CAS INTERVIEW
CAS interviews: Introduction
This section includes documents that can assist CAS coordinators and advisers with each of the three CAS interviews.
CAS interviews are important in the CAS process and serve as a means of:
A CAS interview allows the student and interviewer to pursue topics in more depth than possible with a recorded or written reflection. The interviews also allow for meaningful feedback to occur, which is critical for the learner. The student should record the interview and upload it to the box on Datahub.
Aside from the three scheduled interviews (one at the beginning of DP year 1, one in the later stages of DP year 1, and one in the final stages of DP year 2), informal discussions can be held with students throughout the programme. Such informal discussions can provide CAS coordinators and CAS advisers with an opportunity to support students in their CAS efforts and be aware of any common challenges among students or identify skills that may be lacking. This can lead to providing targeted information or resources. In most schools, the CAS coordinator/advisers meet regularly with a CAS group weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. This allows students to have continued and reliable support from the CAS coordinator/advisers and for collaboration with their peers.
For all CAS discussions, including the three interviews, consider the importance of establishing and growing trust between the student and interviewer. If students sense the interview is a form of interrogation, they are likely to be less forthcoming. The aim is for a relaxed atmosphere so the exchange is friendly and encouraging.
As indicated in the CAS guide, the CAS coordinator/adviser is required to take notes from the three formal interviews that are shared with the student and stored for later reference. These notes can include evidence of achievement in the learning outcomes, any concerns, recommendations for planning, highlights of the student’s programme to date, and advice for future planning and participation. In this way the interviews can serve as a review for the student of both the short- and long-term process and highlights of their CAS journey. Students are also required to record their interviews and upload to Datahub.
This section includes documents that can assist CAS coordinators and advisers with each of the three CAS interviews.
CAS interviews are important in the CAS process and serve as a means of:
- checking and reinforcing student understanding of CAS
- assisting students to consider whether they are enjoying CAS and maximizing the opportunities and possibilities of CAS
- ensuring students know about available resources to support them in CAS
- giving students an opportunity to reflect upon their CAS experiences to date
- inviting students to show evidence of achieving CAS learning outcomes
- allowing students to discuss CAS successes and ways of meeting challenges
- reviewing and monitoring student progress.
A CAS interview allows the student and interviewer to pursue topics in more depth than possible with a recorded or written reflection. The interviews also allow for meaningful feedback to occur, which is critical for the learner. The student should record the interview and upload it to the box on Datahub.
Aside from the three scheduled interviews (one at the beginning of DP year 1, one in the later stages of DP year 1, and one in the final stages of DP year 2), informal discussions can be held with students throughout the programme. Such informal discussions can provide CAS coordinators and CAS advisers with an opportunity to support students in their CAS efforts and be aware of any common challenges among students or identify skills that may be lacking. This can lead to providing targeted information or resources. In most schools, the CAS coordinator/advisers meet regularly with a CAS group weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. This allows students to have continued and reliable support from the CAS coordinator/advisers and for collaboration with their peers.
For all CAS discussions, including the three interviews, consider the importance of establishing and growing trust between the student and interviewer. If students sense the interview is a form of interrogation, they are likely to be less forthcoming. The aim is for a relaxed atmosphere so the exchange is friendly and encouraging.
As indicated in the CAS guide, the CAS coordinator/adviser is required to take notes from the three formal interviews that are shared with the student and stored for later reference. These notes can include evidence of achievement in the learning outcomes, any concerns, recommendations for planning, highlights of the student’s programme to date, and advice for future planning and participation. In this way the interviews can serve as a review for the student of both the short- and long-term process and highlights of their CAS journey. Students are also required to record their interviews and upload to Datahub.