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.