The CAS Strands

What are C, A and S.

Creativity

The IB Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Guide (page 8) provides the following definition of creativity: 'Exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.'
The IB CAS Guide (pages 18 and 19) suggest the following approaches to creativity:
  • Ongoing creativity
  • School-based creativity
  • Community-based creativity
  • Individual creativity
Examples of creativity include:
  • Acting or supporting a drama performance
  • Playing or supporting a music performance
  • Participating or supporting a dance performance
  • Creating an artwork
  • Creating a website

Activity

The IB CAS Guide (page 8) provides the following definition of activity: 'Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.'
Similar to creativity, the CAS Guide (pages 19 and 20) suggest the following approaches to activity:
  • Ongoing activity
  • School-based activity
  • Community-based activity
  • Individual activity
Examples of activity include:
  • Playing on a team
  • Completing a training programme
  • Undertaking an adventure sport or journey
  • Learning a new martial art/yoga/pilates

Service

The IB CAS Guide (page 8) provides the following definition of service: 'Collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.'
The IB CAS Guide (page 22) suggest the following four types of service:
  • Direct Service
  • Indirect Service
  • Advocacy
  • Research
Furthermore, the IB CAS Guide (pages 19 and 20) suggest the following approaches to service:
  • Ongoing service
  • School-based service
  • Community-based service
  • Immediate need service
  • Fundraising
  • International Service
  • Volunteerism
  • Service arising from the curriculum
Examples of service include:
  • Raising funds for an orphanage
  • Helping at an animal shelter
  • Volunteering at a retirement home or youth centre
  • Helping in your school (e.g., CAS committee or student council)
  • Speaking out about an injustice
  • Finding out about the water quality
Check out this phenomenal example by Mira Loma High School in the United States that was developed over a number of years.