CAS
Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student at AIS Egypt must complete as part of the Diploma Programme (DP).
All IB students must complete a CAS program which can be documented as early as the first day of junior year and continues throughout senior year (lasts a minimum of 18 months).
At least one project involving collaboration and integrating at least two of creativity, activity, and service is required. Students demonstrate regular involvement and active engagement in CAS activities, and accept a share of the responsibility for dealing with problems that arise in the course of activities.
CAS project is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme but it does not contribute to the final grade. Instead, it's a pass/fail component based on the completion of a range of activities and a final reflection
Learning Through CAS
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 experiences throughout the year as well as a CAS project. The project challenges students to:
- show initiative
- demonstrate perseverance
- develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving, and decision making.
Students document these experiences via reflections and evidence. Their IB CAS Coordinator guides them through the process and teaches them how to use the documentation platform, as well as how to write proper reflections, introduce appropriate evidence, and culminate an activity. Their benchmarks and checkpoints throughout their IB journey are guided by the IB CAS Coordinator.
CAS Retreat
AIS was one of the first schools in the region to introduce the CAS Retreat. This is something that is not offered by many international schools but is seen as an integral part of AIS' mission of service.
When students begin their IB journey, they are taken on a retreat to kickstart their CAS activities. They participate in activities that serve as models for Creativity, Activity and Service and also as a team-building foundation through bonding with their fellow IB classmates and the IB CAS Coordinator. Their acts of service illustrate the importance of serving those in need in their host country.
Their second CAS retreat happens at the end of their IB journey. They again participate in acts of Creativity, Activity and Service, and reflect upon their past 18 months, and bond over their future adventures. It is a very special way to say goodbye to their IB CAS experience and to also challenge themselves to continue the mission throughout the rest of their lives.