Use experience, reflection and initiative to grow beyond class.
CAS is a sustained part of the Diploma Programme. It asks you to plan purposeful experiences, respond to real needs, collaborate and reflect on what changed.
Think about the purpose, not just the label.
An experience can engage more than one strand. What matters is that the activity is appropriate, purposeful and connected to the CAS process and learning outcomes.
Explore and extend ideas
Creative thinking that leads to an original or interpretive product or performance—for example, design, writing, media, music or event creation.
Develop through physical exertion
Physical pursuits that support a healthy lifestyle and personal growth, with goals and reflection rather than simple attendance.
Respond to an authentic need
Collaborative and reciprocal engagement with a community. Begin by listening and understanding the context before proposing action.
Investigate → prepare → act → reflect → demonstrate
Use the stages as a loop. Reflection can happen before, during and after action; it should help you adapt, not merely record what happened.
- Set a specific personal or community goal
- Agree responsibilities and safety considerations
- Collect meaningful evidence without over-documenting
- Explain choices, challenges and learning honestly
Meaningful beats impressive.
A good CAS experience should be challenging enough to produce learning, feasible enough to sustain, and ethical for everyone involved. Ask your CAS adviser before assuming an activity qualifies.
- Is there a genuine purpose?
- What will I learn or improve?
- Who is affected by the activity?
- How will I know whether it helped?