ARKIS Junior Student Lounge

CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a core component of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and is designed to foster personal and interpersonal development in students. It is an integral part of the holistic education provided by the IB and offers students opportunities to engage in meaningful activities beyond academic coursework. There are several reasons why CAS is important for students taking the IB:

Holistic Development: CAS promotes the holistic development of students by encouraging them to engage in activities that encompass creativity, physical activity, and service to others. It aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who excel not only academically but also in other aspects of life.

Experiential Learning: CAS provides students with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom. It encourages students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and promoting practical problem-solving abilities.

Personal Growth: CAS offers students the chance to explore their passions, interests, and talents beyond the academic curriculum. Through engaging in creative pursuits, physical activities, and service-oriented projects, students develop a sense of personal growth, self-awareness, and self-confidence.

Interpersonal Skills and Collaboration: CAS often involves teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration with others. Students engage in activities that require effective communication, negotiation, and the ability to work in diverse groups. These experiences develop crucial interpersonal skills and promote a sense of community and cooperation.

Civic Responsibility and Global Awareness: CAS encourages students to actively engage with their communities and become socially responsible citizens. Through service projects, students develop an understanding of local and global issues, empathy toward others, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Time Management and Organization: CAS requires students to manage their time effectively to balance academic commitments with their CAS activities. This fosters skills in time management, organization, and prioritization, which are valuable for future academic pursuits and professional endeavors.

Reflective Practice: CAS incorporates reflection as a key component. Students are encouraged to critically reflect on their experiences, skills developed, challenges faced, and personal growth. Reflective practice enhances metacognition, self-evaluation, and the ability to learn from experiences.

These skills are highly valuable for students’ personal development, future academic pursuits, and their roles as responsible global citizens. We are thrilled to showcase the results of a CAS project undertaken by our Grade 11 students: Introducing the ARKIS Junior Student Lounge, a haven crafted by the dedication of seven unstoppable minds over a period of 6 months. These dedicated students had complete autonomy with this project. The school was on hand to support and guide them but these students took it upon themselves to renovate an empty space and turn it into a functioning lounge for their fellow Grade 11 students. All by their own hands and with skills they learned themselves through trial and error! What an incredible achievement!