The IB Mission Statement:

‘The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.’

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), together with Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) make up the mandatory core requirements of the Diploma Programme. The core elements aim to educate the whole person. There are clear links between the core and subjects that students undertake. The core supports the interconnectedness of learning, the learner profile and a broader view of the subjects studied.

Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)

CAS is organised in three separate strands;

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

Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle. An example of an activity can be a student setting fitness goals and planning and working towards achieving set goals.

Service – collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need. An example of service can be a student bringing awareness to an issue such as homelessness and then working with the school community and other community groups to provide services to homeless individuals.

CAS requirements must start at the beginning of Year 11 and be completed at about the mid-point of Year 12. Students are guided by the CAS coordinator and mentor teachers throughout the programme to ensure that students complete meaningful action. Students are currently in the process of planning for their CAS experiences.

CAS provides students with an important opportunity to develop the various learner profile attributes, approaches to teaching and learning skills and make connections with the global and local communities. For example, students will research global issues and look to address these in their local communities. Students will be expected to meet learning outcomes provided to them at the beginning of the programme. One of the most important aspects of the process is reflection. Students will be required to reflect at every stage to develop their skills and move towards being lifelong learners.

In conclusion, CAS is an excellent opportunity for students to bring together their learning to address global and local issues and to act in a meaningful way over as eighteen-month period. CAS also enables students to grow and develop skills that will assist them to become lifelong learners.

I will continue to inform the school community about the progress students are making during their CAS experience throughout the year.

Orhan Ozdamar

CAS Coordinator