The impact of Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) on students and communities

This report summarises the findings of an International Baccalaureate-funded study which explored the impact on 16-19 year-old students, and their communities, of one part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: the experience-based learning component 'Creativity, Activity, Service' (CAS). Involving almost 10,000 students, staff and alumni from schools in two of the three IB world regions - Asia Pacific and Africa, Europe and the Middle East - our findings show that CAS outcomes are perceived to extend beyond those specified in curriculum documentation, adding impact to individual students through skills development, personal development and individual well-being. Impact on communities was less clear but there is scope for the Service element of CAS to make a particular impact on both students and communities when schools adopt values inherent in the CAS programme.