Understanding the CAS learning outcomes

At the end of CAS, you are responsible for showing achievement in each of the seven learning outcomes. What
are these learning outcomes, and how do they apply to real-life situations?

Begin by reading and discussing the learning outcomes. Circle memorable key words in each.

Then refer to the “Example scenarios” table. In small groups, determine the possible learning outcome or
outcomes for each scenario and provide reasons.

The learning outcomes

Learning outcome 1 Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth.

Learning outcome 2 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.

Learning outcome 3 Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience.

Learning outcome 4 Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences.

Learning outcome 5 Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.

Learning outcome 6 Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.

Learning outcome 7 Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions.

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Example scenarios
Select a learning outcome for each scenario and provide a reason for your choice.

A CAS student: Learning outcome and reason

• joins the school basketball team Huong Anh’s part

• aims to complete level three of a

Huong Anh’s part
piano exam

• creates a website for an

Huong Anh’s part
organization from scratch using
design software

• designs an app from scratch for a

Huong Anh’s part
local NGO

Huong Anh’s part

• enters a national short story
competition

Huong Anh’s part

• trains for and completes a long-
distance fun run

• competes at a gymnastics
Huong Anh’s part
tournament

• organizes awareness-raising
Huong Anh’s part
events for an NGO

• becomes a cast member of a

Huong Anh’s part
school theatre production

• sets up a school sports club

Huong Anh’s part

LO4: doing a task weekly for a prolonged time period requires self-
• takes weekly flute lessons for motivation and perseverance.
more than 18 months

• organizes a “clean air exhibition”
over a weekend in a local
shopping mall, aimed at
decreasing air pollution
• joins a local football team and
LO6: the global issue associated to this activity is air pollution. By
organizing a “clean air exhibition”, this person shows their will to make
a positive change.
LO5: a football team cannot win without the contribution and effort of
every member. Members of the team must collaborate and come up with
a strategy in order to win the tournament.

competes in a tournament

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• becomes a school council
representative – LO2:
becoming a school
council representative is
not an easy task and
requires challenges to be
taken. LO3: being a
representative means
you have to do a lot of
planning for the students
as well.

• works with an NGO in support

of people who are homeless –
LO5 and LO6: working with an
organization requires
collaborative skills and
supporting homeless people is a
way of engaging in a global
issue

• organizes a school campaign to

spread awareness of the
benefits of reading books: LO3 –
organizing an event requires
planning skills.
• participates in a language study
tour – LO1 and LO2: language
study is a difficult task and
requires challenges to be taken
and strengths to be applied.

• joins the stage and lighting

crew for a school production:
LO5: collaborating with others
to create a school production

• creates a number of artworks – LO1 and LO4: creating artworks means that you are able to apply your existing
skills/strengths into practice. This also requires commitment as you have to create many artworks.

• raises funds for a local charity – LO6: charity supports good causes so this is considered engagement in global
issues.

• trains for and then participates

in a triathlon: Sehoon’s part

• attends weekly yoga classes:

Sehoon’s part
• joins the school debating club:
Sehoon’s part
 • joins a local environmental
group: Sehoon’s part
• learns to play the guitar:
Sehoon’s part
• becomes a reporter for the
school newspaper: Sehoon’s part
• completes a course to learn to
use a software programme:
Sehoon’s part

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• serves lunch every other
Saturday at a homeless shelter

• coaches a sports team for

children with disabilities