cas booklet - 2010

Bayview Secondary SchoolInternational Baccalaureate

Diploma Program

Creativity Action & Service

Student Handbook

Student Name: (print) _______________________

Bayview Secondary School 10077 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2L4

Phone: (905) 884-4453 Fax: (905)770-3580website: www.bayview.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

IB Coordinator: Gerry Trefler

CAS General Guidelines

The Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) requirement of the IB Program takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship, providing a counter-balance to the academic self-absorption some students may feel within a demanding school program. CAS should extend the person. It should challenge you to develop a value system by which you enhance your personal growth.

CAS is an experiential learning program involving students in new roles. The emphasis is on learning by doing new tasks that have real consequences (results/effects) and then reflecting on these experiences over time. You will be a participant, an actor, not an observer.

CREATIVITY involves being actively involved creatively in an activity. This could include creative thinking in the design and carrying out of a service program for Student Council, Autism Society or Richmond Hill Food Bank, or organizing student involvement in the Heart and Stroke Telethon or Terry Fox Run. This often involves DOING (participating in) dance, music, theatre, and/or art, engaged in a group. You could take a course in photography, woodworking, etc. (It should not be a solitary experience; a performance amongst the practices would be required. You must be an active participant, not an observer. Watching plays, movies or music performances is not the same experience level.

ACTION includes participation in expeditions, individual and team sports, and physical activities outside the normal curriculum. Action could also be incorporated as part of a service project (labor required to work with Habitat for Humanity) or part of creative dance.

SERVICE projects and activities are often the most transforming elements of the Diploma Program for the individual student. Service involves interaction, such as the building of links with individuals or groups in the community. The community may be the school, the local district, or it may exist on national and international levels. Service activities should not only involve doing this for others but also doing things with others and developing a real commitment to them. The relationship should therefore show respect for the dignity and self-respect of others. (Please see suggestions further in this booklet.)

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Participation in programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Awards is a perfect complement to the CAS program and is very well respected by the universities and community at large.

The emphasis of CAS is on the experiential learning and students are expected to be involved for the equivalent of at least 3-4 hours per week over the two years (150 hours total) in a balanced range of different activities.

EIGHT KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES OF CAS

As a result of the CAS experience as a whole, the student has:

Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth.

They are able to see themselves as individuals with various skills and abilities, some more developed than others, and understand that they can make choices about how they wish to move forward.

Undertaken new challenges.

A new challenge may be an unfamiliar activity, or an extension to an existing one.

Planned and initiated activities.

Planning and initiation will often be in collaboration with others. It can be shown in activities that are part of larger projects, for example, ongoing school activities in the local community, as well as in small student-led activities.

Worked collaboratively with others.

Collaboration can be shown in many different activities, such as team sports, playing music in a band, or helping in a kindergarten. At least one project, involving collaboration and the integration of at least two of creativity, action, and service, is required.

Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities.

At a minimum, this applies attending regularly and accepting a share of the responsibility for dealing with problems that arise in the course of activities.

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Engaged with issues of global importance.

Students may be involved in international projects but there are many global issues that can be acted upon locally or nationally (for example, environmental concerns, caring for the elderly).

Considered the ethical implications of their actions.

Ethical decisions arise in almost any CAS activity (for example, on the sports field, in musical composition, in relationships with others involved in service activities). Evidence of thinking about ethical issues can be shown in various ways, including journal entries and conversations with CAS advisors.

Developed new skills.

As with new challenges, new skills may be shown in activities that the student has not previously undertaken, or in increased expertise in an established area.

Any activity that does not result in at least one of these LEARNING OUTCOMES is NOT A CAS Activity!

Students must complete activities of Creative, Action, and Service that result in all eight LEARNING OUTCOMES.

Students must document activities with CAS Activity Forms and a piece of evidence for the activity.

This will require approximately 150 hours of activity.

Each student must do at least one EXTENDED PROJECT in which students make a long-term commitment to one non-profit organization

It is important to remain in contact with the CAS Coordinator regarding your CAS activity. This will be done through CAS Update Forms and personal Interviews. Feel free to contact the CAS Coordinator with questions, or to share what you are doing and learning.

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CAS IS NOT INTENDED TO BE FORCED THROUGH, ‘GOTTEN OUT OF THE WAY’, OR CAUGHT UP AT THE LAST MINUTE.

A candidate must complete a minimum of three activities in each of the three areas of concentration (C, A and S)

Suggested minimum timeline: By -

September 7 = 20 hours (maximum for first summer) Year 1December 1 = 45 hours (total minimum) no maximum Year 1May 1 = 90 hours (total minimum) no maximum Year 1December 1 = 115 hours (total minimum) no maximum Year 2March 31 = 150 hours (total minimum) no maximum Year 2April 30 = Completed Booklet handed in to CAS Coordinator Year 2

On average, students who keep good records accomplish over 250 hours of balanced CAS hours.

Lack of completion of ALL facets of the CAS Program and/or lack of adherence to this timeline could jeopardize a student’s continuation and completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Students must demonstrate a clear balance of all three elements of the CAS program.

Assessments of CAS booklets will take place in September, December and May of IB year 1 and in early December and April of IB year 2. Each logbook must be complete with an up-to-date activity tally sheet, a photograph and description of the student in each of the three areas of CAS and a reflection on their experience. If the element is incomplete, it will not be accepted for assessment.

This CAS Book contains important information about Pre-IB and IB CAS requirements. It is mandatory for you to keep this book and follow all instructions for documenting CAS activities. The CAS Book is part of the evidence that the student has completed the CAS requirements. Put this book in a safe and secure place. We recommend not taking the CAS Book to CAS activities. If it is lost the student is responsible for verifying all CAS activities. There is a $5.00 replacement charge for lost CAS Books.

I understand the general guidelines and obligations for my CAS requirements. I understand that this CAS Book will be checked throughout the four years the IB program. If I have questions I will contact Mr Trefler. ([email protected])

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Student’s Signature Date

____________________________________________________ __________Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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mailto:[email protected]

Table of Contents for the CAS booklet:

Section 1: General Information- Students must maintain all information (guidelines) for easy access.- Students will maintain the performance criteria sheet for guidance in the selection

of appropriate activities.- Students will update the summary sheet for each submission date.- Students will maintain an IB CAS student final summary sheet.- Students will maintain a parent’s understanding of volunteering sheet.

Section 2: Summer IB 1 submission (you will need a divider)- Divider is in place. - Time sheet including all activities for this submission. - One reflection for each submission. - Each submission is signed by your leader/supervisor. - There is a photograph of me involved in the activity. - If you are missing information, a signature or a photo, submit what you have and

include a note explaining the cause for the missing record and what you will do to “fix” the problem.

Section 3: Fall IB 1 submission (you will need a divider)- Divider is in place. - Time sheet including all activities for this submission. - One reflection for each submission. - Each submission is signed by your leader/supervisor. - There is a photograph of me involved in the activity.

Section 3: Winter/spring IB 1 submission- Repeat the submission requirements from section 2.

In order to develop a depth and breadth of growth outside of their academic endeavors, students are expected to seek out new or underdeveloped skills, traits or understandings of the world around them. For this reason, students are expected to undertake three activities/projects per CAS area during their

IB Diploma years.

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Creativity Suggestions

Remember: You are a sponge, not an observer. Be a part of the activity.

Doing the school newsletter or yearbook Being in a musical or choral groupParticipating in the school or community dramatic production (on or back stage)

Helping with the school’s literary magazine

Helping with the school Art show Participating in a dance companyTaking a photography class Active organization in a school clubCaroling during the Holiday Season Doing woodworking projects and activitiesTaking an art class (group) Participation in school councilParticipating in the school arts club Band is acceptable if not earning a credit

Activity Suggestions

Participation in a school teamParticipation in intramural activitiesParticipation in a community sporting activityParticipation in a service or creative activity with a physical componentParticipation in an ongoing family activity, which promotes physical fitness

Any activity/project may only be counted once in the total submissions. Inclusion of full hours in an activity is acceptable.

Service Suggestions

Participating in Scouts or guides, sports clubs, Bayview S.S. (prefects, student council, fundraising, etc.)Actively volunteering in a seniors’ residence, children’s camp, veterans’ hospitalBe involved in homework clubs, tutoring (not for pay)Volunteering for institutions like the Red Cross, CNIB, Habitat for HumanityParticipations in various fundraising Marathons and/or telethonsParticipations for causes like the Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation

Information on volunteer opportunities is available on the bulletin boards outside Room 29 and in the Guidance office, and on the Helpmate Community Information & Volunteer Bureau website at http://www.helpmte.volnetmmp.net/index.htm.

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Caution: Activities such as stacking books at a library, although being a service, would not count, as you would get little experiential learning from the exercise. Running a children’s reading club at your library would be

acceptable.

Of Special Note

In response to a number of questions raised by schools, the IBO CAS committee has determined the following principles in relation to CAS activities and religion. The following statement remains the main guideline in identifying activities, which do not qualify for CAS: “Religious devotion and any activity which can be interpreted as proselytizing”.

The concept of community in the “community service” may include a religious community when the objective of the activity is secular and not religious. (ie: raising money for wheelchairs in a religious-affiliated retirement home or hospice). Students who engage in such activities must also show evidence of participation beyond their religious community. This is in keeping with the IBO philosophy of promoting international understanding and developing attitudes and values, which transcend race, religion, gender and politics.

A religious group helping people in the larger community qualifies for service where the objectives are clearly secular.

YRDSB Community Service Policy

Parents/guardians should be aware that community activities will not be supervised by the YRDSB staff. Any questions should be directed to the community sponsor or the IB coordinator. See all of the YRDSB policy regarding Community Involvement at:

http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/pdfs/w/schools/CommServiceGuide.pdf

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can sign as a supervisor or leader?- A peer cannot be a supervisor and you should use a parent as a last resort. You

should seek out a leader or supervisor who is aware of your activity and progress. As you are involved in team, group or community activities, a leader should not be difficult to locate.

2. What if I sing in the church choir?- Your desired participation in your chosen religious activities is very admirable.

Participation is a responsibility within most spiritual groups. The answer is NO, IT WILL NOT COUNT AS CAS. Should your choral group volunteer to sing Christmas carols at a senior’s home or hospital, this would be acceptable.

3. Does the school band count?- If you volunteer, YES (this would be not for credit). Should you be receiving a

school credit for it, the answer is NO.

4. How important are due dates?- Time management is an integral element of the IB program. We have a team of

dedicated volunteers who give of their time to read and assess your CAS portfolios. It would be disrespectful to delay their work.

5. What if my submission is not ready?- Learn from this. Plan ahead next time. For this submission, place everything that

you have in your booklet in as best order as possible. Indicate the reasons for the missing documentation and when you will commit to remedying this situation. Give yourself a few days maximum. (You should always see Mr. Trefler when a delay is expected.)

6. Are sports the only form of athletic activity?- NO. While being a part of a school or community activity is considered athletic,

other activities can earn you experiential learning hours. Cultural dancing, bi-weekly exercise program, Tae-Kwon-Do classes, walking 4 hours for a fundraiser in support of cancer research.

7. Should I keep a time sheet?- YES, keep as many as possible. Strong recording is important. One time sheet is

required for each submission. A summary sheet is also required (in your 1 st

section).

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Remember: C = Creativity, A = Action, S = Service (explained in General Guidelines)

Bayview Secondary School10077 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2L4



CREATIVITY – ACTION – SERVICEPROPOSAL

CAS CREATIVITY Proposal

Name of Place/Organization:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Telephone Number: ______________________________________________________

Fax Number: ____________________________________________________________

E-mail: _________________________________________________________________

Description of Duties/Activities/Supervisor:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: _________________________________ # of Hours: _______________

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Date: __________________________________________________________________




Reflection and notes:

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Supervisor’s Signature and Date: __________________________________





CAS ACTION Proposal


Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Fax Number: ____________________________________________________________

E-mail: _________________________________________________________________


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Date: __________________________________________________________________





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CAS SERVICE Proposal


Address:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Fax Number: ____________________________________________________________

E-mail: _________________________________________________________________


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Date: __________________________________________________________________





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CAS SELF-EVALUATION PHOTOGRAPH

Place photograph here.If you do not have one, get one!

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STUDENT NAME:___________________________ ACTIVITY: C A S

The photo is of you partaking in the activity. Please describe the people and activity depicted by the photo. In addition, credit must be given to the photographer.

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Student Signature:__________________________________

Date:______________________

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CAS SUMMARY(For candidate bookkeeping purposes only-Sample 1)

Fill out for each submission

Student Name:______________________

Summer Hours: Sept. 13 (max 20 hrs)

Creative = ________ Active = ________ Service = ________TOTAL = ________ Reflections completed Photos included:

Dec. 2 (IB 1)


May 15 (IB 1)


TOTAL END OF IB YEAR 1


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Sept. 6 (IB 2) (not required, but recommended)


Dec. 1 (IB 2)


April 1 (IB 2)


C:________ A:________ S:________ = FINAL TOTAL: ________

Final Reflection Completed:

Coordinator’s Signature:____________________________

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RECORD OF IB CAS HOURS(For candidate bookkeeping purposes only-Sample 2)

Student Name:____________________________________________Page ____ of ____ Time Period: From __________________________ to __________________________ CAS

ACTIVITY

SPECIFIC ROLE

IB 1 HRS

IB 2 HRS

TOTAL

HRS

LEADER NAME(print)

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CAS ACTIVITY EVALUATION FORM

Print Student Name:____________________________________________________________

Name of Organization & Activity:_______________________________________________________________________

Date(s) of Activity:______________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY SUPERVISOR EVALUATION

Thank you for your leadership of this activity. Please rate the volunteer’s performance using an X under the appropriate level.

CRITERIA OUTSTANDING GOOD AVERAGEBELOWAVERAGE

NOT OBSERVED

Attendance,Punctuality and time spent on the activity.

Evidence of initiative, planning, organization.

Amount of effort and commitment to the activity.

Personal achievement and development, taking into account the student’s skills/attitudes at the start of the activity.

Comments:______________________________________________________________

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___________________________________________ ____________________(Print) Supervisor’s Name Phone #

___________________________________________ ________________________Supervisor’s Signature Date

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CAS ACTIVITY EVALUATION FORM

Complete a copy of this form for each CAS Activity. Attach evidence to document this activity – a program, a team roster, a reflection statement, a photo, etc.

Print Student Name:_______________________________________________ Class of 20____

Name of Organization & Activity:_______________________________________________________

Date(s) of Activity:_______________________________________ Approx. # of Hours: ____

This Activity is (check all that apply): Creative:__________ Action:__________ Service:_________

Check the LEARNING OUTCOMES achieved with this activity.

__________ (1) Increased my awareness of my own strengths and areas of growth.

__________ (2) Undertaken new challenges.

__________ (3) Planned and initiated activities.

__________ (4) Worked collaboratively with others.

__________ (5) Shown perseverance and commitment in this activity.

__________ (6) Engaged with issues of global importance.

__________ (7) Considered the ethical implications of my actions.

__________ (8) Developed new skills.

Comment on the outcomes you checked.

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_____________________________________________ ___________________Student’s Signature Date

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Bayview Secondary SchoolBayview Secondary School

10077 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2L4Phone: (905) 884-4453 Fax: (905)770-3580

website: www.bayview.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.caIB Coordinator: Gerry Trefler

CAS ACTIVITY LOG

Student Name:_________________________________

Activity Date(s) Type of Evidence C A S

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Final evaluation of ALL required learning outcomes will be January the Senior Year.

Photos from your Favorite Activities

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Bayview Secondary SchoolBayview Secondary School

10077 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 2L4Phone: (905) 884-4453 Fax: (905)770-3580

website: www.bayview.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.caIB Coordinator: Gerry Trefler

Final Essay

Write a clear and complete critical reflection on the learning outcomes you achieved through the IB CAS experience.

Attach a typed copy of your essay to this page.

Add a line to your essay for a parent/guardian signature and date.

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IB AND VOLUNTEERISMA MEMO TO PARENTS

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is very serious about this element of a student’s education. The CAS element of the program is part of its central core. Diplomas are withheld if this element is incomplete or lacking balance. Coordinators’ instructions regarding evaluation of the school’s CAS effort leave little doubt that this is not just one last thing to tend to, but is expected of all IB students as an integral part of learning to contribute to the world. TIPS FOR PARENTS Parental encouragement and support is often a vital part of helping students complete the IB diploma or involving themselves in volunteer activities. Here are some ideas of how you, as a parent, can encourage your child:

1. Familiarize yourself with the CAS Guidelines, timelines and performance criteria. 2. Discuss the requirements/opportunities with your child. 3. Share your own volunteer, active, creative experiences with your son or daughter and reflect on

what you have given and gained through volunteering. 4. Explore your child’s interests and look through listings of possible activities that would develop

new experiences for your child. 5. Join your child in an activity (take a course in pottery or stained glass making). 6. Be willing to be involved – come to games, plays and concerts; support your child’s volunteer

activities by providing transportation; talk about their experiences with them; help explore areas of interest (the Helpmate Community Information & Volunteer Bureau has listings on its website at http://www.helpmate.volnetmmp.net/index.htm.

7. Encourage your son or daughter to start early. Former diploma candidates have said that the requirements are not difficult if you start early and make it a part of your overall time management plan.

BECOME A PART OF THE PROGRAM BY ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILDREN! DATE:_______________________ STUDENT’S NAME (print):_______________________________ PARENT’S NAME (print):____________________ PARENT’S SIGNATURE:_____________________

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cas booklet - 2010

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