Get Ready for Your CAS! Stimulate your CREATIVITY with ACTIVITY and SERVICE in this Summer

What is CAS?

International Baccalaureate (IB) students are required to complete Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) hours as part of their diploma program. CAS hours provide students with opportunities to develop skills outside of the classroom while engaging in meaningful and purposeful activities. 

The Three Strands of CAS

Creativity – arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.

Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

(Credit to IBO https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/creativity-activity-and-service/ )

CAS seems to be a secondary concern to the academic requirements of the IBDP or a somewhat daunting task, but it is actually an amazing opportunity to take a break from your studies, get involved in some other activities, and complement them by gaining valuable skills!

How can I prepare for the CAS?

Making a plan is the first step to finishing your CAS over the summer break. Review the CAS requirements carefully and decide which activities you must finish. Make a schedule for yourself after taking the time that each activity will require into consideration. You may also  consider scheduling time for any required paperwork or reflections.

You can also Start looking for opportunities to finish your CAS hours if you haven’t already. Ask around at nonprofits or organisations to see if there are any volunteer opportunities. Consider taking up a brand-new pastime or endeavour that fits the CAS requirements. Keep in mind that CAS is intended to give you the opportunity to discover new interests and enhance your skills outside of the classroom.

What can I do to fulfil the CAS requirement during this summer?

If you are struggling for your CAS, you may take the following examples as reference. Considering your roles in your CAS, task and the consequence.

1. Teach ukulele in charity
   • Strands: Creativity, Service
   • Teach ukulele to underprivileged or marginalised communities who may not have access to music education.
   • Write songs with students in your lessons.
2. Organise a beach cleaning activity
   • Strands: Activity, Service
   • Clean up the beach and ocean to protect our environment.
3. Teach SEN students to play football 
   • Strands: Activity, Service
   • Attend workshops to learn more about teaching football to students with special needs.
   • To share your football skills with students who have special educational needs.
4. Organise community newspaper
   • Strands: Creativity, Service
   • Interview people in certain communities and write featured articles, such as doing oral history interviews to record the local history and stories.
   • Publish the newspaper in different media channels 

The above mentioned are just part of the examples of your CAS. You may consult your teachers for more ideas on your CAS planning.