The Three Formal CAS Interviews (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

What happens in the Initial Interview?

Timing and purpose

• This interview is held at the beginning of the Diploma Programme

• The session ensures you understand the mandatory requirements and purpose of the CAS programme

Planning your journey

• Setting goals:

  • You will discuss your personal interests, skills and talents to shape a personalised plan

• Reviewing learning outcomes:

  • You will discuss the seven specific goals that describe what you are able to do as a result of your journey

• Explaining the CAS stages:

  • You will discuss the five-step methodology of investigation, preparation, action, reflection and demonstration used to plan experiences

• Portfolio format:

  • You will discuss the best form for your CAS portfolio

What happens in the Mid-point Interview?

Timing and purpose

• This interview is normally held towards the end of the first year of the Diploma Programme

• It acts as a progress check—a formal review to ensure you are consistently documenting your experiences and reflecting on them

  • Your coordinator checks that you are gathering diverse evidence in your portfolio

Maintaining programme balance

• Checking CAS strands:

  • You will discuss whether you have a reasonable balance between the three strands of the CAS programme

• CAS project status:

  • You will discuss the planning or progress of your collaborative project

• Adjusting plans:

  • This interview is an opportunity to change your goals if needed to ensure all outcomes are met

What happens in the Final Interview?

Timing and purpose

• The summative interview is held just before the Diploma Programme finishes

• It is a summative reflection—a final discussion regarding your overall journey and personal development

• Sign-off:

  • This interview ends with your CAS coordinator deciding whether the programme has been successfully completed

Demonstrating success

• Demonstrate evidence:

  • You will use your portfolio to outline how you have achieved all seven learning outcomes

• Evaluating growth:

  • You will discuss your achievements, challenges and how the journey may impact your future choices

Analogy: The Checkpoints 

• Think of the three CAS interviews as mandatory checkpoints on a long-distance hike:

  • The Initial Interview is like meeting your guide at the trailhead to check your map, compass and supplies before you start walking

  • The Mid-point Interview is a rest stop halfway up the mountain, where you check your gear, make sure you aren't ignoring any part of the path and adjust your route if you've drifted off course

  • The Final Interview is reaching the summit, where you open your logbook to prove you visited every required peak and reflect on how the climb has made you a stronger hiker