What Is CAS? How Does It Make an Impact in the IB Diploma Program?

CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service, and it is the core of the IB Diploma Program. We explain how CAS makes an impact on the student.

CAS is one of the components of the IB Diploma Program (DP) core, and it is made up of the first letters of three words: C-Creativity, A-Activity, S-Service. Beginning right at the start of the DP, CAS is not formally graded, yet it is a rich field of experience that nurtures the student’s personal development. In this article, we look at how CAS makes an impact on the student.

The Three Components of CAS

How Does It Work?

CAS is an individualised program; each student sets out from their own starting point. In the first stage, the student carries out a kind of SWOT analysis: can they see their strengths and weaknesses? Which activities that will benefit them should they pursue? With these questions, the student builds their personal and interpersonal development step by step. Lasting 18 months, the activities offer an important balance against the academic intensity of the DP and form the evidence that the seven learning outcomes have been met.

The aim is for each student to enrich their experiences with their own adventure and turn them into a book they will remember for life.

Examples from Student Activities

In the 2018-2019 academic year, our students carried out many meaningful activities: from warming the students of two schools with the proceeds of a fair they held with dishes they prepared themselves, to planting saplings with the proceeds of a music event; from learning handicraft and making their own bags to 3D design; from learning new languages such as Japanese and French to playing the guitar. During these activities, the students also brought the IB learner profile to life: they became more aware of being inquirers, open-minded, principled, caring and balanced individuals.

Its Challenging Sides

In brief

  • CAS is the IB DP core, made up of Creativity, Activity and Service.
  • Over 18 months, it offers an important balance against academic intensity.
  • It gives the student personal development, empathy and a global outlook.

Hande Vural · CAS Coordinator

You can explore the IB Diploma Program as a whole on our IB Diploma Program page, or you can get in touch with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CAS graded?

No. CAS is not formally graded; however, it is a core component required for the completion of the DP.

How long does CAS last?

CAS begins at the start of the Diploma Program and continues for about 18 months.

What does CAS give the student?

It gives personal and interpersonal development, empathy, time management and a global outlook; it also provides balance against academic intensity.

Gökkuşağı Koleji · CAS, turning learning into life.