What is NOT CAS?

What is, or what is not, CAS is a question which coordinators are frequently asked.  The asking of the questions may show an inappropriate approach.  If CAS becomes a points-scoring exercise, rather than an interesting variety of activities that the students find intrinsically worthwhile and rewarding, and which is mutually beneficial to the student and to his or her community, then its purpose is lost.  It is important that the spirit of CAS be considered at all times.

Generally, CAS is not taking place when the student is in a passive rather than an active role.  There should be interaction.  If the student is passive, nothing of real value, either for the student or for other people, results from what the student is doing, and no real reflection is possible.  In such circumstances the student will be able to meet the learning outcomes of CAS only to a very limited extent.  Examples of activities which would not be appropriate for CAS are listed below.

1. Any class, activity or project which is already part of the student’s Diploma Programme.  

2. An activity for which a student is personally rewarded either financially or with some other benefit (unless this benefit is passed on in full to a worthy cause). 

3. Doing simple, tedious and repetitive work, like returning school library books to the shelves. 

4. Working in senior or children’s home when the student:

> Has no idea of how the home operates

> Is just making sandwiches

> Has no contact at all with the senior citizens or children

> Actually does no service for other people. 

5. A passive pursuit, such as a visit to a museum, the theatre, art exhibition, concert or sports event, unless it clearly inspires work in a related activity in which a student is already engaged. 

6. All forms of duty within the family. 

7. Religious devotion and any activity which can be interpreted as proselytizing. 

8. Work experience which only benefits the student. 

9. Fund-raising with no clearly defined end in sight. 

10. An activity where there is no leader, supervisor or responsible adult on site to evaluate and confirm student performance. (The parent of the student cannot evaluate the studentsperformance) 

11. Activities which cause division amongst different groups in the community