What is CAS?

CAS stands for creativity, activity and service.

The course encourages students to be active in all three of these areas throughout the IB educational period.

CAS is a core element in the curriculum, along with the extended essay and theory of knowledge. CAS is compulsory for every student if they wish to receive the IB Diploma.

As a shining beacon of our values, CAS enables students to demonstrate attributes of the IB learner profile in real and practical ways, to grow as unique individuals and to recognize their role in relation to others. Students develop skills and attitudes through a variety of individual and group experiences that provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and express their passions, personalities and views. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment.

II. gimnazija Maribor offers many creative activities within the programme DrugaDruga, e.g., literary and art workshops, photography circles, theatre groups in Slovene, English, French and German, youth choir, student orchestra, student newspaper, film school, etc.

In the field of sports, students can choose from a range of elective sports (swimming, table tennis, badminton, aerobics, yoga, dance, etc). They can also opt for an individualised programme with a help of a mentor.

The students can volunteer at primary schools, kindergartens, youth homes, retirement homes, animal shelters and youth centres.

Additionally, IB students can be involved in the international project, the school cultural marathon, the organisation and implementation of charity events and music concerts. They can participate in international school exchanges, competitions and conferences (MUN, YPAC, WSC).

IB students are encouraged to be active in the local community, so they can also take part in activities in external organisations that provide creative, sports and volunteer activities.

The work of the students is monitored by the CAS coordinator as well as other mentors for each activity. The students write a diary and keep a portfolio throughout the course. At the end of the second school year, they make a public presentation in which they include a self-evaluation and a reflection on the activities performed.

The CAS programme aims to develop students who:

  • enjoy and find significance in a range of CAS experiences,
  • purposefully reflect upon their experiences,
  • identify goals, develop strategies and determine further actions for personal growth,
  • explore new possibilities, embrace new challenges and adapt to new roles and contexts,
  • actively participate in planned, sustained, and collaborative CAS projects,
  • understand they are members of local and global communities with responsibilities towards each other and the environment.
  • thoroughly familiarise yourself with your schools CAS handbook and timelines,
  • meet with CAS coordinator according to the timeline, at least three times over the duration of your CAS programme; be sure to come prepared,
  • base your choices on your interests, skills, talents and areas for growth to stay motivated; challenge yourself!
  • balance your experiences between Creativity, Activity and Service,
  • initiate or engage in at least one CAS Project in collaboration with others that extends over at least one month,
  • use the CAS stages as much as possible when considering, planning and undertaking your CAS experiences; be sure to apply these to Service and to the CAS Project,
  • ask questions along the way when you need assistance or clarity,
  • participate in meaningful reflection as a way to capture your experiences and summarize your evidence linked to the Learning Outcomes,
  • enjoy CAS! That’s most important – to participate in experiences that assists your personal growth and offers you a world of possibilities.
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