Creativity, Activity, Service
Discovery of self
Creativity, Activity, Service is a key component of the Diploma Programme. It forms part of the core, along with the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge course. CAS involves students in a range of enjoyable and significant experiences, as well as a CAS project. Students find they can often use existing activities to reflect on as part of their CAS, or use it as an opportunity to try something new.
What is CAS?
CAS is organised around three strands. Creativity, activity and service.
- Creativity—exploring and extending 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 an authentic need
While we have a Christian Service-Learning Program and CAS activities can be used to contribute to Angel Hours for this program, CAS itself is not measured by hours, but against outcomes.
- Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
- Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
- Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
- Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
- Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
- Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
- Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
Students engage with CAS for at least 18 months of their IB DP programme and are required to maintain a CAS portfolio as evidence of their engagement. Merici has many opportunities for students to get involved in the college and wider community.
