At B.D. Somani International School we are all about redefining the educational landscape by embracing a holistic approach through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program in our secondary school curriculum.
In this post, we take pride in showcasing our philosophy behind integrating CAS activities, sharing noteworthy examples of success, and highlighting the profound impact these initiatives have on our students’ development.
Join us as we explore how our commitment to CAS aligns with global education objectives and contributes to the personal growth and character building of our students.
The 3 Cs - Curiosity, Collaboration, and Courage
Understanding CAS
Creativity:
Definition: The creativity aspect of CAS extends far beyond conventional artistic expressions, encompassing a wide range of activities that stimulate imaginative thinking and innovative problem-solving.
Examples: Students engage in diverse creative pursuits, including visual and performing arts, music, design, writing, and other endeavours that allow them to express their unique perspectives and talents.
Objective: The goal is to foster a spirit of creativity that permeates all aspects of a student’s life, encouraging open-mindedness, originality, and the ability to approach challenges with unique solutions.
Activity:
Definition: The activity component emphasises the importance of physical well-being and an active lifestyle in a student’s overall development.
Examples: Students participate in a variety of physical activities, such as sports, outdoor adventures, fitness routines, and other forms of exercise that promote health and well-being.
Objective: Beyond physical health, this component aims to instil qualities of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment through active engagement.
Service:
Definition: The service element encourages students to actively contribute to their communities, building a sense of empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Examples: Students may be involved in local charity work, community development projects, volunteering for social causes, or participating in global outreach programs.
Objective: Service activities aim to develop a student’s understanding of societal needs, cultivate a desire to contribute meaningfully, and instil a lifelong commitment to social service.
Reflective Practice:
Process: CAS is not merely about participation; it is a dynamic and reflective process. Students are expected to document their experiences, articulate their learning outcomes, and reflect on personal growth throughout their CAS journey.
Purpose: Reflection fosters self-awareness, critical thinking, and the integration of lessons learned into future endeavours, ensuring that the CAS experience is not just a series of activities but a transformative learning journey.
Integration within IBDP:
Timetable: CAS is integrated into the overall structure of the IBDP, with dedicated time slots in the academic timetable for both participation in activities and reflective practices.
Collaboration: Collaboration with academic subjects allows for the meaningful integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application, enriching the overall learning experience.
In essence, the CAS program is a comprehensive framework that encourages students to embrace creativity, physical activity, and social service, fostering personal development, character building, and a sense of global responsibility.
CAS and the BDSIS Curriculum:
At BDSIS, we approach CAS integration into the secondary school curriculum with careful consideration and intentionality. Dedicated time slots in our timetable ensure that students have both participation and reflection periods to ensure a comprehensive learning experience. Our collaboration with academic subjects allows teachers to design projects that seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, as exemplified by the language department’s Mangrove cleanup project.
Empowering Student Choice and Passion:
A hallmark of our CAS approach is empowering students to choose activities based on their own interests and passions. This not only cultivates intrinsic motivation but also instils a sense of ownership and control over their learning journey. The ten-hour CAS project is a shining example of how students take charge of their education. Our partnerships with local organisations, NGOs, and initiatives such as the Hamari Silai Foundation, The Cuddles Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity provide diverse opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service activities.
Informed Parents and Empowered Teachers:
We believe in keeping our parents well informed and involved in their child’s education journey. Regular updates from our principal on CAS projects, along with emphasising the importance of CAS, ensure that parents actively support their child’s activities. To further enhance the CAS experience, we provide teachers with orientations towards the CAS program, equipping them to guide and support students effectively.
CAS Activities and Nurturing Creativity:
BDSIS takes pride in the creativity that flourishes through CAS activities. Mural painting at the Vatsalya Foundation and designing products for Hamari Silai exemplify how our students use their artistic talents for positive impact. Activities such as learning crochet, cooking classes, and creating a cookery book showcase the various avenues through which creativity is nurtured within our school community.
Prioritising Physical Health and Wellbeing:
CAS activities play a pivotal role in promoting the physical health and well-being of our students. From team sports to group activities during field trips and engaging in service activities with organisations like Habitat for Humanity and Project Chirag, our approach is holistic. Workshops on mental health and participation in environmental programs further contribute to the comprehensive well-being of our students.
Global Education Objectives and Social Consciousness:
At BDSIS, we align our CAS activities with broader global education objectives. Celebrating International Day, Hindi Diwas, and engaging in Model United Nations (MUN) reflect our commitment to shaping globally conscious individuals. Our students are encouraged to think globally and act locally through service activities for orphans and literacy programs.
Impact on Personal Development and Character Building:
The impact of CAS activities at BDSIS on students’ personal development and character-building is truly noteworthy. Exposure to diverse cultures, collaborative projects, environmental initiatives, and community service fosters empathy, leadership skills, environmental responsibility, and cultural understanding.
BDSIS takes pride in our innovative CAS approach, designed to go beyond conventional educational norms. By integrating creativity, activity, and service, we aim not only to enhance academic learning but also to instil values, skills, and a sense of responsibility that will empower our students throughout their lives. Join us on this journey towards academic and intellectual excellence, personal growth, and global consciousness at B.D. Somani International School.
Students Reflections
Engaging in a sport that demands a high level of concentration and skill, we embarked on a unique initiative to support and amplify the passion of a dedicated football team. Recognizing their exceptional potential and determination, we took the initiative to raise funds for a 120-minute game. Through prior interactions and joint practices, we became acutely aware of their team's exceptional competitiveness and skill set. Ultimately, this project is a testament to the profound impact that collaboration and dedication can have. As we continue to rally behind this exceptional football team, we're reminded that our contributions extend beyond financial assistance; they symbolize our belief in their potential and our commitment to championing their aspirations…..
Creating heartfelt cards for doctors has not only been a creative endeavor but also a meaningful way for us to extend our sincere gratitude and admiration to the dedicated medical professionals who tirelessly look after us. In a world that often moves at a fast pace, this simple act of crafting and giving cards allows us to pause and reflect on the immense contributions doctors make to our well-being. These cards serve as more than just tokens of appreciation; they're symbols of connection and empathy…
Engaging in a remarkable endeavor that combined both physical activity and meaningful contribution, we embarked on a 24-hour challenge that left a lasting impact on both ourselves and the Oscar Foundation. This unique challenge not only encouraged us to stay active but also provided a platform for us to channel our efforts towards a noble cause. Beyond the physical exertion, this initiative symbolizes our enduring dedication to the Oscar Foundation's cause. In supporting the Oscar Foundation's UK tour, we reinforced the idea that our actions have a ripple effect that extends beyond borders. …..
The CAS Project proved to be a deeply enriching and transformative journey that allowed us to harness our diverse skill sets to address a pressing global concern - the welfare of animals. Through this endeavor, we discovered the profound impact that pooling our talents could have on creating a positive change for a cause we deeply cared about. Our approach to this project was infused with creativity, as we crafted an intricate and thoughtfully designed plan. Our objective was clear: to support The Zara Project, an organization dedicated to advancing the welfare of animals. The heart of this project was our dedication to making a tangible difference. Each activity, each effort, was a step towards alleviating the challenges faced by animals and advocating for their well-being. As we collaborated to bring our plans to life, we learned the true value of teamwork and the synergy that arises when diverse skill sets unite for a shared goal.
This initiative ‘Food for Homeless’ highlighted the interconnectedness of our world and the potential that lies in fostering connections with others. Collaborations that begin with a specific project can ripple out into a broader movement for positive change. As we reflect on the transformative journey of working hand in hand with local organizations and communities, we're reminded that empathy, understanding, and collaborative efforts are the cornerstones of meaningful progress, propelling us toward a more compassionate and just society.
