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3 ways your child benefits from the IB Diploma's Creativity, Activity and Service programme

City guide 1 November 2016




1. Creativity, Activity and Service is at the heart of the IB Diploma

The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course involving a broad range of academic study with an emphasis on developing open-minded, inquiring and respectful young people who compassionately consider both local and global contexts. Some universities say that IB students are given an advantage between two candidates of equal ability. While it is a comprehensive and demanding programme, students have the flexibility to focus on subjects that best align with their interests and post-secondary ambitions.

IB students have an advantage in pursuing world-class university education

CAS is one of three essential elements in the IB Diploma Programme, providing a valuable counterbalance to the rest of the programme's academic pressures by involving students in a range of empowering activities. It is at the heart of the programme because it enables students to develop their individual identities while undertaking purposeful projects that create real impact. Recognising that each student has a unique starting point, students exercise initiative to determine activities that enhance awareness of their own strengths and areas where they can grow.

2. Creativity and Activity expands skills

The IB Diploma and CAS in particular align well with CATS' role in finding the best path to acceptance in each student's first-choice university as it extends acquired knowledge with applied skills in personalised citizenship, creative and physical activities. Students are challenged to interpret each aspect of CAS as imaginatively as possible, leveraging personal skills and interests to accomplish meaningful goals with perseverance and commitment.

Artistic and other avenues necessitating creative thinking that can be shared with others is the focus of the Creativity element. Examples could include composing a challenging piece of music or visual arts initiative, learning a new sculpting technique or musical instrument, and creating a story. Activity implies physical exertion leading to a healthy lifestyle, which could mean learning a new skill like rock-climbing or athletics complementary to parallel academic pursuits.

3. Opportunities for self-determination and collaboration

Self-paced and collaborative CAS activities are an opportunity for students to gain valuable insights about themselves and their part in the greater world. The Service aspect of CAS involves a voluntary exchange with the community for mutual benefit, respecting everyone's rights and dignity and encouraging appropriate reflection on outcomes of the process.

For example, students may initiate a sustainable environmental project, volunteer with a literacy programme, or support elderly or disadvantaged community members. The sense of accomplishment and enjoyment resulting from this key component of the International Baccalaureate provides long-lasting personal benefits and gives students the confidence to achieve their life goals.

Are you interested in enrolling your child in the International Baccalaureate UK?

Discover how CATS offers proven pathways to a world-class university education.

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