Dubai American academy
CAS @ DAA
Welcome to the program!
Purpose
The purpose of the CAS program is to provide students with opportunities to develop skills, interests and experiences outside the classroom and to promote a sense of personal responsibility and initiative.
Introduction
CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service. It is a core component of the IB Diploma Program and aims to develop your skills, interests, and experiences outside of the classroom. Through CAS, you will engage in a variety of activities that promote personal growth, self-reflection, and community involvement.
The three strands
Creativity
Engage in artistic, imaginative, and creative pursuits such as music, art, writing, photography, theater, and more. This category allows you to explore your creative potential and express yourself through various mediums.
Activity
Participate in physical activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and well-being. This can include team sports, individual sports, fitness training, dance, outdoor activities, and more. Staying physically active is an essential part of CAS.
service
Contribute to the community and help others through volunteer work, community service projects, charity initiatives, and other service-oriented activities. This category enables you to make a positive impact on society and develop a sense of responsibility towards others.
Requirements and Deadlines
Time commitment
Engage in a minimum of 10 CAS experiences with two reflections and a CAS Project with five reflections over the course of the two-year program. This includes a balance of hours across the Creativity, Activity, and Service strands. In addition, you will take part in three interviews with your CAS adviser to further reflect on your CAS progress.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Reflect on your CAS experiences and demonstrate personal growth through the development of the seven CAS learning outcomes. These outcomes allow for the use of critical thinking skills to foster increased awareness of your strengths and areas for growth, developing new skills, challenging yourself, and actively engaging with others.
cas portfolio
Maintain a CAS portfolio on your Managebac profile to document and reflect upon your experiences. This portfolio should include a record of your activities, the impact they had on you and others, and your personal reflections on the learning outcomes achieved. Regularly update your portfolio and submit it at the end of the two-year program for evaluation.
- First formal interview with your CAS Adviser
- Start three experiences with accompanying reflections and evidence
- CAS Project Proposal completed and approved.
- CAS Project completed with least five reflections with evidence
- Complete all ten CAS Experiences each with at least two reflections and evidence
- Complete three formal Interviews with your CORE teacher or CAS Coordinator.
June grade 11
January grade 11
january grade 12
march grade 12
- Start seven experiences and record your two reflections and evidence
- Identify your CAS project and complete your first two reflections incorporating research and planning documentation.
- Two formal interviews complete.
- Start eight experiences and record your two reflections and evidence
- Complete four reflections and accompanying evidence for your CAS Project
Learning Outcomes
1. Increased self-awareness:
Through engaging in CAS activities, students develop a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and personal interests. They gain insights into their values, beliefs, and aspirations, leading to enhanced self-awareness.
2. Understanding personal challenges
CAS activities encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and take on new challenges. By pushing their limits, students gain a better understanding of their abilities, learn to overcome obstacles, and develop resilience and perseverance.
3. Demonstrating initiative:
The CAS program fosters a sense of initiative and proactive engagement in students. They are encouraged to take the lead, show independence, and initiate projects or activities that contribute to their own growth and the well-being of others.
4. Commitment and perserverance
CAS provides opportunities for students to acquire and develop new skills across various domains, such as leadership, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. By engaging in diverse activities, students broaden their skill sets and gain valuable experiences.
5. Working collaboratively
Collaboration is a vital skill in today's interconnected world. CAS activities promote teamwork, cooperation, and the ability to work effectively with others. Students learn to appreciate diverse perspectives, respect others' contributions, and contribute meaningfully to group endeavors.
6. Engaging with issues of global significance
Students are able to identify and demonstrate their understanding of global issues, make responsible decisions, and take appropriate action in response to the
issue either locally, nationally or internationally.
7. Consider ethics of choices and actions
Students show awareness of the consequences of choices and actions in planning and carrying out CAS experiences.
CAS PROJECT
- Project is sustained over a time period of at least 4 weeks
- Project is collaborative
- Project challenges students to show initiative, demonstrate perseverance, and develop skills such as those of cooperation, problem-solving, and decision-making.
5 STAGES OF THE PROJECT
Investigation
Students identify their interests, skills and talents to be used in considering opportunities for CAS experiences, as well as areas for personal growth and development. Students investigate what they want to do and determine the purpose for their CAS experience. In the case of service, students identify a need they want to address.
Preparation
Students clarify roles and responsibilities, develop a plan of action to be taken, identify specified resources and timelines, and acquire any skills as needed to engage in the CAS experience.
Action
Students implement their idea or plan. This often requires decision-making and problem-solving. Students may work individually, with partners, or in groups.
Reflection
Students describe what happened, express feelings, generate ideas, and raise questions. Reflection can occur at any time during CAS to further understanding, to assist with revising plans, to learn from the experience, and to make explicit connections between their growth, accomplishments, and the learning outcomes for personal awareness. Reflection may lead to new action.
Demonstration
Students make explicit what and how they learned and what they have accomplished, for example, by sharing their CAS experience through their CAS portfolio or with others in an informal of formal manner. Through demonstration and communication, students solidify their understanding and evoke responses from others.
CAS SUPPORT
Ben Barnett
CAS COORDINATOR
MY ROLE
The CAS coordinator in the IB program plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding students throughout their CAS journey. They provide information, resources, and assistance to help students meet the CAS program requirements. The coordinator helps students identify suitable CAS activities, maintain their CAS portfolio, and reflect on their experiences. They also ensure that the CAS program aligns with the IB standards and provide evaluation and feedback to students. Overall, the CAS coordinator acts as a mentor and facilitator, helping students navigate and maximize their CAS experience.
CAS SUPPORT
CAS ADVISOR/TOK TEACHER
- Works with individual students on their CAS portfolios
- Aware of the importance of CAS in the Diploma Programme and will be familiar with all elements of CAS.
- Provides vital ongoing contact with the student.
CAS SUPERVISOR
- The CAS supervisor assists, offers guidance and oversees the students’ CAS experiences when needed,
- CAS supervisors can be teachers, non-teaching members of the school or wider community, or volunteers with the skills and/or knowledge of the CAS experience undertaken by the student.
Feeling stuck?
- Talk to your TOK teacher: You see them every other day, and they are well-versed in the CAS program and its requirements.
- Talk to the CAS coordinator: They are there to assist and guide you through the CAS program. Discuss your concerns, seek advice on suitable activities, and ask for clarification on program requirements.
- Reflect on your interests and strengths: Consider activities that align with your passions and skills, as this can make the CAS experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
- Seek guidance from peers: They might have insights, suggestions, or experiences to share that can inspire and guide you. Collaborating with peers can also lead to joint CAS projects or activities.
- Explore different options: Consider exploring new hobbies, joining clubs or organizations, volunteering in different areas, or collaborating with local community groups. This can open up new opportunities and diversify your CAS experiences.
- Break down the requirements: Create a timeline or schedule to track your progress and ensure you're on track to meet the program's minimum hours and learning outcomes.
- Prioritize: Develop effective time management skills to ensure you allocate sufficient time for CAS activities without neglecting other important commitments.
- Embrace perseverance and adaptability: The CAS program is designed to challenge and stretch you as you navigate through difficulties or setbacks. Remember that growth often occurs through overcoming obstacles.
Remember, the CAS program is meant to be a personal and transformative journey. Be proactive, seek support when needed, and stay open to new experiences.
cas in dubai
cas in dubai
ways to make a positive impact in your community through creativity, activity, and service.
1) Volunteer
Students can engage in various volunteer activities such as working at food banks, participating in community clean-up drives.
2) fundraise
Students can plan and execute fundraising initiatives through approved govt supported charities* to raise funds for causes they care about.
*all fundraising/donation drives need to be approved the govt. relations officer in order to be in compliance with the islamic affair and charitable activities department
3) join up
Students can participate in school clubs like Model United Nations, environmental clubs, or student government, which provide opportunities for leadership development and community involvement.
4) be a mentor
High school students can become mentors to younger students in academic subjects, extracurricular activities, or personal development. This can be done within their school or in collaboration with local community centers.
5) Raise awareness
Students can raise awareness about social or environmental issues by organizing campaigns or workshops within their school. Examples include campaigns against bullying, promoting recycling, or advocating for mental health.
6) perform
Students interested in the performing arts can participate in school plays, musical performances, or dance recitals. They can also engage in creative projects like photography, painting, or writing, and showcase their work through exhibitions or competitions.
7) play
Students can join sports teams or participate in fitness activities like yoga, martial arts, or team sports. They can also organize sports tournaments or fitness challenges for the school or local community.
8) conserve
Students can participate in activities focused on environmental conservation, such as tree planting, beach clean-ups, or promoting sustainable practices within their school or community.
RESOURCES AND USEFUL LINKS
Resources
USEFUL LINKS
SOCIAL MEDIA
Scan the qr below to stay connected to the daa cas program
Contact Information
ben.barnett@gemsdaa.net
GEMS dubai american academy
04 704 9777 ext 856