What is CAS?

CAS stands for Creativity, Activity and Service, which are the three different strands of experiential learning that WIS students undertake as part of their holistic education. Modelled on the core element of the IB Diploma, we have incorporated it also into our WIS Middle Years Diploma (Pre 16) and International Diploma (Post 16) as we firmly believe in educating the whole child beyond their classroom experiences. Students design their own CAS programme in both phases of the school but must challenge themselves in all three strands:

WIS is committed to a full and broad CAS programme involving both regular scheduled activities and an annual Horizons Week. During our Horizons Week in term one lessons are suspended for five days and students have the opportunity to take part in a broad range of activities that are not normally available through the usual timetable. Horizons Week is a compulsory part of our broader curriculum and attendance is therefore mandatory. Students consider the range of opportunities which are available and should plan to participate in each of the areas of Creativity, Activity and Service over the seven years they are at WIS.

Involvement in a broad range of CAS activities is an expectation of all students at WIS. Students who challenge themselves to their own personal limits are better able to grow into compassionate, caring individuals who perceive their self-worth as more than just their academic qualifications. Students actively involved in CAS are more willing to have their voice heard, be rational risk takers and aspire to be the leaders of tomorrow, both within the school and the outside community.

As students progress through the school, it is expected that they demonstrate greater initiative and independence by finding their own CAS opportunities. Senior students should be more willing to operate outside their ‘comfort zone’ and should take the lead in self-generated, long-term projects.