COLONEL BY SECONDARY SCHOOL
2381 Ogilvie Road
Gloucester, Ontario
K1J 7N4
Telephone: 745-9411 Fax: 745-4680

CAS General Guidelines

The Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement of the IB Program takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a counter-balance to the academic self-absorption some students may feel within a demanding school program. CAS should extent the person. It should challenge you to develop a value system by which you enhance your personal growth.

CAS is an experiential learning program involving students in new roles. The emphasis is on learning by doing new tasks that have real consequences (results/effects) and then reflecting on these experiences over time.

CREATIVE involves being actively involved in a creative activity. This could include creative thinking in the design and carrying out of a service project (Students' Council, AA, Can Food Drive, Organizing student involvement in the CHEO or Heart and Stroke Telethon, etc). This often involves DOING dance, music, theater, art, while engaged in a group. (You must be an active participant, not an observer). Being involved with others and sharing your creative side is what the participant is discovering.

ACTION includes participation in expeditions, individual and team sports, and physical activities outside the normal curriculum. Action could also be incorporated as part of a service project (labor work required to work with Habitat for Humanity).

SERVICE projects and activities are often the most transforming elements of the Diploma Program for the individual student. Service involves interaction, such as the building of links with individuals or groups in the community. The community may be the school, the local district, or it may exist on national and international levels. Service activities should not only involve doing things for others but also doing things with others and developing a real commitment with them. The relationship should therefore show respect for the dignity and self-respect of others.

Minimum CAS activities should be completed according to the timetable.

The emphasis of CAS is on the experiential learning, and students are expected to be involved for the equivalent of at least 3-4 hours per week over the two years (170 hours total) in a balanced range of different activities.

CAS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE FORCED THROUGH, "GOTTEN OUT OF THE WAY" OR CAUGHT UP AT THE LAST MINUTE.

A CANDIADATE MUST COMPLETE A MNIMUM OF THREE ACTIVITIES IN EACH OF THE THREE AREAS OF CONCENTRATION (C-A-S) (CHANGE ACTIVITIES WITH EACH TERM)

Suggested minimum timeline:

September 6th: 20 hours

December 1st: 45 hours (total minimum)

May 1st: 90 hours (total minimum)

December 1st: 135 hours (total minimum)

April 10th:170 hours (total minimum)

Lack of completion of ALL facets of the CAS Program and the adherence to this time line could jeopardize a student's continuation and completion of the International Baccalaureate Program. Students must demonstrate a clear balance of all three elements of the CAS program.

Assessments of CAS booklets will take place in September, December, and May of IB year 1 and in Dec. and April of IB year 2. Each logbook must be complete with an up to date activity tally sheet, a photograph, and description of the student in each of the three areas of CAS and a reflection on their experience. If the element is incomplete, it will not be accepted for assessment.