The CAS requirement encourages students to share their energy and talents with others; students might, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports, community service and service learning activities. Through these activities, students should develop greater self-awareness and concern for others, as well as the ability to work cooperatively. Creativity is interpreted broadly to include a wide range of arts activities as well as the creativity students demonstrate in designing and implementing service projects. Activity includes participation in physical activity either or both as an individual or as part of a team. Service encompasses a host of experiential learning opportunities such as community, social service and service learning activities. Some examples include helping children with special needs, visiting hospitals and working with refugees or homeless people.
The focus of CAS is on the learning outcomes listed above. These outcomes help to emphasize that it is the quality of a CAS activity (its contribution to the student’s development) that is of most importance. The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity is approximately three to four hours per week, carried out on a continual basis over an 18-month period, including July and August between Year 1 and 2, with a reasonable balance between creativity, action and service.
CAS students are expected to:
(Creativity, activity, service guide, p. 13)
