CAS, its contribution to the development of civic competence

Abstract

Nowadays, the world has made education rethink its goals and propose new horizons for students in the 21st century. The violence observed in homes and streets, society, social problems, and inequalities have forced education to reconsider its moral function. It has also had to take a good look at affective education, the development of virtues and skills that contribute to a harmonious coexistence that aims for the common good and the construction of a peaceful world. Therefore, the acquisition of civic competence becomes a central topic to consider in current educational systems. The objective of this article is to identify the contribution made by the CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) program to the development of civic competence. The evidence comes from a case study carried out in three Spanish educational centres that offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The sample indicated that the program has fostered the development of civic competence in students through a commitment to and participation in their communities and through interesting experiences and projects.