Overview of the CAS Learning Outcomes (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

What are the CAS Learning Outcomes and why are they essential?

The role of learning outcomes

• The CAS learning outcomes are the specific goals that describe what a student is able to do at some point during the CAS programme

  • These outcomes are essential because they articulate the skills, attributes and understandings you develop through your participation

  • They provide a clear framework for personal growth and interpersonal learning rather than focusing on a specific number of hours

  • They ensure that student experiences lead to meaningful development across the three strands of Creativity, Activity and Service

Mandatory requirements for completion

• You must provide evidence that you have achieved all seven learning outcomes at least once

• Completion of the programme is determined by your achievement of these goals over a period of at least 18 months

• Failure to meet these criteria means you will not be successfully awarded the IB Diploma

• While some outcomes might be achieved many times, others may only be demonstrated once

• Not every CAS experience—a specific event or series of events where you engage with the three CAS strands—must address a learning outcome

Documenting and verifying success

• You are expected to gather evidence of your achievements in a CAS portfolio—a collection of work that showcases your journey

• Achievement is primarily demonstrated through your reflections—the process of thoughtfully considering your thoughts and feelings regarding an experience

• You are responsible for providing evidence in your CAS portfolio. The CAS coordinator/adviser confirms completion and reaches agreement with you on what evidence is needed to demonstrate each learning outcome

• There are three formal documented CAS interviews (start, end of year 1, end of programme). The third interview is the final summative interview, where you review your whole CAS journey and evidence of the learning outcomes

Summary of the seven learning outcomes

• Outcome 1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

• Outcome 2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

• Outcome 3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

• Outcome 4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

• Outcome 5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

• Outcome 6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

• Outcome 7: Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions