LO3 Planning and Initiating CAS Experiences (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

What is Learning Outcome 3 and how can students show evidence?

Understanding Learning Outcome 3 (LO3)

• Learning Outcome 3 (LO3) requires students to demonstrate they can initiate and plan a CAS experience

  • A CAS experience is a specific event or series of events where you engage with one or more of the three strands of Creativity, Activity or Service

• You must be able to articulate the process of moving from conceiving an idea to executing a completed plan

• This outcome can be met through an individual activity or through collaborative experiences—actions involving cooperation and teamwork with others

• Success in LO3 means showing initiative and responsibility in designing and organising a CAS experience (this may involve leadership, but it can also be shown through planning and coordinating).

Demonstrating initiative and planning

• You can show initiative by launching a new idea or a new process that has not been done before

• You can also meet this outcome by building on a previous experience to show your increased knowledge and awareness

• Effective planning involves several key elements:

  • Developing a coherent action plan—a clear strategy that accounts for the aim, the specific activities and the resources required

  • Using the CAS stages—the framework of investigation, preparation, action, reflection and demonstration—to guide the plan from start to finish

  • Showing a responsible attitude toward the planning of a CAS project—a collaborative series of sequential experiences lasting at least one month

  • Identifying specific roles and responsibilities when designing a collective experience for a group

  • Suggesting creative proposals or solutions during the planning phase

  • Integrating your reflective thoughts—the process of thinking about your ideas and experiences—directly into your planning or initiative

Evidence for the portfolio

• Evidence for LO3 must be gathered in your CAS portfolio—the collection of evidence and reflections that showcases your journey

• Strong evidence of planning and initiation includes:

  • Formal planning documents and proposals that outline your goals

  • Timelines—schedules that show when specific tasks and milestones will occur

  • Copies of emails or letters used to organise and coordinate the experience

  • Reflective explanations that describe your thought process and how you managed the planning

  • Notes from your initial interview— the first formal meeting with a CAS coordinator or adviser to discuss your interests and plans

  • Supervisor reports—feedback from the person overseeing your activity that can confirm your role in initiating the experience