CAS

Today (Easter Sunday), my sister and I thought it would be a good idea to bake cookies for the guards working so hard to protect our community. Everyone shows gratitude for the doctors and nurses and the rest of the frontlinters that are battling this global pandemic, however, my sister and I wanted to do something for the people protecting us and keeping us in line. With it being Easter Sunday, we also thought it was important to share our blessings and spread positivity on this day, especially with Guards not being able to see their families.

We baked 17 cookies, for the 17 Guards protecting our school right now and drove all the way to BGC to donate them (wearing gloves and masks of course). Then we baked 20 more cookies, for the Guards that are protecting the village that we live in right now, working day and night to keep this environment safe from bad people and potential exposures to the deadly virus.

It was amazing to see how something so small, like cookies, lit up the faces of the Guards. It is important to show gratitude to everyone who is working right now, even if they are not directly battling the virus. I hope to do this again soon.

LO’S MET:

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

Readily assists others

6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Shows awareness of issues of global importance and takes concrete and appropriate actions in response to them locally

Gets involved in CAS projects addressing global issues in a local, national or international context

Develops awareness and responsibility towards a shared humanity

7. Recognise and consider  the ethics of choices and actions

Recognises ethical issues

Identifies what is needed to know in order to make an ethical decision

Shows accountability for choices and actions regarding self, others involved and the community

Transcript of my Final CAS Interview

Teacher: What did you most enjoy about CAS?

Me: I really enjoyed how CAS has expanded my strengths and interests to fields other than sports, like music and cooking. However, the most enjoyable experience was visiting the Bayanihan community in Malolos city. Just seeing the happy faces of the community when we distributed the hygiene kits and playing games with them.

Teacher: What was your greatest challenge in CAS? How did you overcome this?

Me: Organising the Bayanihan project with my group. It was a stressful trying to find something that would benefit the wider picture. In previous years, groups provided bad-sighted students with glasses and we thought that it was something that we should do similarly. A group mate previously worked with The Yellow Boat of Hope in Cebu, and we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to provide fishermen with a means of transport to do their job appropriately, and to also provide students with transport to get to school.

Teacher: What have you learned about balancing your time with your choices and commitments?

Me: CAS really taught me the balanced life of a student athlete. But not just through sports and academics, but also by doing alternative activities outside my comfort zone. Cooking was something that I’ve never been able to do, but through CAS and lockdown, I’ve been able to try out new recipes. All this was done by completing a schedule, I made a weekly schedule to which I would stick to which helped me participate in many activities.

Teacher: What has the role of reflection been in your whole CAS programme? Describe any way your experience with reflection has been helpful and memorable.

Me: The role of reflection is a key importance in sport, you need to be able to learn from your mistakes so you don’t do them again in game, it is crucial. But my biggest take on reflection was after my Phuket 7’s experience when I was badly tackled and tore a ligament in my knee. The period in which I couldn’t play, gave me time to reflect on myself as an athlete and think about certain ways I can strengthen my knee and improve my skills. I thought about how this tear was a perfect opportunity to show perseverance after having it bring my confidence level down.

Teacher: How did you improve and develop your planning skills?

Me: I made a weekly schedule which I followed religiously, I allocated time for training (made sure I was only doing 2 sports at once) and studies, as well as free time to do new activities. When certain plans came up that would interfere with my schedule, I altered it a bit to ensure that I still had the same number of hours to study and train.

Teacher: What abilities and skills did you develop most significantly in CAS?

Me: Being able to communicate with others in projects. Despite playing having good communication skills in sports, I had to be able to apply this to group projects where communication was just as significant, however it was different. On the pitch, it’s more of telling someone what to do, or asking for help, whereas in group projects it’s more of being able to communicate ideas and initiate. Also, I had to communicate with my Bayanihan group who, some members, I was not familiar with.

Teacher: What have you learned through working in collaboration with others?

Me: Every idea is important, no matter how small. It can get things going and once an idea is put into place, being able to develop it further. Also making sure that you show respect for other people’s ideas, as you would want people to respect yours too.

Teacher: What advice do you have for upcoming CAS students regarding making CAS enjoyable, sustained over time and meaningful?

Over the past month, I’ve been trying to improve my cooking skills by learning new recipes. As the global pandemic has taken it’s toll, my school decided to close down and revert to online classes. Online classes means more time on my hands and because I spend most of my learning using technology, I tried and is still trying to do other activities which do not rely on technology or the internet. As preparation for university, I started teaching myself how to cook new recipes. The photos above only show some of the meals I’ve managed to cook.

After weeks of trying, I’ve expanded my menu from breakfast foods to lunch and dinner and now I’m trying to learn dessert too!

These cooking sessions have really taught me about my own strengths and abilities and has given me a new passion. I now love to cook meals for my family and see their reactions. I’m looking forward to learning new recipes and actually being able to cook at university!

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths & weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

Acquires new skills and abilities

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Shows initiative by launching a new idea or process

Suggests creative ideas, proposals or solutions

Over the past month, I’ve been trying to find things to do whilst bored. As the global pandemic has taken it’s toll, my school decided to close down and revert to online classes. Online classes means more time on my hands and because I spend most of my learning using technology, I tried and is still trying to do other activities which do not rely on technology or the internet. For my own self benefit, I decided to decorate my room. As I love photography, I decided to stick up all my 35mm film photography on my wall and I plan to fill this wall up with future photos as well

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths & weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

Acquires new skills and abilities

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Shows initiative by launching a new idea or process

Suggests creative ideas, proposals or solutions

*BSM’s Girls Football Captain and Vice-Captain*

With the ending of one season, comes the beginning of a new one. 

This year I am super excited to captain the Girls Varsity Football team as we train for the upcoming ISAC Season 3 tournament in March which will be hosted by Brent International School Baguio.

In order to reclaim the ISAC Girls Basketball championship, like last year, I am aware that this is going to need hours of practice and working hard in training sessions. So to prepare we are training every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30 and trying to fit in another training session.

LO’s Met:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Varsity Basketball team*

Concluding my Basketball Career was filled with tears of joy as I got to finish in our home court, dominating not only the finals but the whole tournament.

It was an honour to represent my school with the role of co-captain, being able to lead the team to victory with humility and hard work.

It was also a privilege to be awarded with the ISAC All-star award again this year and is definitely something that I will not take for granted.

Playing basketball, not only this season but for the past 6 years has a huge learning experience as an athlete. I have learnt the value of commitment, hard work and determination that is definitely something that I will take with me to Uni and the real world. It brings me true sadness to leave this sport, but I am happy to have been able to represent my school and win 3/4 championships since I started playing in Basketball ISAC.

LO’s Met:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths and weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Acquires new skills and abilities

Increases expertise in an established area

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

Demonstrates adaptability to uncertainties and changes

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Basketball team*

To prepare for the upcoming ISAC tournament next week, we were able to play in 2 friendly matches. 

It’s safe to say that we dominated both games and we’re looking forward to working hard for our major tournament next year.

As a captain, I was able to work on my communication skills and humbly lead the team to victory.

LO’s Met:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths and weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Acquires new skills and abilities

Increases expertise in an established area

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

Demonstrates adaptability to uncertainties and changes

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Varsity Basketball team*

As a part of CAS we are recommended to demonstrate regular involvement and active engagement with either CAS experiences and/or CAS project.

Joining basketball season once again, I am looking forward to repeating the events of last year and reclaiming the ISAC Girls Basketball championship. I am aware that this is going to need hours of practice and working hard in training sessions. So to prepare we are training every Monday from 3:30pm-4:30, and Wednesday from 3:30-5:30.

Being appointed co-captain this year, I am looking forward to leading this team and improving my communication skills.

LO’s Met:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s 7’s Football team*

With the same determination to reclaim the title, this year, we travelled to Phuket on the 21st of November ‘til the 24th.

Unfortunately, this year we were unable to reclaim the title, losing 1-1 (game time), then 3-1 in a penalty shootout against the host school BISP in the finals. It was a very challenging tournament for the team this year as it was (sort of) a new team so the team chemistry was still improving.

We are determined to work harder together to improve the way we play together in time for our major 11 a-side tournament in March 2020, where we hope to reclaim the title once again.

Nevertheless, the experience was unforgettable and I loved every second of it with this team. It was a sad final day, concluding my international chapter of playing sports in BSM that I have been so grateful to be a part of for the past 9 years.

LO’s Met:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths and weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Acquires new skills and abilities

Increases expertise in an established area

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

Demonstrates adaptability to uncertainties and changes

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Varsity Football team*

In preparation for the annual Phuket 7′s that BSM participates in, the girls football team trained every Thursday from 3:30pm-5:30, and sometimes even on a Saturday.

With the hours of training and hard work, we are determined to play well in the tournament and reclaim the championship title. 

Fitness takes up a big role in my core values, so enrolling in Football was a perfect opportunity to personally improve and grow in my sporting abilities. Also being appointed captain this year, I am looking forward to leading this team and improving my communication skills.

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Varsity Volleyball team*

That time of year again. Once again, I got to represent my school in our annual ISAC tournament, this year being hosted by Southville International School from the 23rd-25th of October 2019.

This year, I once again claimed the co-captain title for the girls' volleyball team and we played as best as we could, as a team. Unfortunately, our efforts did not pay off as we finished 6th out of 7 teams, again. Despite this result, playing with the team year was so much and it honestly felt like we were champions. I am really going to miss playing volleyball at University, but I am happy to have ended my career with this team.

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

During French classes, our teacher has been preparing us to teach Year 1 students how sing ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes’ in French. Although my ability to speak French is not on par with English. I definitely had so much fun teaching these kids.

The kids were so full of energy and eager to learn and it amazed me how quickly they were able to sing within a 30 minute time span! This is an experience I will not forget and hope to do again when I’m older!

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths & weaknesses

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

Acquires new skills and abilities

Shows newly acquired or developed skills or increased expertise in an established area

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

Readily assists others

Today, BSM Red Cross committee hosted another Blood Drive, however, as it was Halloween we dressed up a bit, wearing headbands. It was impressive to see how many staff members, and eligible students donated blood. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to because I am anemic when it comes to seeing blood, and taking out blood. But, nonetheless, I was happy to be a volunteer made myself available to assist others. Today Gio was having a difficult time coping with the blood, so I held his hand and made sure he was okay (and gave him a doughnut after for his sugar levels).

An amazing thing that happened today was that our Headmaster donated blood as well, showing his contribution to community and his kindness towards others. In previous years, the headmaster did not donate blood so this was a big shock for us, but made me hold so much more respect for him.

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths & weaknesses

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement 

with CAS experiences and CAS project

Gets involved in long-term CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

Readily assists others

6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Shows awareness of issues of global importance and takes concrete and appropriate actions in response to them locally

Gets involved in CAS projects addressing global issues in a local, national or international context

Develops awareness and responsibility towards a shared humanity

7. Recognise and consider  the ethics of choices and actions

Recognises ethical issues

Identifies what is needed to know in order to make an ethical decision

Shows accountability for choices and actions regarding self, others involved and the community

*Early Morning Private Training*

To get more fitness hours in, and improve skills, I started doing private football training along with my friends from the boys' varsity football team. 

This training takes place every morning from 6am-7:30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. I will be doing this for the next 10 months to improve my football skills so I am fit and ready for the upcoming tournaments and university football. 

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

*BSM’s Varsity Volleyball team*

Coming back from the summer vacation, I could immediately tell that I was super unfit and could barely run 2 laps around the volleyball court without panting. I was determined to regain my fitness and signed up for Volleyball yet again. As a part of CAS we are recommended to demonstrate regular involvement and active engagement with either CAS experiences and/or CAS project.

Fitness takes up a big role in my core values, so enrolling in Volleyball was a perfect opportunity to strengthen myself and improve my fitness in time for Basketball and Football season.

Through this Volleyball seasonal experience, I was able to take part in a collaborative environment where - as a team - we were taught new skills and drills, and the ability to develop our communication skills together. As a whole, this has taught me the importance of commitment, especially to a team sport, in activity. Furthermore, it made me personally aware of the benefits and importance of physical activity because it allowed me to release my stress and motivated me to work harder to be able to certain things I wasn’t able to do before.

Doing volleyball on a weekly basis enabled me with an outlet for stress, to engage in physical fitness, and all the more having fun. These training sessions took part every Wednesday from 3:30pm-5:30pm; this then doubled to two training sessions a week every Monday from 6:00am-7:00am.

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Open to improvement and growth opportunities

Able to propose activities according to own interests and talents

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences:

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement with CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Shares skills and knowledge

Is willing to take on different roles within a team

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

Today, BSM Red Cross committee hosted another Blood Drive. It was impressive to see how many staff members, and eligible students donated blood. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to because I am anemic when it comes to seeing blood, and taking out blood. But, nonetheless, I was happy to be a volunteer made myself available to assist others. Today Zeke was having a difficult time coping with the blood, so I held his hand and made sure he was okay (and gave him a slice of pizza after for his sugar levels).

LO’S MET:

1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Aware of strengths & weaknesses

Is able to undertake a thoughtful self-evaluation

2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

Participates in an experience that demands an appropriate personal challenge; this could be with new or familiar experiences

Is willing to become involved in unfamiliar environments and situations

4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Demonstrates regular involvement and active engagement

with CAS experiences and CAS project

Gets involved in long-term CAS experiences and CAS project

5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively

Makes valuable contributions

Is responsible for participating in the group

Readily assists others

6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

Shows awareness of issues of global importance and takes concrete and appropriate actions in response to them locally

Gets involved in CAS projects addressing global issues in a local, national or international context

Develops awareness and responsibility towards a shared humanity

7. Recognise and consider  the ethics of choices and actions

Recognises ethical issues

Identifies what is needed to know in order to make an ethical decision

Shows accountability for choices and actions regarding self, others involved and the community

Transcript of my Second CAS Interview

Teacher: What has been a highlight of creativity? Activity? Service?

Me: For creativity, it was definitely prom (last week). The whole prom committee worked their butts off to pull this one and hearing from the teachers that it was one of their favourite ones was a huge compliment. Especially since I had so many late night because of organising. For Activity, it was definitely ISAC in March, our best season yet. We dominated the tournament and didn’t lose or tie a single match group match and won our finals 4-0 (and I scored a hat trick hehe). As for service, meeting the community (in January) that we’ve been working side by side with was amazing. I enjoyed hanging out with the people of the community and playing basketball with them.

Teacher: Have you ensured an equal balance across the three CAS strands? If not, how will you rectify this?

Me: I really try to balance everything out. Because my world revolves around sport, however, a lot of my time is taken up by training sessions throughout the week and games on the weekend, but I really try and make time for the creativity aspect, like with Prom, and service with Bayanihan and Red Cross

Teacher: What have you learned from your involvement in CAS?

Me: Linking back to the previous question, I think my biggest takeaway is trying to balance everything. Since I started CAS I’ve been able to improve my scheduling skills so that I can fulfil each CAS requirement with a sensible amount of time for each activity whilst having free time for myself.

Teacher: Does your collected CAS evidence show ongoing CAS involvement? Are there ways in which this could improve?

Me: I think my involvement in sports is quite significant and keeps my CAS involvement going, even when seasons are over, which usually end by March, I try and enrol myself in new experiences like painting Murals, or if I still want to play sports, I play for a club outside of BSM.

Teacher: Five years from now, describe what is likely to stand out as a highlight from CAS.