Creativity, Action, Service
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This article is part of the International Baccalaureate series. |
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Creativity, Action, Service (usually referred to as just CAS) is a component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with the aim of providing a 'counterbalance' to the academic rigour of the educational programme. Students are expected to spend at least 150 hours during the two-year programme participating in different activities that have a function of developing them creatively, physically, and socially. The component is often thought of merely social service, but it is in fact more than just that.
All the portions (Creativity, Action, and Service) should, according to the IBO, be interpreted as imaginatively as possible, so that a wide array of different activities can qualify for CAS. As the total required amount of hours is 150, and as they should be equally divided between the three portions, there is a de facto requirement of approximately fifty hours each.
For each activity the student takes part in, an activity leader is needed. The activity leader's job is to monitor the student's work in carrying out the activity, and to write a brief report on it. The activity leader cannot be another Diploma Programme student or a member of the student's family, and should be able to comment on the student's progress in their chosen task. The student may also choose to produce for each activity an entry in their CAS diary, including details on the activity and their personal ideas about the development made during it.
The necessity of reporting every activity in a specific way and the requirement of an activity leader have been the strongest criticisms presented against the CAS system. These often take a lot of effort, and may deter the students from doing any more useful work than is required. However, the counterargument is that there is no other feasible way of proving whether the student has actually done the work they claim to have done.
CAS is not assessed, but a failure to complete and report the full 150 hours is a failing condition for the IB Diploma. However, the candidate has one year to make up the 150 hours following the end of the school year and receive the diploma. Those students partaking in the IB also have the option of making up these hours with the use of cunning and helpful non-IB friends over the age of 18. Pretending they have tutored these non-IB students, or that the latter have accompanied IB students on camping trips (travel is counted in the hours) are both popular options.
