Making an Impact: CAS in the Chatsworth IB Diploma Programme

Choosing the right international school in Singapore means looking for a programme that develops more than just academic knowledge; it means finding a place where your child grows as a person. The Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the IB Diploma Programme is central to achieving this holistic growth, showing students what it truly means to be a compassionate global citizen.

At Chatsworth International School, CAS is where students put their learning into action, stepping outside the traditional classroom to explore their passions, challenge themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their community. This required element empowers our students to become compassionate, engaged, and well-rounded global citizens.

What is CAS?

CAS is one of the three core requirements that all students must successfully complete to be awarded the IB Diploma. It’s not assessed in the traditional sense; rather, it encourages students to undertake challenging and enjoyable experiences outside of their academic subjects over the course of the two-year programme. 

Often, parents ask, "How many hours does my child need to dedicate?" However, the focus is placed on the quality of the experience and self-reflection, not just the time spent. This emphasis is central to IB education in Singapore: the true aim of CAS is to develop students’ personal and interpersonal skills, fostering self-determination, collaboration, and a willingness to embrace new roles.

By balancing academics with practical, purposeful pursuits in the areas of Creativity, Activity, and Service, CAS ensures students develop into compassionate individuals who understand the importance of making a genuine impact.

What Does CAS Look Like in Chatsworth

At Chatsworth, we view CAS as a vital component of our holistic education, providing tangible opportunities for students to explore their passions and contribute to their community. Our supportive environment encourages students to be innovative and take initiative in designing and executing their own projects. With CAS documentation being an important part of the overall experience, students are required to reflect on the activities they undertake and complete self-evaluations through various forms such as journals, scrapbooks, photo essays, videos, or weblogs.

Creativity

The Creativity strand encourages students to explore and extend their ideas, leading to the development of a product or performance. This allows students to deepen skills in a creative form they already enjoy or to try something entirely new. For example, a student accomplished in music might compose and perform an original guitar solo, or a visual artist might design and complete a new sculpture or photographic series. We’ve even seen DP students collaborate on large-scale projects like mural paintings, channelling their artistic talents into a collaborative, impactful effort that benefits the school environment.

This strand emphasises the process of creation and the commitment to refining artistic and creative skills. It helps students exercise their imagination and develop their appreciation for the arts, ensuring that their growth is intellectual as well as artistic.

Activity

Activity encourages healthy physical development and a commitment to action. This strand challenges students to engage in physical activities that lead to a healthy lifestyle. This can involve participating in team sports, organising fitness challenges, or taking up a new athletic skill like rock climbing or competitive swimming. Over the years, our students have also actively engaged in school-led service initiatives. For MYP students, these are known as 'Service as Action,' which includes organising food drives for Food Bank Singapore to support the local community.

The Activity strand emphasises the importance of balancing intellectual work with physical well-being. By engaging in action, students learn about commitment, teamwork, and the importance of perseverance, skills essential for life both inside and outside the classroom.

Service

The Service strand focuses on collaborative and thoughtful action that addresses a genuine need in the community. Service activities are planned and driven by students, helping them develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility. A recent example saw a group of Year 11 and 12 students hosting a vibrant Chinese New Year event at the Orange Valley Active Ageing Centre. As part of their CAS Project, they engaged the elderly with exercise, games, and traditional crafts like lantern making and calligraphy.

These thoughtful and meaningful outreach projects truly brighten the seniors' days and build vital links between our international school and the local community. This work encourages students to apply the principles of the IB Learner Profile, especially caring and principled, to real-world situations, understanding the impact of their efforts on others.

The Transformative Power of Action

CAS is the heartbeat of the IB Diploma Programme at Chatsworth. It moves students beyond academic theory, asking them to engage with the world with purpose, passion, and thoughtful action. This unique core requirement ensures that when our students graduate, they’re not only armed with an IB Diploma recognised globally but also equipped with the character, experience, and global perspective needed to lead meaningful lives.

This holistic development is precisely why the IB Diploma remains the gold standard for preparing the next generation of compassionate global leaders, setting Chatsworth graduates on a true path of impact and leadership. Book a tour with us to see the CAS programme in action and discover how we can empower your child's journey.