CAS is a central part of the Diploma Programme. With its holistic approach, CAS is designed to reinforce and extend the personal and interpersonal learning that students have done in the PYP and MYP.

The three areas of CAS are defined as follows:

• Creativity: exploration and expansion of ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance.
• Activity: physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle
• Service: collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to a real need.

CAS complements a demanding academic programme in a holistic way by providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, enjoyment and achievement.

Successful completion of the CAS programme is a requirement for an IB diploma. Although CAS is not formally assessed through examinations, students must reflect on their CAS experiences and show in their CAS portfolios that they have achieved the seven learning outcomes.

The CAS programme begins formally at the start of the Diploma Programme and continues on a regular basis, ideally on a weekly basis, for at least 18 months with a reasonable balance of creativity, activity and service.

Students use the CAS stages (research, preparation, action, reflection and demonstration) as a framework for CAS experiences and for the CAS project.

CAS emphasises reflection, which is a cornerstone for students’ experience in this component to be deep and valuable.