Service Learning in the IBDP

Service Learning is an integral component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), directly expressed in the CAS program, as well as being a deeply entrenched part of the IB learner profile:

SUSANNAH TRESCHMAN IBDP Core Coordinator The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect (International Baccalaureate Organization, 2022). All students who undertake the IBDP participate in CAS as one of the Core components of the programme. CAS stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service—three strands to which students are to show an ongoing commitment over eighteen months, as part of the IBDP’s holistic approach to learning. They are supported by their teachers to ensure they develop, undertake and reflect on these activities, optimising their meaningfulness both as an activity and a learning experience. Service Learning is not only a foundation of CAS but 'Service to Others' is one of St Peters Core values. Our Years 11 and 12 IBDP students engage in Service Learning in a variety of settings, from in-class research to community engagement to practical neighbourhood help. Many IB students are active participants in the various student Service Learning committees such as the Environment Committee, Multicultural Committee, Social Justice, Students for Students, and Chapter One. In addition to this, during CAS class time students volunteer to work with teachers and students in our Primary Years classrooms or help mentor the Year 6 students with their end of PYP Exhibition. During the eighteen months of CAS, students are required to participate in a bigger project, which sees students initiate something that is of benefit to the wider St Peters community. This could be through implementing broader initiatives within the St Peters setting or addressing a new need in the wider community. In previous years, these have included LandCare community days, sporting goods donation drives, cause awareness presentations, sporting events for the Lower Primary students, or helping to organise one of the bigger fundraising projects for the College. This year as a direct result of the CAS project requirement, students have been involved in initiatives such as the Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run raising money for breast cancer research, the Walk for Autism, and the Push-Up Challenge for mental health. Led by a group of IBDP students, the Mater Chicks in Pink Fun Run St Peters team raised $15,050 for breast cancer research, placing fifth on the overall event leader board for teams and second in schools fundraising efforts. During the Walk for Autism $3,168 was raised to help boost awareness and ensure that no one on the autism spectrum is left behind. Finally in June, the St Peters team completed 136,100 push ups and raised $5,799 for mental health and suicide prevention as part of the nationwide initiative. As a central part of the IBDP, CAS students take the initiative to explore, raise awareness and directly address needs for causes that are close to their hearts. It is a great opportunity for students to make a difference to their wider community and each year members of our St Peters community—students, staff and family members—rise to the challenge.