This section explains how WWoW programs map to CAS, MYP, DP, and IB Learner Profile requirements with built-in evidence generation. Rustic Pathways designs Week Without Walls programs that align directly with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) framework.
Each itinerary integrates experiential learning, structured reflection, and meaningful service so students can generate verifiable evidence for CAS portfolios, MYP requirements, and broader IB learning outcomes.
Working closely with IB Coordinators and international schools, we map activities to learner outcomes, global contexts, ethical decision-making, and interdisciplinary skill development—ensuring every WWoW experience meaningfully reinforces the IB curriculum.
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How Week Without Walls Aligns With the IB Curriculum
WWoW trips reinforce the IB mission by giving students real-world contexts to practice inquiry, reflection, collaboration, and responsible action. Rustic Pathways programs are intentionally designed to build skills across CAS, MYP, and the Diploma Programme.
- Experiential Learning: Hands-on projects that connect curriculum to authentic environments.
- Service Learning: Community-led initiatives aligned with CAS learning outcomes.
- Reflection Cycles: Guided journaling, debriefs, and teacher-led processing.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Links to humanities, science, global politics, and design thinking.
- Ethical Decision-Making: Engagement with cultural context, sustainability, and global challenges.
IB Learner Profile Alignment
Rustic Pathways programs help students embody all ten IB Learner Profile attributes through structured challenges, cultural exchange, inquiry, and reflection.
| IB Attribute | Program Alignment |
|---|---|
| Inquirers | Fieldwork & problem-solving in partner communities |
| Knowledgeable | Local history, culture, global systems, and environmental learning |
| Thinkers | Ethical decision-making and structured reflection workshops |
| Communicators | Language immersion and collaboration with local partners |
| Principled | Service aligned with UN SDGs and community goals |
| Open-minded | Cross-cultural exchange and diversity immersion |
| Caring | Service experiences rooted in empathy and reciprocity |
| Risk-takers | New environments, leadership roles, and adventure modules |
| Balanced | Structured wellness, recreation, and service-learning balance |
| Reflective | Daily journaling, feedback loops, and goal-setting |
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Integration
Most Rustic Week Without Walls programs are designed to fulfill Creativity, Activity, and Service requirements through project-based learning, leadership tasks, and community partnerships.
| CAS Component | Rustic Example |
|---|---|
| Creativity | Student-designed initiatives, murals, cultural projects |
| Activity | Hiking, kayaking, environmental restoration, infrastructure work |
| Service | NGO partnerships, education projects, conservation efforts |
All programs include structured time for:
- Goal-setting (pre-trip)
- Action & documentation (during the trip)
- Reflection & evidence creation (post-trip)
Explore more: CAS-Aligned Student Travel Programs →
How IB Schools Use WWoW to Meet Learning Objectives
Week Without Walls programs support both MYP and DP learning frameworks and strengthen interdisciplinary, service, and reflection-based outcomes.
Common applications:
- CAS week or DP Year 1–2 project cycles
- MYP Years 4–5 experiential learning modules
- Project Zero and design thinking extensions
- Extended Essay inspiration through field immersion
- ATL (Approaches to Learning) skills: communication, social, thinking
Rustic supports schools with:
- Curriculum mapping documents (MYP, CAS, SDGs)
- Guided reflection templates
- Educator briefings aligned to IB outcomes
We work directly with CAS Coordinators to ensure academic fit.
Alignment With MYP Global Contexts
Each WWoW itinerary can be tailored to one or more MYP Global Contexts to support inquiry-based learning.
- Identities & Relationships
- Globalization & Sustainability
- Personal & Cultural Expression
- Scientific & Technical Innovation
Supporting Academic Outcomes (Beyond IB)
Many partner schools with mixed curricula (AP, British, national boards) use WWoW programs as experiential anchors for research, leadership, and global competency.
- Experiential research projects
- Language immersion & communication skills
- Interdisciplinary and inquiry-based learning
- Leadership and independent learning development
Examples of alignment:
- Cambridge Global Perspectives
- AP Capstone Research
- National service-learning frameworks
Examples of CAS-Aligned Projects (By Region)
Rustic Pathways projects are co-designed with local partners to support community-identified needs and produce authentic CAS evidence.
Asia & the Pacific
- Fiji: Coral reef monitoring & leadership development (SDGs 13, 14)
- Japan: Community gardens & intergenerational sustainability work (SDGs 11, 3)
- Mongolia: Renewable energy education & winterization projects (SDGs 7, 11)
- Thailand: Elephant habitat restoration & English conversation workshops (SDGs 4, 15)
Latin America
- Costa Rica: School infrastructure & ecotourism education (SDGs 4, 11)
- Ecuador: Biodiversity tracking & indigenous partnerships (SDGs 15, 17)
- Peru: Water filtration and cultural heritage documentation (SDGs 6, 16)
Africa
- Ghana: Women’s entrepreneurship and health outreach (SDGs 5, 3)
- Morocco: Equity-focused art education & youth leadership (SDGs 5, 10)
- South Africa: Coastal conservation & early childhood education (SDGs 4, 14)
Teacher & CAS Coordinator Resources
We provide IB-aligned resources that simplify planning, supervision, and assessment to ensure consistency across grade levels.
- Pre-departure briefings aligned to CAS learning outcomes
- Daily reflection prompts & journaling templates
- Post-trip rubrics for global engagement and collaboration
- Training for new CAS/MYP coordinators on experiential learning best practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tailor programs to meet CAS deadlines and project formats?
Yes, programs can be tailored to meet CAS deadlines and project formats. Schools receive pre-, during-, and post-trip templates aligned with CAS reporting requirements to streamline student documentation and reflection.
What if we’re not an IB school?
Non-IB schools can still participate in Week Without Walls. Rustic works with AP, British, and other academic systems to create programs that deliver similar learning outcomes and align with school goals.
Do students get CAS hours or verification?
Yes, students receive CAS hours and digital verification letters. Rustic also provides documentation for faculty, ensuring each experience meets IB requirements for CAS tracking and reporting.
Do you provide curriculum guides?
Yes, schools receive trip-specific curriculum integration guides along with one-on-one support from the Academic Partnerships Team. These resources ensure each Week Without Walls experience aligns with academic goals.
How do Week Without Walls programs support student wellbeing?
Week Without Walls programs support student wellbeing by fostering resilience, empathy, and confidence through hands-on learning and reflection. Structured activities promote emotional, social, and academic growth in safe, supportive environments.
What’s the difference between Walls Trips and traditional excursions?
The main difference between Walls Trips and traditional excursions is educational depth. Walls Trips are IB-aligned experiences focused on service learning, CAS objectives, and reflection, while traditional excursions are typically shorter and less connected to academic outcomes.
Are Week Without Walls trips aligned with the Middle Years Programme (MYP)?
Yes, Week Without Walls trips align with the Middle Years Programme by integrating ATL skills, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary reflection. Programs emphasize communication, global contexts, and service action within the IB framework.
How do programs push students outside their comfort zones in a safe way?
Programs push students beyond their comfort zones through guided service, cultural exchange, and problem-solving, all within a structured support system. Pre-trip prep, in-country guidance, and post-trip reflection ensure emotional and physical safety.
What role does global citizenship play in IB-aligned travel?
Global citizenship plays a central role in IB-aligned travel by encouraging students to engage with sustainability, local communities, and ethical reflection. Rustic programs embed these themes to support CAS, MYP, and TOK learning outcomes.
When is the best time to schedule Week Without Walls?
The best time to schedule Week Without Walls is between October and March. This window aligns with CAS reflection cycles and avoids exam periods. Schools should plan 6–12 months in advance for approvals, risk management, and curriculum alignment.
Can teachers or CAS coordinators lead Week Without Walls trips?
Yes, teachers and CAS coordinators can lead Week Without Walls trips. They receive pre-departure training, daily updates, and 24/7 in-country support from Rustic staff, ensuring safety and educational alignment with IB values.
How is impact measured for IB assessment and reflection?
Impact is measured through post-trip reports, student reflection templates, and rubrics aligned with CAS and MYP outcomes. These tools help IB coordinators track growth in service, global engagement, and ATL skills, and integrate results into CAS portfolios and school reports.
Next: How Week Without Walls programs align with UN Sustainable Development Goals →
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