what is cas?

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme (DP).

how is cas structured?

The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterised as follows:

• Creativity – arts, and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
• Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.
• Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity and autonomy of all those involved are respected.

In order to demonstrate these concepts, students are required to undertake a CAS Project. The
project challenges students to:

• Show initiative
• Demonstrate perseverance
• Develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision making

what is the significance of cas?

CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development by learning through experience. It provides opportunities for self-determination and collaboration with others, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment from their work. At the same time, CAS is an important counterbalance to the academic pressures of the DP.

Building experience in leadership roles through CAS opportunities

Beyond just sparking an interest in a range of different careers, here at BGS students get a wealth of opportunities to stand out from their peers in their university applications. The CAS programme within the IB encourages students to take full advantage of these.

By becoming prefects, students can develop leadership skills and confidence that will support them in their university careers and beyond. The activities that they can be involved in within this role will further demonstrate an extended interest in their chosen subject area as well as equipping them with key skills of teamwork, responsibility and communication. 

For example, as part of the Enthuse Project BGS runs a number of Science Clubs at local primary schools which are completely delivered by our Science Prefect’s team. The Science Prefects and Leaders also act as mentors to lower school students supporting them in booster sessions and clinics. They support Year 7 and 8 students in the Science Clubs, carrying out practical work and demonstrating excellent lab safety. 

Between the CAS opportunities within departments at school and the House System it is possible for every Sixth Form student to develop excellent leadership skills. I can safely say that the BGS motto of developing compassionate leaders is evident during Years 12 and 13.

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tolu explains more

As part of the IB every student must complete a minimum of 6 CAS (creativity, Activity & Service) events. Although this sounds daunting at first, it turns out to be an easy feat- even better it encourages students to branch out and find exciting opportunities they may not have been tempted to do without that extra push. As well as the experiences students gain from this process, it also ends up providing great things to write about on your personal statement or CV.

For the creativity side of things there are limitless opportunities of the things students can do anything from baking to photography to visiting museums and lectures. Service and Activity are just as easy to sort out, with endless possibilities such as sports teams and extracurricular clubs, and volunteering. Although, students don't have to find all their activities independently, Bexley Grammar offers a huge range of activities and roles that offer students responsibility as well as a fantastic CAS project. This includes:

• Prefects - The school offers both Senior Prefects that meet with the Headteacher weekly to discuss school life and Subject Prefects, who work with younger students to encourage enthusiasm for their favourite subjects.

• House Captains - Students selected towards the end of Year 12 to organise and run house events throughout the year. 

• Peer Mentors - Students who work with the lower years to discuss and solve problems, and work hard to provide a supportive environment for students.

• Student Ambassadors - Students can offer to help at a variety of events throughout the year, like Open Evenings and Parents’ Evenings. This title is given to Sixth Formers, on the condition they help at least 4 events throughout their Sixth Form life.

• Culture Club - A club open to all students that offers discounted tickets to West End musicals and plays on a first come first served basis. 

The IB is a really big project to take on, but with the addition of CAS leisure time and time for students to spend doing things they enjoy is not only encouraged but required in order to pass the diploma.  I've found a broad range of opportunities that I would almost definitely have been more hesitant towards trying without it.