York. To draw attention to racial injustice and mass imprisonment in the United States, they developed and carried out a drama.
Along with showcasing their theatrical skills, this project let them speak out on a pressing social issue.
Here, the students highlighted the injustices in the criminal justice system by using dance, song, and movement to chronicle the tales of once-imprisoned people. Their initiative was therefore artistic, somewhat powerful and impactful.
If you need more CAS IBDP examples, here are some ideas for you to try:
- Organising talent shows
- Developing websites
- Creating a school magazine
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Activity
As the name suggests, the activity component motivates kids to start moving. It’s all about physical effort and personal development, which can be through sports, outdoor experiences, or even dance.
An excellent example of an activity project comes from an IB student in Australia who developed a love of coaching football. At first, helped with a CAS project, coaching the U16 boys’ football team from his school.
His participation in the competition sharpened his leadership abilities and created opportunities for a future in young coaching.
Later, he qualified as a youth football coach and guided several young teams, attributing his CAS background to igniting his enthusiasm.
Here are additional CAS IBDP examples for your inspiration:
- Learning badminton, basketball, swimming, etc
- Joining a sports club
- Participating in a sports tournament
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Service
The service strand of CAS is all about giving back to the community. It involves meaningful, voluntary engagement that can benefit others.
For example, students at Goshen High School in Indiana planned a recycling campaign to help an IB World School in Flint during the Michigan Flint water crisis.
Although the school had received many bottled water contributions, empty bottles accumulated without any disposal method.
In response, Indiana’s students set up 50 recycling barrels for Flint, enabling the city to handle the waste generated by the water gifts.
Students decorated the barrels to provide a personal touch, combining service and creativity. Their efforts offered helpful help and a feeling of unity between the two institutions.
Besides this instance, this service strand can take many forms. Here are more CAS IBDP examples for you:
- Organising a charity event
- Helping out at a local shelter or community garden
- Providing peer tutoring to junior students
Tips for Creating Successful CAS Projects
Though initially daunting, building a successful CAS project may be among the most fulfilling events of your IB path with the correct strategy. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
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Choose Something You’re Passionate About
Students who really care about their work usually create the most successful CAS projects. So, choose something that thrills and motivates you, whether it’s a cause you believe in, a hobby you enjoy, or a talent you wish to acquire.
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Plan Ahead
Like those compelling CAS IBDP examples we discussed, a good project needs meticulous preparation. Consider your goals, the challenges you might face, and the resources you’ll need. Break the project down into smaller tasks and set a timeline.
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Collaborate with Others
Although each CAS project can be completed alone, many students find that working in a group enhances the experience immensely. Collaborating with others allows you to distribute tasks, exchange ideas, and encourage one another along the way.
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Reflect on Your Learning
Remember, CAS mostly depends on reflection. Set aside time often to consider your development, what you are learning, and how the project is helping others. This will help you fulfil the CAS learning objectives and keep you on pace.
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Be Flexible
Sometimes, things don’t go according to plan, and that’s okay! Get ready to adjust and implement necessary modifications. The learning process depends much on flexibility; hence, one of CAS’s main objectives is to overcome obstacles.
CAS in the IB Diploma Program gives pupils a unique chance to develop, push themselves, and change their local environments. These CAS IBDP examples will help you start your project.
Read About: Theory of Knowledge in IB DP: Significance, Structure, Assessment
Referensi:
https://westsoundacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CAS_19-20_Examples_of_CAS_experiences.pdf
