CAS Portfolio Evidence (DP IB Creativity, Activity, Service): Revision Note

What kinds of evidence belong in a CAS portfolio and what makes them strong?

Common types of evidence

• Visual materials—this includes photographs, videos, and screenshots from your activities

• Written documentation—this includes letters, emails, planning documents, and meeting minutes

• Creative products—this includes music recordings, art pieces, scripts, and posters

• Formal recognition—this includes certificates and awards that mark specific achievements

• Supervisor reports—feedback from the person overseeing your activity to confirm your attendance and engagement

What makes evidence strong

• Clear links to experiences:

  • The evidence must prove you were an active participant rather than a passive attendee

• Alignment with learning outcomes:

  • Your evidence and reflections, taken together, should help demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes across your CAS programme

• Accompanied by reflection:

  • Evidence on its own is not enough—it must be explained through a reflective lens to show what you learned

• Focus on the process:

  • Strong evidence documents your journey, challenges, and development over time rather than just a final product

• Individualised and authentic:

  • The evidence should be age—appropriate and reflect your unique interests and values

Updating evidence for interviews

• Continuous documentation—you are expected to update your CAS portfolio regularly throughout the 18-month programme

• Preparation for your interviews:

  • The portfolio must be updated and relevant before each of the three mandatory interviews

  • It serves as the primary evidence used by your CAS coordinator/advisor to decide successful completion of the programme, so it is essential to update your evidence before the final interview