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Creativity, Action, Service

6th Form

Course Description

CAS stands for 'Creativity, Action and Service' and is one of the three core elements of the IB Diploma programme. The CAS experience is intended both to extend and challenge students - through learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences, and then by reflecting on these experiences. CAS aims to develop students who are reflective thinkers, willing to take on new challenges and new roles and are more aware of themselves as members of communities with responsibility towards each other and the environment.

 

Creativity is interpreted as imaginatively as possible to cover a wide range of arts and other activities, outside of the normal curriculum. For example, it can include dance, theatre, music, debating, art, but also creative thinking in the design and carrying out of projects.

 

Action means some form of physical exertion. It can include participation in individual and team sports, expeditions or physical activities outside of the normal curriculum. It can also be combined with creative and service projects.

 

Service is the essence of CAS; it involves interaction with others, such as the building of links with individuals or groups in the community - school, local district, or on a National or International level. Service activities should not only involve doing things for others, but also with others and developing a real commitment to them.

 

Course Content

Students will be required to undertake CAS activities throughout the 2 years of the Diploma Programme, participating in a variety of activities for a minimum of 150 hours and evenly distributed between Creativity, Action and Service. Each student's programme will be agreed on an individual basis with the CAS Co-ordinator and a minimum of 100 hours should be completed by the end of Year 12.

 

The timetable will allow for 2 hours each Wednesday afternoon to be designated as CAS time, and in addition to this, students will be required to complete at least a further 2 hours in their own time each week.

 

Assessment

All CAS activities should be completed by the beginning of February of Year 13, with the completion of a 'reflective journal' by the end of February. Students will need to demonstrate that they have met each of the 8 'learning outcomes' as set out by the IBO, as successful completion of CAS is a requirement for receiving the IB Diploma.

Huntington School uses an easy online CAS Management system, ManageBAC, which all IB Students are automatically registered for. This is used to track the activities undertaken and how many hours remain to be collected. It also makes communication easier between the student and the dedicated CAS adviser.