Beware of CAS Fever at BIS Houston

It is no secret that the IB diploma program is extremely difficult and requires a lot out of students. Apart from the work required by Year 12 student for their core subjects, IB students are also required to complete the IB core elements, including CAS, an Extended Essay of 4000 words, and Theory of Knowledge. 

During this first half-term, the students have begun their CAS adventures, and a little bit of Theory of Knowledge. CAS stands for and is composed of Creativity, Activity and Service, where students must complete a range of experiences that fall under these categories and under the seven IB learning outcomes: global engagement; commitment & perseverance; ethics of choices & actions; strength & growth; initiative & planning; challenge & skills; and collaborative skills. Additionally, you also must lead a CAS project that lasts for at least a month. This could be something like running a club, starting a business, or advocating/volunteering alongside an outside company. Although it seems quite straight forward, once you get into it, it is rather complicated. 

An experience could entail a sport you are taking part in; community service, such as providing for the elderly; or trying a new creative output such as cooking. As long as you can provide good evidence as to how it betters you as a student and falls under the IB standards, you’re good. Unfortunately, it is sometimes hard to balance schoolwork and all of these extra time-consuming activities whilst maintaining a sane mind.

“I’m genuinely enjoying CAS a whole lot more than I first expected because it’s allowing me to have a reason to act on ideas that I’ve had stored in the back of my mind for a while," comments Kyra K. "The only challenge for me right now is juggling academics, training, and CAS all at once, but watching all my peers do the same pushes me to continue on despite the struggles.”

However, despite all of this, I would like to say how amazing some of my experiences have been so far. For example, over the past weekend, I took part in the Bridgeland run/walk for charity which provides funds towards a Veterans charity. I am very fond of activity-based charity events, for they get people out and active whilst supporting a good cause, and it is the perfect CAS experience. Overall, although I have discussed how stressful CAS can be, I will say that it is truly a perfect way for students to improve themselves, get into things they wouldn’t normally, and become far more responsible as young adults.