Creativity, Activity and Service – Core Elements in Learning

CAS is an acronym for Creativity, Activity and Service, which is a central part of the IB Diploma Programme, where students continuously learn while doing tasks and activities outside of the classroom. The CAS programme encourages a balance between the three categories, and builds students’ engagement, knowledge and skills with real-life context and issues. But creativity, activity and service are not just a tick-box to be checked in Grades 11-12. It is about creating inspiration, passion and rewards – important and central parts of education. In this week’s Spotlight we look at why CAS is important, not only for IB students, but for all ages and across all subjects. 

As part of the central core of the IBDP, CAS helps the learner to develop a profile which the programme aspires to for its community; “as someone who is a reflective, caring, ethical thinker, committed and willing to challenge themselves and collaboratively work towards achieving global sustainable development goals”, says Mr Santanu, explaining that it is about a better future – for both the students and the rest of the planet.  

CAS really help you break down those barriers and get involved with other communities – Chirag Sharma, TISB Alumni 2018, UC Berkly 

Although CAS is not officially introduced at younger stages of PY and middle school; students at TISB are encouraged to start their own initiatives; be it running an inter-house competition, a charity drive, inviting guest speakers to address socially relevant topics, and running student-led clubs. “There are a lot of avenues for middle school students to initiate and to work towards promoting their creativity, activity and service”, says Mr Naveen, who manages many of student-led initiatives, inviting students to send him their ideas. 

It’s a set of experiences designed to broaden your character outside of the classroom, and apply those same skills – proactivity, critical thinking, focus and initiative – outside of the textbook – Rishi Chhapolia, TISB Alumni 2018, Columbia University 

Already among the younger Grades creativity, activity and service are at the heart of learning. “The curriculum in PY has integrated topics that cross boundaries between different subject areas”, explains Ms Emily about how each subject allows students to explore their creativity in a meaningful context, usually involving real-life problems linked to the UN Sustainable Goals. Ms Emily explains why this is central to students’ future developments: “It's important for children to develop a deep conceptual understanding, so they are able to transfer the new understandings to similar situations – this not only prepares children for life beyond school, but also promotes the importance of lifelong learning.” 

You might feel limited because you are online. But don’t stop yourselves, because there are definitely things that you can continue doing even though it’s online – Ishir Sharma, TISB Alumni 2021, Johns Hopkins University 

Mr Naveen gives a few tips for students to spend their free time promoting mindfulness and wellness, as well as to contribute to society and the world. These could be anything from online academic or Do-It-Yourself courses on different platforms, for example, Khan Academy, Udemy and Coursera; teaming up with friends and the TISB PE Department, to create videos and workout plans for family, friends and the wider community, or join and promote already existing programmes; and to reach out to develop local communities, spread awareness on different topics, manage waste and sustainability at home, or join already existing organisations and initiatives.  

This week’s middle and senior school assembly was about CAS and how it reaches beyond the walls of the classroom, and how it can inspire and influence students’ lives beyond school. Watch the student-led assembly on TISB’s YouTube channel.