The IB CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme that encourages students to engage in a range of experiential learning activities beyond the classroom. It aims to develop students' personal and interpersonal growth through challenges that involve creative pursuits, physical activity and service to others. The program fosters reflection, initiative and global mindedness, helping students become balanced and compassionate individuals.
Volunteering plays a central role in the Service component of the CAS program, which encompasses a wide range of experiences including direct engagement, indirect support, advocacy initiatives and research-based projects. Students engage in unpaid and purposeful activities that benefit individuals, communities or the environment. It is vital to student development because it fosters empathy, cultural awareness and a sense of responsibility toward others. Through volunteering, students develop important life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving and ethical decision-making.
Additionally, volunteering through CAS deeply nurtures empathy, leadership and resilience in students, not simply through the act of giving, but through meaningful, sustained engagement with communities. The Service strand of CAS is much more than volunteering; it's about connecting with others, taking initiative and making a real impact. When students step outside their familiar environments to serve others, such as tutoring underprivileged children through Operation Stitches or mentoring younger peers in Maths, English and Languages, they develop a greater sense of empathy and social responsibility. These authentic experiences allow students to see the world from different perspectives and appreciate the challenges others face.
To make the most of the CAS service experience, students and educators should approach it with purpose, reflection and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Here’s some key advice:
For students
- Start with your passions: choose service activities that align with your interests or values – it’s easier to commit and grow when the cause matters to you!
- Be proactive and take initiative: don’t just participate – lead! Designing or co-leading a project can be far more rewarding and helps build real-world skills.
- Reflect meaningfully: take time to regularly reflect on your experiences, challenges, and personal growth. CAS isn’t just about what you do, but what you learn from doing it.
- Aim for sustainability and impact: think beyond one-off events. Long-term, consistent involvement in service builds deeper connections and drives more meaningful change.
For educators and Carey community members:
- Encourage student agency: support students in designing their own service experiences rather than prescribing activities. Ownership leads to engagement.
- Celebrate and share stories: highlight student achievements and reflections in assemblies, newsletters or digital portfolios to motivate others and build a culture of service.
- Model the CAS spirit: when educators are visibly engaged in service or community work, it inspires students to do the same. It’s wonderful to see so many staff at Carey working with students to demonstrate the benefits of acts of service.
Ultimately, CAS service should be seen as a journey of growth, not just a requirement to tick off. It’s an opportunity for students to discover who they are and how they can contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
Emily Heys
CAS Co-ordinator
