Creativity, Action, Service

This is referred to as CAS and is considered a fundamental part of the diploma experience. It is recognition of the importance to our development of non-academic skills. This provides a refreshing change from the academic self-absorption some may otherwise feel. The CAS element of the IB is therefore a very important part of the goal to educate the whole person and to foster more compassionate and active citizens.

CAS involves three essential elements:

Creativity – this is interpreted as imaginatively as possible to include a wide range of arts activities as well as creativity by the individual student in designing and carrying out service projects.

Current activities include:

• Art lessons

• Music – school choir, band or orchestra

• Debating group

• School magazine – involvement in its editing and set up

• School intranet

• Film Making

• Photography

Action – this includes participation in individual and team sports, but can also include taking an active role in carrying out creative or service projects.

Current action activities include:

• Rowing; Football; Rugby; Hockey

• An annual visit to the Storey Arms outdoor centre

Service – this includes a wide range of activities where the student is in some way helping the community.

Current activities for service include:

• School paired reading scheme

• School SMILE project

• Voluntary Hospital work

• A gardening project at a local school

• An annual day visit to the Court School

Students maintain their own record of their CAS activities which are then evaluated to ensure they have reached the minimum requirement of 150 hours. This is intended to be spread out throughout the two years and must contain a balance of the three different elements.