Is it possible to not pass the CAS and still receive the diploma? Read this warning before it's too late.
In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component is a crucial and non-negotiable part of the curriculum. Unlike other elements, CAS is not graded but must be fully completed for the diploma to be awarded[1].
To pass CAS, students must engage in a range of experiences across Creativity, Activity, and Service, complete a CAS project lasting at least one month, provide evidence and reflections showing learning outcomes, log progress regularly, and get approval from the CAS coordinator[2].
The focus is on quality of engagement, personal growth, and self-reflection, rather than just accumulating hours[3]. The seven CAS learning outcomes to be demonstrated are: identifying strengths and developing areas for growth, demonstrating undertaking of challenges, initiating and planning a CAS experience, showing commitment and perseverance, demonstrating skills of collaboration, engaging with issues of global significance, and recognizing and considering the ethics of choices and actions[4].
It is essential to remember that CAS is mandatory, and failure to meet requirements will result in not receiving the IB Diploma, even if all other academic criteria are met[2]. If a student's CAS record is incomplete due to lack of evidence, skipped projects, or insufficient reflections, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) will label their status as "No Diploma," regardless of their performance in other elements of the IB programme[5].
To maximise the chances of success, it is advised to start CAS early in Year 1 and log experiences consistently. If a student fails CAS but is flagged before final grades are submitted, they may have the opportunity to submit missing reflections or evidence to potentially still receive the diploma[6].
Moreover, staying in touch with the CAS coordinator and getting feedback regularly is important. Each activity should be reflected upon and linked to at least one of the seven CAS learning outcomes[7].
For those finding CAS challenging, resources like RevisionDojo offer expert guidance, examples, and tools to make CAS less stressful and more successful[8].
It is worth noting that most top universities prefer or require the full IB Diploma, especially in the UK, Canada, and Europe[9]. If it's too late to fix a failed CAS, the student may need to complete their CAS in the following year to receive their diploma retroactively[5].
In conclusion, the key to passing the CAS component is fully completing the experiential learning activities and reflective requirements set by the IB. By following the guidelines, students can ensure they meet the CAS requirements and, ultimately, receive their IB Diploma.
Engaged in education-and-self-development activities like CAS, students should strive to demonstrate learning through a range of experiences, including creativity, activity, and service. To ensure success, they should aim to meet the seven CAS learning outcomes, such as identifying strengths, undertaking challenges, and recognizing ethics, by providing evidence, reflections, and consistent logging of progress.
