What Parents Need to Know about CAS

The Heart of the IB Diploma Program

AIMS To develop students who are: Reflective thinkers Willing to accept new challenges and roles Aware of themselves as members of communities Active participants in sustained, collaborative projects Balanced

8 Learning Outcomes Increase awareness of your own strengths and areas for growth Undertake new challenges Plan and initiate activities Work collaboratively with others Show perseverance and commitment in your activities Engage with issues of global importance Consider the ethical implications of your actions Develop new skills

Designing a CAS Program Make sure you have a balance of creativity, action, and service. Quality not quantity! Pursue a limited number of meaningful in-depth commitments rather than a large number of activities Activities which integrate all 3 components are encouraged.

Creativity Regular participation in any form of art or craft, dance, drama, music, film- making, photography, forensics May NOT count a class taken for credit or an activity required for a class (e.g. IB dance performance) Designing and carrying out service projects is a good way to express creativity

Action Regular participation in sports or other forms of physical activity Emphasis should be on learning a new skill or taking on a new role Carrying out service projects may involve action (e.g. Habitat for Humanity)

Service ISB has lots of community service clubs and activities available to choose from – during the week, on weekends, and during GCW Designing your own service project is encouraged but get approval from Mrs. Tananone first Must fulfill a genuine need Should involve collaboration with others

Service: What Doesn’t Count Activities for which you are paid or receive other benefits (such as missing school!) Religious activities Helping your family or a relative Participation in ISB activities that benefit the HS student body (can count these as action or creativity) Activities for which there is no adult supervision

Evaluation of CAS Self-reflection for each activity At least 1 reflection for each activity posted on Managebac Must demonstrate that you have met the 8 learning outcomes Sponsor evaluation for each activity Send “Supervisor Review” request forms to your supervisors via Managebac Progress checks and interviews with CAS Coordinator

CAS and TSEA requirement One of the alternatives for IB diploma students 85% choose 40 hours of direct service to the Thai community (as part of their 50 hour CAS requirement) Majority of those select a CS course during GCW