The Influence of CAS (Creativity Activity and Service)

CAS is a core component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) offered in Sixth Form. Its purpose is to involve students in experiences that will make a significant difference to their lives and the lives of others, while challenging them to extend existing skills or learn new skills.

All students in Years 12 and 13, as well as the rest of the Senior School students, are encouraged to take up the CAS ethos. They do this by volunteering and contributing in many ways to give back to the community.

CAS students must plan and initiate at least one project that responds to an authentic community need; this requires substantial work and can be profound and life-changing for some students. Year 13 IB students demonstrate their learning to peers, parents and the local community during the IB Promenade event.

Did you know?

The BSN FA Summer Fair 2024 saw many students executing their CAS ideas, including ‘We got you girl’ a fundraising initiative to buy menstrual cups for homeless women in The Hague, and Mexican face painting and arm wrestling to raise money for a Mexican charity to support women against domestic abuse.

IB Promenade

Year 13 SSV IB students opened their promenade to all Year 12 students to encourage their involvement in community endeavours and similar projects. During break time, the Year 13 IB students invited Year 9 to walk through the promenade to promote participation at the GCSE level and beyond. Year 12 IBCP and BTEC Business students used the IB promenade as a learning experience for upcoming ‘event-like’ projects. They worked hard, persevered and demonstrated excellent teamwork. SSL will hold their first IB promenade in 2025 to celebrate their first Year 13 cohort.

An International Community

In September, IB students from Kolding Gymnasium in Denmark participated in an Erasmus-funded educational visit to SSL and SSV as part of their CAS programme. BSN IB students and the visitors engaged in two full days of lessons and activities designed to promote collaboration and develop their intercultural awareness, by learning about different cultures and perspectives.

Throughout their visit, the students from Denmark explored ideas for future CAS activities at their school related to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). They visited an exhibition on this topic at Museon Omniversum. The students also toured and worked in the Eco Garden at SSV and the ‘natuurspeeltuin’, an area of a local park that SSV students maintain and develop on behalf of the local community.

Did you know?

Heart Pillow Club is the longest running CAS initiative (we are also starting a Heart Pillow Club at SSL). Similarly, two established Co-Curricular Activities Published and Quill & Scroll are also branches of the CAS Programme and initially started as CAS Projects by students.