St. Edward’s Holy Cross mission to develop “men of hope for the transformation of the world” is reflected in IB’s commitment to lifelong learning through reflective service and action.
IB subject matter is taught and learned through real-world experiences, challenging students to deeply understand the impact of their service on both personal and global levels. Remarkably, even a decade later, many past IB service projects continue to benefit our community.
Beyond St. Edward’s required service learning hours, Edsmen pursuing the IB Diploma participate in reflective service as a key component of their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project. One of the core elements of the IB Diploma Program, CAS is designed to encourage students to engage in diverse extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and community involvement.
About IB Reflective Service
Engagement
Students are encouraged to take on meaningful service projects that resonate with their passions and values. These projects can range from local initiatives, such as tutoring younger students, organizing community clean-up events, or supporting local food banks, to international efforts like participating in global outreach programs or advocating for social justice issues. The goal is to empower students to be proactive, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are motivated to make a tangible difference in the world.
Reflection
A key element of service in CAS is the reflective process. Reflective service is not just about completing tasks; it’s about thinking deeply about the experiences, challenges, and outcomes of the service activities. Through reflection, students are encouraged to consider questions such as:
Connection
Reflective service also ties back to the academic elements of the IB curriculum. Students are encouraged to draw connections between their service experiences and their classroom learning, applying theories and concepts in real-world contexts. This integration of service and academics fosters a holistic approach to education, where students learn to see the broader impact of their knowledge and skills.
