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CAS concept has many benefits
By Nandita Jain |
September 28, 2011, Wednesday
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WHEN a teenager in the family is enrolled in the IB program, chances are that one of the most frequently used acronyms in daily conversation will turn out to be "CAS." A core component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, it stands for "Creativity, Action, Service."
Essentially, the notion of CAS encourages students preparing for university education in their two final years of high school to stretch themselves beyond academic horizons in ways that challenge and further their own creative and sporting talents while also contributing towards fulfilling a genuine need in their environment.
The other day, I attended an energetic, motivated and highly inspiring presentation on CAS given by Tejinder Rajput, CAS coordinator at Dulwich College Shanghai. Rajput emphasized how the concept of CAS and its implementation can be a way to ensure that each student becomes more than "just another brick in the wall."
As I thought about this aspect of the IB program, it occurred to me that CAS is a concept which can start to take shape fairly early in life in various ways. As parents, many of us try to involve our children in a number of extra-curricular activities depending on affordability, energy and time. Sometimes, the choice proves confusing as there is a growing range of activities available both within schools and outside.
From the fine arts to a variety of sports, children can try their hand at many different things. For my own two younger children, I find that a good way to balance out their leisurely pursuits is to match them with the concept of CAS - an ideal blend would be made up of some creative pursuits, some energetic and sporty ones, and definitely some that contribute even just a little bit to the betterment of the world in any way possible.
In fact, even without consciously aiming for it, our own hobbies and those that we advise our children to take up often fit into the framework of CAS. It is an accepted fact that children learn tremendously by example. More so, when it comes to the aspect of service to society, watching their parents, teachers and peers volunteer their time, efforts and resources are often a significant source of inspiration, inculcating in them a similar enthusiasm for social service.
I know of a young gentleman who is on his way to becoming a Rotarian president, following in his father's illustrious footsteps. I can also recall some of my own happiest childhood moments being spent along with my parents as they participated in events organized by their Lions Club, lending a helping hand to whatever service they performed, learning and reflecting along the way.
Many schools such as Dulwich College Shanghai offer their students, even the youngest ones such as the children in DUCKS, various ways to combine these three elements of creativity, action and service.
Starting early in their years of education, students can solidify the habit to create, act and serve in ways that make a positive and lasting impact on human life and nature.
The concept of CAS at any age can thus set youngsters off on the path to making a meaningful difference both to the world and to their own selves as they evolve into skilled and healthy, enterprising and responsible, insightful and compassionate adults.
Nandita Jain is a Dulwich mother of three kids.
Essentially, the notion of CAS encourages students preparing for university education in their two final years of high school to stretch themselves beyond academic horizons in ways that challenge and further their own creative and sporting talents while also contributing towards fulfilling a genuine need in their environment.
The other day, I attended an energetic, motivated and highly inspiring presentation on CAS given by Tejinder Rajput, CAS coordinator at Dulwich College Shanghai. Rajput emphasized how the concept of CAS and its implementation can be a way to ensure that each student becomes more than "just another brick in the wall."
As I thought about this aspect of the IB program, it occurred to me that CAS is a concept which can start to take shape fairly early in life in various ways. As parents, many of us try to involve our children in a number of extra-curricular activities depending on affordability, energy and time. Sometimes, the choice proves confusing as there is a growing range of activities available both within schools and outside.
From the fine arts to a variety of sports, children can try their hand at many different things. For my own two younger children, I find that a good way to balance out their leisurely pursuits is to match them with the concept of CAS - an ideal blend would be made up of some creative pursuits, some energetic and sporty ones, and definitely some that contribute even just a little bit to the betterment of the world in any way possible.
In fact, even without consciously aiming for it, our own hobbies and those that we advise our children to take up often fit into the framework of CAS. It is an accepted fact that children learn tremendously by example. More so, when it comes to the aspect of service to society, watching their parents, teachers and peers volunteer their time, efforts and resources are often a significant source of inspiration, inculcating in them a similar enthusiasm for social service.
I know of a young gentleman who is on his way to becoming a Rotarian president, following in his father's illustrious footsteps. I can also recall some of my own happiest childhood moments being spent along with my parents as they participated in events organized by their Lions Club, lending a helping hand to whatever service they performed, learning and reflecting along the way.
Many schools such as Dulwich College Shanghai offer their students, even the youngest ones such as the children in DUCKS, various ways to combine these three elements of creativity, action and service.
Starting early in their years of education, students can solidify the habit to create, act and serve in ways that make a positive and lasting impact on human life and nature.
The concept of CAS at any age can thus set youngsters off on the path to making a meaningful difference both to the world and to their own selves as they evolve into skilled and healthy, enterprising and responsible, insightful and compassionate adults.
Nandita Jain is a Dulwich mother of three kids.
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