CAS workflow

CAS interviews: the full process

Every IB student must have three formal, documented interviews with their CAS coordinator or adviser. Here is what each one is for, when it happens, how to record it, and the sample questions to ask.

How many, and when

A minimum of three interviews, held at least twice in DP1 and once in DP2: at the beginning of the programme, towards the end of DP1, and near the end of DP2.

What they are for

Progress is discussed and appropriate encouragement and advice is given. Feedback from each interview is recorded by the coordinator or adviser.

How to document them

On a CAS progress form or in a digital log. Notes cover learning-outcome evidence, any concerns, recommendations for planning, highlights to date, and advice for future participation — then shared with the student and stored for later reference.

If concerns appear

Concerns, especially about successful completion, are noted at the earliest opportunity and appropriate action is taken. The final interview is a summative discussion of the student's engagement and their achievement of the seven learning outcomes.

Keep it a conversation, not an interrogation

Trust matters: if students sense the interview is an interrogation, they hold back. Aim for a relaxed, friendly and encouraging exchange, and use the CAS portfolio as the reference point throughout. The three formal interviews do not replace informal check-ins — many schools also meet their CAS groups weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

First Interim Final Book on the calendar

First interview

Very early in DP1, after the CAS orientation session

Make sure the student understands CAS, and turn their interests into a first plan.

Purpose

Gauge the student's understanding of CAS
Find out the interests of the student
Discuss the student's plans for CAS experiences
Review the learning outcomes and see how the student might achieve them
Ensure the student knows how to gather evidence of CAS

Discussion topics and questions

If 'requirements' is over-emphasised, students tick items off a list. What matters most is the level of involvement and personal commitment.

Do you have any questions or concerns about CAS?
Which aspect of the programme excites you the most? Which aspect seems most challenging?
What do you most hope to achieve from CAS?
How do you think your CAS programme will enable you to grow? How do these areas of growth apply to the attributes of the IB learner profile?
What have you learned about the CAS stages, and how can the stages help you in CAS?
How will you plan for an equal distribution of CAS strands across your CAS experiences?
What organizational and time-management strategies do you have in place to ensure that CAS remains an ongoing focus of your IB journey?

Interim interview

Towards the end of DP1

Check real progress: a balanced commitment across the strands, a project under way, and evidence being collected.

Purpose

Discuss advancements in the student's engagement with CAS
Provide oversight regarding progress towards fulfilling CAS requirements
Discuss collection of CAS evidence
Give the student the opportunity to reflect verbally on their CAS involvement

Discussion topics and questions

Remind the student that CAS is meant to be enjoyable and beneficial — and reference the CAS stages so they keep applying them.

What has been most enjoyable and beneficial for you thus far in CAS?
What has been a highlight of creativity? Activity? Service?
What do you hope to achieve most from CAS? How can you do this?
When have you investigated, prepared and taken action so far in creativity, activity and/or service, or with your CAS project?
What have you developed for your CAS project — your goals, who are you collaborating with, whether the project involves creativity, activity and/or service, your roles and responsibilities, and your progress to date?

Final interview

Near the end of DP2 — the summative discussion

The student outlines how they achieved the seven learning outcomes, evaluates the whole programme, and reflects on personal growth.

Purpose

Outline how the learning outcomes have been achieved
Discuss and evaluate the overall CAS programme
Reflect on personal growth from several perspectives
Consider how the experience might shape future choices and actions

Discussion topics and questions

What did you most enjoy about CAS?
Did you manage to reach your goals?
What was your greatest challenge in CAS? How did you overcome this?
What have you achieved through CAS?
What have you learned about balancing your time with your choices and commitments?
How did knowing the CAS stages assist you? Where else can you apply these stages in future learning or in life in general?
How do you already apply what you have learned from CAS in your daily life? How can this continue as you make future choices?
Looking ahead, have any new goals emanated from your CAS programme?
How did you integrate the three CAS strands in your overall programme?
Describe your CAS project: how you planned, who collaborated, your roles and responsibilities and the results of your collaboration. How were your expectations met or exceeded?

After the final interview

The school records the completion decision for each student. On CAS Connect, a verified student can then publish a CAS portfolio with a QR code that links to the evidence discussed across the three interviews.

See the verified portfolio