By Thomas Weidner, Assistant IB Coordinator
As part of the IB Diploma, our Year 12 International Baccalaureate (IB) students actively engage in CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), a core component designed to develop well-rounded, reflective, and community-minded young people. CAS encourages students to pursue experiences beyond the classroom that challenge them, grow their skills, and benefit others.
Throughout the programme, students keep a CAS portfolio where they plan, document, and reflect on their experiences. This supports their personal growth and helps them develop a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions.
This year’s cohort has taken on a wide variety of projects that reflect both personal passions and a deep commitment to the Sidcot community. From leadership roles and cultural initiatives to physical challenges and the arts, their CAS journeys are having a genuine impact:
Antonia H has embraced her role as International Head Student with warmth and dedication. She also took the initiative to organise a tulip donation project for International Women’s Day. Reflecting on her leadership role, she wrote:
It is an honour to represent Sidcot as International Head and I can’t wait to work with the incredible team of office holders to achieve great successes. My goal as International head is to make every single international student feel at home while being away from their families. I want to give them the same warm welcome and comfort that I received. When I think back to the time I joined I can’t believe the position I am in right now, given the fact that I had only planned to stay a couple of months!
Fides V, Co-International Head Student with Antonia, contributes to school spirit and teamwork through active involvement in rugby and basketball:
I think playing in basketball will let me achieve the level of basketball that I want to have, as we have a lot of really good players on my team, who are really competent and I look up to. The basketball team also teaches me how to become a better team player and generally how to work in a team, which is a really helpful skill to have in life later on.
Jeminah A, Lina S, and Lara H are active in the Afro-Caribbean Society, contributing to important conversations on identity, equality and representation. Lina reflected:
"I wanted to be part of something that makes a difference and helps improve our school community."
Annsophie A promotes wellbeing through her leadership role and outdoor pursuits like skiing and archery, while Jessica K and Lina support creativity through horse riding, marketing, and theatre design.
Nanako R, as Art Ambassador, is helping bring the visual arts to life across year groups, encouraging creativity and collaboration among students.
Summer A contributes to the cultural life of the school through her violin playing in the orchestra and promotes wellbeing through regular climbing and running. Her consistent and balanced approach is a great example of student-led engagement.
Anastasia W has contributed widely through her involvement in Eco-Changemakers, Model United Nations, and many other service projects. Reflecting on her MUN experience, she shared:
We were a great team and I came out of my shell many times and improved my speaking in front of others.
Her commitment to global awareness and student leadership has had a lasting impact on the community.
.png?itok=heZdj1Zg)
.png?itok=qXcLfzh1)
.png?itok=J3whDhuI)
Ella B, through her bass playing in the student-led school band, developed her musicality and teamwork. And equally, Philip B has engaged positively in CAS and highlighted the importance of teamwork in his portfolio, contributing to the spirit of collaboration that underpins many of this cohort’s initiatives.
We are proud of the maturity, empathy, and commitment these students show through CAS. They are not only developing their own strengths but also leaving a positive and lasting mark on the Sidcot community.