IB program - CAS Changes for grads of 2010 and thereafter

The four criteria for CAS. CAS should involve: Real, purposeful activities with significant outcomes Personal challenge – task must extend the student and be achievable in scope Thoughtful consideration, such as planning, reviewing progress and reporting on activities. Reflections on outcomes and personal learning.

What does this mean, exactly? Simple, mundane, one time tasks will not count You must plan your activity and state goals that you hope to achieve and outcomes you hope to meet Reflection must be real and meaningful.

Have you considered the following when completing a CAS activity? FIRST: This activity meets the FOUR criteria. SECOND: I can identify the learning outcome(s) I intend to address.

What else? Counting hours in great and laborious detail is not as important. However, an approximate log of time spent on an activity is required. Keeping a balanced list of Creativity, Action and Service activities is important. Keeping track of supervisor reports is crucial as it provides proof that the activity was completed satisfactorily.

An activity of sustained duration One activity will be completed in a group, must be of sustained duration ( over a year) and must involve two of the three elements of CAS – Creativity and Action, for example. Therefore, you will be asked to identify the duration of activities you have completed.

What should you have in your CAS binder? Proposal forms for all activities One activity that is in a group and of long duration Supervisor’s evaluation report for each activity Final self-evaluation form or equivalent for each activity Checklist of activities completed (approximate hours only for each - elaborate hour counting is discouraged) Outcomes checklist to be completed with adviser Final reflection on the whole CAS experience 1-2 photos you in action in at least one CAS activity (one photo per activity is even better but not required) A sample CAS progress form. (This is applicable for the grade 11s more so than for the grade 12s, who may not be in a position to add photos at this point.)

LAST WORD CAS is an important part of the IB program, and speaks to a well- rounded, well-grounded, globally aware student. You must complete the CAS program in order to receive your IB diploma.