Creativity, Activity, Service as a Part of the IB Program in Stella Maris Gading Serpong
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a renowned international program that offers students the opportunity to be more prepared for university. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is offered as one of the three mandatory components that students are required to complete in the Diploma Programme (DP). CAS is an ongoing thing in the diploma program starting from IBDP year one, and it is submitted at the end of year two. From this, students are ensured to have some non-academic skill and experience at the end of IB, which would help them later on their university resume. At Stella Maris School Gading Serpong, the CAS program is essential to helping students become well-rounded, socially responsible, and reflective students.
CAS is divided into three strands: Creativity, Activity, Service. It encourages students to take up some non-academic activities outside of school, which would broaden their experiences and knowledge.
Creativity: This strand highlights the value of engaging in new creative pursuits. Activities that students can put as a part of the creativity strand are as such; learning a new musical instrument, painting, baking, designing, etc. Anything that has made you learn a new skill which challenges your creativity can be used as CAS (creativity strand). In Stella Maris School Gading Serpong, there are many events that require the making and designing of booths, for example; the cultural festival and Stemapreneur event. By participating in the design of the booth, students can even use this as their CAS.
Activity: This strand highlights the importance of physical activity. Anything that has to do with physical activity, such as running, swimming, going to the gym, yoga, etc. can be used as this CAS. In Stella Maris GS, there are a lot of sports events that are held every year. By participating in any of the sports teams, it can be counted as CAS. Personally, one of my Activity CAS involves a badminton competition that I joined that was supported by the school. I am very glad that Stella Maris School is very supportive and encouraging for their students to participate in off-school tournaments.
Service: Service activities aim to develop students’ sense of social responsibility and community engagement. Activities that serve others and without profit can be counted as CAS. For example: Donating to charity, intern at a company (must be without profit!). Stella Maris School GS offers a yearly musical drama performance that secondary students are allowed to participate and act in. Personally, this has acted as one of my service CAS.
In Stella Maris School Gading Serpong, the required amount of CAS that students need to have at the end of IBDP Year 2 is a total of 15 activities. 5 activities in the Creativity strand, 5 in the Activity strand, and 5 in the Service strand. Aside from that, students are also required to have at least one CAS Project. A CAS Project is something that must be done collaboratively and with months of work planning. It aims to improve students’ teamwork and planning skills. Examples of CAS projects are setting up a sports tournament, making new music with band, etc.
Before submitting the CAS, students are also required to write the reflection about it. At the end of year 12, what students are required to submit for CAS is their documentation of the activities, and their written reflection for each activity. As a whole, the CAS program that is a part of the IB curriculum is a crucial tool that would be very beneficial for students in the future. It ensures that students not only get academic benefits, but also lots of experience in the creativity, activity, and service area.
