As part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, all WAB students engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service, better known as CAS. CAS is one of the three core components of the IB and is both an IB and WAB high school graduation requirement. 

Designed to foster personal growth, reflection, and community connection, CAS invites students to step outside the classroom and take meaningful action in the world around them. Each project is student-led and often interdisciplinary, combining research, creativity, and collaboration to address authentic needs in the community. 

Here are just a few examples of how WAB students are making a difference through their CAS projects: 

Expanding Access to Knowledge at Mingde Primary 

Grade 11 student Urkarsh undertook his CAS project at Mingde Primary School, a rural school in China’s Shanxi province, to connect with local culture and support the community. New to China, he wanted to experience life outside the city and contribute meaningfully by enhancing access to education. 

His project involved stocking a school library with books donated by WAB students and setting up a basic computer system, introducing many children to digital tools for the first time. A highlight for Urkarsh was watching students’ faces light up as they explored these new resources, and hearing fifth and sixth graders share their dreams of becoming bakers, teachers, and even monster hunters. 

The project's practical impact included expanding access to knowledge and technology through the library and online services. More importantly, it fostered human connection, allowing children who often feel isolated to feel seen and have fun.  

Bridging Cultures and Challenging Misconceptions 

Grade 12 students Chayma and Nicole launched Project Africa in response to a lack of representation and understanding of African cultures within the school community. Their CAS project set out to broaden their peers’ perspectives and build space for authentic cultural dialogue. 

They hosted a Q&A with Francis, the African Traveling Teacher, who shared experiences that connected education, identity, and culture. Through their initiative, Chayma and Nicole modeled how inquiry and intercultural understanding can help foster a more inclusive, informed community. 

Organic Agriculture in the Middle School Garden 

Grade 12 student Jeremy’s CAS work grew out of his involvement with ProFarmer, a sustainability-focused club at WAB. While the club’s initial goal was to secure its own garden space, a lack of available land led to a creative pivot: partnering with professional farmers from FunFarmFam and engaging WAB’s Middle School students in the MS Garden. 

This collaboration turned the setback into a powerful learning opportunity. Together, they created hands-on, inquiry-based experiences in organic agriculture. One highlight was organizing an Earth Day event with Grade 6 students and local farmers, where participants harvested garlic, planted seeds, and explored sustainable farming practices. 

A Journey of Service and Growth

Victoria shared her CAS project, the KM For Love Run & Brunch, an annual event dedicated to supporting medically compromised children. She shared that the club's mission resonated with her, and participating in such events sparked a passion for service that she hadn't felt before.

One of the most memorable experiences was the transition of leadership after the 2024 event. Seeing the new team collaborate seamlessly with us to plan the 2025 Run & Brunch was incredibly rewarding. Their dedication to the cause reaffirmed the sense of community and purpose that has defined my involvement over the past two years.

Reflecting on the impact, Victoria realizes that the children they've supported through Dew Drops have taught her to appreciate life's simple joys and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. Amid the challenges of IB studies, this project has been a refreshing and meaningful experience.

CAS at WAB 

At WAB, CAS is a powerful reminder that learning doesn't just happen in classrooms; it happens wherever students find purpose, build connections, and take meaningful action. 

These student stories reflect just a few of the many ways WAB students are fulfilling this core graduation requirement while growing as individuals, contributing to their communities, and developing the skills, values, and global understanding they’ll carry with them into the future.