Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) is a core element of the IB program that pushes learning beyond the classroom, inviting students to serve others and design projects rooted in community engagement and growth. Below are three examples of how IB diploma candidates used this opportunity to thoughtfully and intentionally engage with communities beyond George School’s campus.

---

Regarding Time: Intergenerational Memoir Writing

Senior IB Candidates Sawyer Berness '26, Sarah Zhu '26 and Alina Pang '26 used their IB CAS Project to assist residents in telling their own stories at local Senior Living Community, Chandler Hall in Newtown, PA.

The students spent time listening to residents’ reflections and transforming those conversations into thoughtfully crafted memoirs, creating a body of work that captures individual lives and moments in history with care and respect.

"Through interviewing, documenting and compiling elders' stories into memoir, our project aimed to preserve these experiences while fostering stronger intergenerational connection and community bonding," the group shared.

Read the memoirs here: Regarding Time.

---

Teaching French to Students in Rabat, Morocco

Senior IB Candidate Haviland Brown ’26 combined three of her interests: languages, education and intercultural exchange for her CAS Project in Rabat, Morocco, teaching French to young children in an under-resourced school. 

“I have long believed in the power of language to bridge divides, open doors and expand horizons,” said Haviland. “In Morocco, French plays an important role in education and career advancement, but access to high-quality French instruction is not available in many areas in Morocco. For many children in disadvantaged neighborhoods, opportunities to learn French are limited by the lack of trained teachers, educational materials and supportive learning environments.”

Haviland noted that this teaching experience strengthened her patience, leadership and communication skills – creating a greater understanding of the importance of empathy and adaptability with service work – and what it means to be a global citizen. 

After completing her project, Haviland participated in a post-trip evaluation with the volunteer organization providing feedback on the training, onsite support and overall structure of the program. She also shared suggestions for future volunteers, such as preparing flexible lesson plans and learning basic phrases in Darija in advance to support communications with students.

“Teaching French in Rabat allowed me to contribute my skills while also learning from the community I served,” said Haviland. “It also showed me the importance of education as a tool for empowering others for social change.”

---

Leading with Compassion to Build an Inclusive Community

Senior IB Candidate Oliver Rudiak ’26 had the opportunity to be a counselor in training at a summer camp in New Hampshire for trans and non-binary kids last summer for their CAS Project.

“I got to assist in taking kids through a ‘normal’ summer camp experience, singing songs, swimming in the lake, making arts and crafts, and so much more,” Oliver shared. “I use the word ‘normal,’ because for these trans and non-binary kids, there isn’t much in their lives that they can call ‘normal.’ I learned how isolating and lonely it can be to identify differently from most people, and in short, the experience was transformative.”

Oliver shared how impactful it was to get to know each camper on an individual basis in a space where they felt safe to be their authentic selves.

“The first thing that people notice about someone else at camp isn’t their gender, but their character,” Oliver continued. “The experiences and connections that these kids made with each other are so special, and I could already see that they would last a lifetime, or at least until next summer when they are reunited.”

Oliver shared that they felt the camp was a place where kids were not singled out for their differences, but instead a place where they were accepted and celebrated for each thing that makes them unique. This experience provided Oliver with valuable lessons that they brought back to the George School community. 

“Think of what someone else's experience would look like or how it would be different from your own. Think of how to make this community the best it can be for someone you might not even know. Think of how you yourself can change to be the kindest and most compassionate version of yourself.”

Oliver’s message is simple and clear: “lead your life with compassion and an open mind. That is how we change the world for the better.”

Learn more about the IB Diploma Program at George School.