Mapping CAS Over 18 Months (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

How should students map their CAS over DP1 and DP2?

Early DP1: Exploration and investigation

• The CAS programme formally begins at the start of the Diploma Programme

• Students should begin with the Investigation phase

  • This is the stage where you identify interests, skills and talents to determine the purpose of your experiences

• During early Year 1, students create their Profile

  • This is a section of the CAS portfolio that is used to map personal interests and values against the three CAS strands

• The initial interview—the first of three documented meetings with a supervisor—is held at the start of the programme to establish goals and understand requirements

Mid DP1: Developing the CAS project

• It’s a good idea to have your CAS project planned or underway by the middle of Year 1

  • The CAS project is a collaborative and sequential series of experiences lasting at least one month that offers opportunities for leadership/shared responsibility

  • CAS projects are expected to use the CAS stages as the planning framework—a five-step framework consisting of investigation, preparation, action, reflection and demonstration

  • The project provides an opportunity for sustained collaboration—working with others over an extended period to achieve a common goal

• A mid-point interview is held towards the end of the first year to check the balance of the strands and project progress

DP2: Deepening involvement and completion

• Engagement should deepen during Year 2

  • Focus should be on achieving any remaining learning outcomes

• Students must maintain long-term engagement

  • This requires consistent participation for at least 18 months rather than rushing work into short periods

• The final interview—the summative sign-off for CAS—is held just before the Diploma Programme finishes where you outline evidence of achievement of the seven learning outcomes and reflect on your overall growth.

Strategies for a balanced 18-month journey

• Students should create a sustainable CAS schedule

  • This should include both short-term and long-term experiences to avoid last-minute pressure

• Planning must ensure a balanced programme

  • This requires a reasonable mix of Creativity, Activity and Service across the entire 18 months

• Consistency is key—students should aim for small weekly commitments and regular updates to their CAS portfolio

• Plans should remain flexible as personal interests and goals evolve throughout the journey