The aim is to challenge and extend the individual student by developing a spirit of discovery and self-reliance, and to encourage individual skills and interests.  It is hoped that students will begin to make practical applications of what they learn, and to develop a lifetime habit of seeking out ways of contributing to their communities.  The CAS experience should be meaningful and students should seek to have an impact on the community.  CAS is about giving real commitment, being involved with others, and giving of your time and talents.  Attitude is what counts.  Do it because you want to, not because you have to.

Students are epxected to participate in CAS activities for three or four hours a week during both years of the diploma programme (11th & 12th grades). Each activity should have a supervisor to validate the student's participation in the activity. Supervisors may not be related to the candidate. The 150 total hours should be roughly divided among the following categories of activity.

CREATIVITY can be interpreted as imaginatively as possible, to cover the widest range of arts and related activities. It can also include the designing and carrying out of service projects.
ACTION includes a full range of activities requiring physical participation.
SERVICE includes participation in programs serving the school and local community, activities sponsored by outside and non-profit agencies, which can also include environmental or international initiatives.

PRE IB YEARS (10th Grades)
15 hours of service + 10 hours of cultural experiences (passive - watching a performance is allowed only during this Pre IB year) = 25 total hours (a minimum number). Students may do more in each area as they choose. Also due at the end of 10th grade is a one page, double-spaced reflective essay.

IB YEARS (11th & 12th Grades)
ALL 150 hours must be service oriented and all 150 hours require the student to be actively involved. Visiting museums or art shows and watching plays are passive activities and consequently do not count as CAS hours. The 150 hours should reflect a balance of Creative, Action, and Service projects.

What activities are considered CAS?
There are many different kinds of activities IB students can choose to so as part of CAS. IB stresses those which involve active participation with other and leading toward personal growth for all concerned.

The following are examples of community service activities (this list is not all inclusive):
• volunteering in a home for children or the elderly
• teaching basic academic skills such as reading or math
• coaching a team of young children or disadvantaged youngsters
• environmental restoration and protection, such as trail work or trash pickup
• organizing a fundraiser for victims for natural disasters
• volunteering at a homeless shelter or a soup kitchen

Examples of creativity are:
• teaching guitar to a younger class
• writing for the school newspaper
• exchanging artistic or musical skills with other students in a local school
• participating in the school play
• performing with the school band or orchestra
• teaching English to non-speaking English students

Examples of action are:
• coaching a softball team
• teaching children who have a disability to swim
• organizing a “walk-a-thon” to raise money for guide dogs for people who are blind
• assisting victims of natural disasters
• participating in a school sport team
• helping to construct a Habitat for Humanity house

It is equally important to note what kinds of activities that are not acceptable for CAS:
• All forms of duty within the family. You cannot get service for hours spent mowing your grandmother’s lawn, washing the family car, babysitting you nieces and nephews. This is part of being a good family member.
• Participating in temple, synagogue, or church activities that are for the purpose of religious instruction or worship. Singing in the church choir, teaching a childrenÕs class, attending youth groups meetings. However, activities such as collecting canned goods for a food drive, or a mission trip to build a school in Mexico will count, as long as the activity cannot be interpreted as proselytizing.
• Work that IB calls simple, tedious and repetitive. This includes activities such as shelving library books, filing papers, basic data entry, photocopying, stuffing envelopes, and so forth.
• Any activity for which the student is personally rewarded, financially or otherwise, or which only benefits the student.
• Passive pursuits such as a visit to a museum, theater, art exhibit, concert or sports event. (Pre-IB students are exempt)
• Working in a location in which the student has not contact with the individuals the activity supports.
• Volunteering in any place which is a profit-making business.
• Tutoring your little brother or your best friend.

 

CAS Submission of Activities/Hours

PRE-IB YEARS (10th Grade) You will need to use both of these forms.
Activity Leader's Evaluation Service This form will need to be filled out each time you wish to provide service. You must fill in the form and have the leader of the service you are providing fill out the form and sign it. This must be handed into Ms. Thompson
Cultural Experience - This form needs to be filled out shortly after you attend the cultural experience, make sure you attach proof of attendance. Hand it into Ms. Thompson as soon as possible so that it is not lost.
Reflective Essay - An essay will be due at the end of your Sophomore year in which you will reflect on your experience with the service and cultural experiences. It will need to be one page, double spaced and handed in with your final hours of service and cultural hours.

IB YEARS (11th & 12th Grades) You will need to use both of these forms.
CAS Proposal Form a Short Activity (less than 20 hours) This form will be filled out each time you plan to an activity. FIRST you must give the form to Ms. Thompson for APPROVAL. Fill out Part One and bring it to Ms. Thompson for her signature. Complete Parts Two through Four and then submitted to Ms. Thompson for her final signature.

CAS Proposal Form a Long Activity (20+ hours) This form will be filled out each time you plan on an activity. FIRST you must give the form to Ms. Thompson for APPROVAL. Fill out Part One and bring it to Ms. Thompson for her signature. Complete Parts Two through Four and then submit to Ms. Thompson for her final signature. Remember that when completing a long activity you must submit a longer reflection and a letter from you supervisor. You must complete at least THREE long activities during your CAS years, one in each area of CAS.
Please remember that the reflection is not a simple description of what you did. You are to reflect on the activity and how it affected you. Was it a good activity for service? Would you do it again? Would you recommend it to other students? What did you learn from the experience? Consider these questions and others when filling out that part of the form.

FINAL RELECTION Remember that a final reflection is due during your senior year. This critical self-evaluation of personal performance is required in essay form, and must consist of at least 500 words (TYPED and double spaced).

While writing this final essay, consider:
The extent to which you have developed personally as a result of CAS activities.
The understanding, skills and values which have been acquired through the experience.
The benefit that you consider the activities provided to others.
While reflecting on and evaluating CAS activities, it is important for you to keep in mind and draw together the three elements of your CAS experience: Creativity, Action and Service.