Creating a Personal CAS Plan (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

How can students design a personalised CAS programme?

Starting with the personal profile

• Create a Personal Profile

  • This is a section of your portfolio used to map your interests, skills, and talents at the start of the programme

• Map your interests against the three CAS strands to identify potential experiences

• Consider how your personal values align with the IB Learner Profile (the ten attributes, like being caring or balanced, that the IB aims to develop in students)

• Identify possible CAS experiences—specific events or series of events that fit a strand and offer genuine learning

• Ensure your programme is individualised according to your own background, skills, and personal goals

Identifying suitable experiences and projects

• Choose activities that are based on personal interest or provide an opportunity for growth

• Select a mix of both short—term and long—term experiences to ensure variety

• Design a substantial CAS project—a collaborative, student—led series of experiences sustained for at least one month

• Base your choices on things you enjoy doing to ensure you stay motivated throughout the programme

• Verify that your choices fit within one or more of the three strands and are not used for other diploma requirements

Setting goals and learning outcomes

• Review the seven Learning Outcomes

• Identify which outcomes you aim to achieve through each planned experience

• Plan for a balanced programme—a reasonable mix of Creativity, Activity, and Service over the 18—month period

How can students avoid last-minute CAS chaos?

Consistency and long—term engagement

• Maintain long—term engagement and consistent involvement in the programme for at least 18 months

• Avoid rushing your work into short periods or trying to "complete" the programme early

• Make small weekly commitments to keep the programme manageable

• Review your plans regularly and remain flexible as your interests or schedule evolve

Using the CAS stages and milestones

• Follow the CAS stages—a framework of Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration to guide your work

• Use these stages to move from identifying a need to planning and then taking intentional action

• Set milestones across the 18 months to ensure you are meeting outcomes at a steady pace

• Aim to have your CAS project under way by the middle of the first year to avoid a heavy workload in the second year

Portfolio management and reflection

• Update your CAS portfolio regularly

• Ensure the portfolio is up-to-date before each of the three mandatory interviews

• Engage in ongoing reflection

• Spread your work over time to improve the quality of your reflections and reduce stress

• Continually collect evidence—supporting materials like photos, certificates, or emails—as you complete tasks rather than waiting until the end

How can students avoid last-minute CAS chaos?

Consistency and long—term engagement

• Maintain long—term engagement and consistent involvement in the programme for at least 18 months

• Avoid rushing your work into short periods or trying to "complete" the programme early

• Make small weekly commitments to keep the programme manageable

• Review your plans regularly and remain flexible as your interests or schedule evolve

Using the CAS stages and milestones

• Follow the CAS stages—a framework of Investigation, Preparation, Action, Reflection, and Demonstration to guide your work

• Use these stages to move from identifying a need to planning and then taking intentional action

• Set milestones across the 18 months to ensure you are meeting outcomes at a steady pace

• Aim to have your CAS project under way by the middle of the first year to avoid a heavy workload in the second year

Portfolio management and reflection

• Update your CAS portfolio regularly

• Ensure the portfolio is up-to-date before each of the three mandatory interviews

• Engage in ongoing reflection

• Spread your work over time to improve the quality of your reflections and reduce stress

• Continually collect evidence—supporting materials like photos, certificates, or emails—as you complete tasks rather than waiting until the end