The Service Programmes

CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)

What is CAS?
CAS is a framework for experiential learning, designed to involve students in new roles. The emphasis is on learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences, and then reflecting on these experiences over time.

This process of “doing and reflecting on the doing” provides an excellent opportunity for students to extend what they learn within the classroom to a form of service. In Science, for example, class work on biology or environmental systems may be applied to service work on the environment; in Design and Technology) class work may be applied to the design of devices that will improve the living conditions in a home, pueblo joven or refugee camp.

The most meaningful CAS experiences come from spending time with others to build relationships and develop the self-worth of both server and served. In the design and construction of the CAS schedules, coordinators are strongly encouraged to emphasize these aspects as much as possible. Appropriate activities for students might include:

• Physical assistance to the elderly
• Structured visits to an orphanage
• Rehabilitation work at a local hospital
• Teaching basic literacy
• Establishing and coaching a sports team for disadvantaged children
• Establishing and leading a musical ensemble for the visually impaired
• Staging a theatrical production for underprivileged children
• Improving computer literacy

Senior students of the Upper School participate in these activities and are appropriately tutored to better understand the importance of the roles they will be playing in the activities they choose.

These experiences are not meant to be a shock for students; this would be counter to the educational aims of CAS. Rather they are designed to be both a rewarding and enriching experience for the students.

The CAS programme at Markham is designed to build the students’ self-esteem, self-confidence, independence and self-reliance.

What does CAS mean?
Creativity: This aspect of CAS is interpreted as imaginatively as possible to cover a wide range of arts and other activities that include creative thinking. This could involve dance, theatre, music and art.
Action: This aspect of CAS can include participation in expeditions, individual and team sports, and various other physical activities.
Service: Service involves interaction with individuals or groups in communities that are less well off, be it mentally, physically, or economically. These activities should not only involve doing things for others but also doing things with others and developing a real commitment towards them.

IB Students and CAS
IB students are required to perform 50 hours of each aspect of Creativity, Action and Service, totalling an overall 150 hours of CAS, in order to receive their IB diploma.

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