Introduction
The IB Diploma Programme’s CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component is a cornerstone of student development. But one question confuses many students: What’s the difference between a CAS Project and a CAS Experience? Understanding this distinction is critical for meeting IB requirements and building a successful portfolio.
In this guide, you’ll learn the key differences, real examples, and how to structure your CAS efforts effectively—so you never fall short of the IB standards.
What Is a CAS Experience?
A CAS Experience is any significant activity under Creativity, Activity, or Service. It could be a one-time or ongoing action that promotes personal growth and engages with one or more of the CAS strands.
Examples of CAS Experiences:
- Attending a painting workshop (Creativity)
- Running in a 10K charity race (Activity)
- Participating in a beach clean-up event (Service)
Key Characteristics:
- Can be individual or group-based
- Often short-term, though it can be extended
- Must demonstrate at least one learning outcome
- Requires reflection to be valid
What Is a CAS Project?
A CAS Project is a longer-term, collaborative endeavor. It requires at least one month of planning and execution and must demonstrate multiple CAS learning outcomes.
Examples of CAS Projects:
- Planning and hosting a school fundraiser (Creativity + Service)
- Starting and running a fitness club for peers (Activity)
- Organizing a literacy campaign with a local NGO (Service)
Key Characteristics:
- Involves collaboration with others
- Must last at least four weeks
- Integrates planning, execution, and reflection
- Designed to meet at least five of the seven CAS learning outcomes
Major Differences Between CAS Project and Experience
Here’s how to clearly distinguish them:
- Duration: Projects last over a month; experiences can be one-time events.
- Collaboration: Projects involve working with others; experiences can be solo.
- Structure: Projects require intentional planning; experiences can be spontaneous.
- Outcomes: Projects must hit multiple learning outcomes; experiences can be limited to one.
- IB Requirement: You must complete at least one CAS project to fulfill CAS requirements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming attending club meetings counts as a CAS project (without planning or collaboration)
- Failing to reflect on each experience or project properly
- Treating routine or personal chores as CAS activities
- Forgetting to document activity duration, objectives, or outcomes
How to Plan for CAS Success
- Balance Both: Include a mix of creativity, activity, and service across experiences and your project.
- Document Everything: Use your CAS portfolio to log activity details, learning outcomes, and thoughtful reflections.
- Use the Learning Outcomes: There are seven learning outcomes. Projects must show evidence of at least five.
- Don’t Delay: Plan your CAS project early in Year 1 to avoid last-minute stress in Year 2.
FAQs
Q: Can a CAS project be done alone?
No. CAS projects must involve collaboration. That’s one of the IB’s requirements.
Q: How many CAS projects are required?
Only one CAS project is required, but you can do more.
Q: Do CAS experiences need to be long?
Not necessarily. A meaningful experience could be a one-hour event—if it includes reflection and a clear learning outcome.
Q: Can I do a project that’s only Creativity?
Yes. Your CAS project can focus on one strand or combine multiple.
Q: How is a CAS project assessed?
It’s not graded, but your CAS coordinator must verify that it meets the time, collaboration, and reflection requirements.
Q: Can I turn a CAS experience into a project?
Only if it evolves into a planned, collaborative, month-long initiative.
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