An International English High School with the IB Program – A Place for Creativity, Passion, and Engagement

[Link to Polish version]

The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program is one of the most significant elements that distinguishes the IB program in international schools from other educational systems. It is a unique tool that fosters holistic student development, encouraging learning through action and participation in diverse projects. CAS enables students not only to develop creative and practical skills but also teaches empathy, social responsibility, and organizational abilities. Unlike traditional academic subjects, CAS focuses on practical experiences that shape key competencies essential for personal and professional life.
The CAS program in IB schools comprises three key areas: creativity, physical activity, and community service. With this structure, students have the opportunity to discover their passions, take on challenges, and develop skills necessary for adult life. CAS also provides an excellent chance to break away from traditional teaching methods, apply acquired knowledge in practice, and pursue personal interests.
CAS is a process that requires student engagement on both individual and group levels. Every participant in the IB program must complete projects in all three mentioned areas. Creativity involves activities related to developing artistic or creative skills. Physical Activity emphasizes maintaining health and fitness through regular exercise. Community Service entails volunteering and helping others. Importantly, CAS projects must be properly planned, documented, and concluded with reflections on the experiences gained.
The CAS program is particularly important in the context of developing soft skills, which are often overlooked in traditional high schools. Students have the chance to learn time management, teamwork, communication, and decision-making. All of these skills are crucial in both everyday life and professional careers. CAS also fosters critical thinking—students must analyze their actions, plan the next steps, and evaluate the outcomes of their work.
It is worth emphasizing that CAS also offers an opportunity to integrate with both local and global communities. Projects carried out as part of community service teach empathy and responsibility for the world around us. For example, students may organize charity drives, support local animal shelters, or conduct educational workshops for younger students. Such activities have a real impact on the community and demonstrate the importance of civic engagement.
Thanks to CAS, IB students have the opportunity to grow in ways that go beyond traditional academic education. The program prepares young people to take on challenges in university and professional life. Unlike typical school activities, CAS allows students the freedom to choose actions that align with their interests and passions. This flexibility makes the program particularly attractive and motivating.
Success in CAS, however, requires the right approach. The key to success lies in good organization and documenting progress. Every student should regularly record their actions, reflections, and challenges encountered. It is also advisable to consult regularly with a CAS supervisor, who helps monitor progress and provide guidance. Documenting activities is not only a formal requirement of the IB program but also an excellent tool for analyzing one’s own development and achievements.
During CAS implementation, it is also important to maintain a balance among the program’s three areas. Every student should strive for diversity in their projects to foster development in various aspects. For example, a student involved in artistic activities can simultaneously participate in volunteering and engage in regular physical exercises. This approach not only enriches the student’s experience but also allows them to better understand their strengths and identify areas for improvement.
The CAS program in IB high schools is not just a way to earn additional points for the International Baccalaureate diploma. It is also an investment in the future. Students who actively engage in CAS gain an advantage in the job market and in the recruitment processes for prestigious universities. Activities undertaken as part of CAS are often highly valued by universities because they demonstrate the versatility and commitment of the candidate.
At Kolegium Europejskie, an international high school offering an English-language program, the CAS program is implemented with great dedication by both students and teachers. The school provides extensive support in planning and carrying out projects, allowing students to fully realize the potential of this program. As a result, graduates of Kolegium Europejskie are well-prepared to face challenges at international universities and in professional life.
To sum up, CAS is a unique element of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program that fosters holistic student development. Through creativity, physical activity, and community service, young people gain invaluable experiences for adult life. This program not only teaches responsibility and independence but also demonstrates the importance of active participation in society. Therefore, CAS should not be seen as an obligation but as an opportunity for growth and the pursuit of passions.

The entire CAS program boils down to the following points:

1. What is the CAS program?
   The CAS program is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, encouraging students to:

• Develop creativity: through participation in artistic projects such as music creation, painting, or organizing exhibitions.
• Engage in physical activity: by maintaining health and fitness through sports, dance, or other forms of physical exercise.
• Contribute to the community: by working for local or global communities, for example, through volunteering in charitable organizations.

CAS is mandatory for every IB student and must be completed throughout the entire program. It is not just a tool for personal growth but also a way to instill values and attitudes crucial for adult life.

2. Why is the CAS program important?
   CAS distinguishes the IB Diploma program by fostering holistic development in students. Traditional high schools often lack elements that promote creativity or empathy. CAS fills this gap, offering students the opportunity to:

• Apply knowledge in practice: Students learn to combine theory with practice, such as conducting educational workshops.
• Develop soft skills: such as communication, project management, and teamwork.
• Boost motivation: Thanks to CAS, students see the direct results of their efforts, strengthening their sense of value and responsibility.

3. What is the structure of CAS?
   The CAS program consists of three main components:

• Creativity:
  Examples: organizing art exhibitions, directing school plays, creating documentary films.
  Tips: Choose a project that allows you to express yourself and develop your passions.
• Activity:
  Examples: participating in a marathon, attending fitness classes, joining a soccer team.
  Tips: Focus on regularity and choose an activity that improves your physical condition.
• Service:
  Examples: organizing charity drives, helping at local animal shelters, mentoring younger students.
  Tips: Focus on activities that have a real impact on the community.

Each CAS project must be carefully planned, implemented, and documented. Students are required to reflect on their actions, which is a crucial element of the process.

4. How to carry out CAS projects?

• Step 1: Choose a project
  The best CAS projects align with the student’s interests. Activities should adhere to the SMART principle:
  • S (Specific): The project’s goal should be clearly defined.
  • M (Measurable): Progress should be measurable.
  • A (Achievable): The project should be realistic to complete.
  • R (Relevant): It should be meaningful for the student and the community.
  • T (Time-bound): It should have a defined timeline.
• Step 2: Planning
  Every project requires a detailed plan:
  • Define goals and steps to achieve them.
  • Assign responsibilities if the project is group-based.
  • Identify potential challenges and ways to address them.
• Step 3: Implementation
  During the project, it is essential to:
  • Document activities using photos, videos, or notes.
  • Monitor progress regularly and adjust plans as needed.
• Step 4: Reflection
  Reflection is a key element of CAS. Students need to consider:
  • What they learned.
  • What skills they developed.
  • How their actions impacted others.

5. Tips for students undertaking CAS

• Be engaged: Choose projects that align with your interests.
• Document your actions: Create a portfolio that clearly shows your progress.
• Seek support: Collaborate with teachers, CAS mentors, and peers.
• Think critically: Regularly assess what you’ve achieved and how you can improve your actions.
• Manage time: Set a schedule and stick to planned steps.

6. The role of teachers and international schools in CAS implementation
   International high schools, such as Kolegium Europejskie, play a crucial role in CAS implementation. Teachers act as mentors who:

• Help students choose appropriate projects.
• Provide support in planning and executing activities.
• Motivate students to engage and reflect.

7. Why is CAS an essential part of the IB Diploma?
   The CAS program prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. It develops empathy, creativity, and leadership skills that are crucial for further education and professional careers. CAS is not just a formal requirement – it is an investment in personal development.

If you have questions about the IB program, feel free to contact us – we are happy to help.

For more details, visit the IB website on the CAS project.