Significance of “ACTIVITY” strand to achieve your CAS Goals

CAS  stands for Creativity, Action, and Service, which are three areas that students can engage in as part of their program.

  • Creativity refers to activities that allow students to express themselves and explore their artistic side, such as music, drama, or visual arts.
  • Activity refers to physical activities that challenge students and help them develop their physical and personal skills, such as sports or outdoor pursuits.
  • Service refers to activities that allow students to make a positive contribution to their community, such as volunteering or fundraising.

 It is important for students to participate in a range of different activities in order to fully benefit from the CAS program and develop a well-rounded set of skills and experiences.

Let’s understand the significance and approaches to activity.

Activity

The aim of the "Activity" strand of the CAS program is to encourage students to engage in physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. This can include individual and team sports, exercise, dance, outdoor recreation, and fitness training. It is important for students to participate on a regular basis in order to challenge themselves and benefit from the activity.

Schools should support all students, including those with disabilities and those whose circumstances or culture may impact their participation in physical activities. It is also encouraged for students to set personal goals and explore different training models to enhance their existing sports or try new sports. For dedicated student athletes, maintaining a planned and rigorous training program is appropriate.

Participation in physical education courses may also be considered part of the "Activity" strand as long as it meets the guidelines of the CAS program. As with all CAS experiences, students should reflect on their engagement with the activity and look for moments of personal significance or inspiration as a way to reflect on their experiences.

Approaches to Activity

There are many approaches to creativity, such as:

  • Ongoing Activity:

    Students who are already participating in physical activities as part of a school team or club, or through some other form of sustained physical exercise, can continue to do so as part of their "Activity" strand of CAS. It is important for students to set personal goals in keeping with the principles of CAS, which include challenging themselves, developing new skills, and taking on leadership roles.

Students can also be encouraged to further extend and develop their participation in these activities if it is appropriate and aligns with their personal goals. It is also important for students to reflect on their engagement with the activity and look for moments of personal significance or inspiration as a way to reflect on their experiences. This helps students to understand the impact that the activity has had on their personal development and growth.

  • School-based Activity:

The "Activity" strand of the CAS program encourages students to participate in meaningful physical activities that benefit their physical well-being and help them develop physical fitness and health. Schools can offer a range of activity opportunities for students to engage in, such as those that are part of the school curriculum, school sports clubs, or timetabled sports sessions.

Students may also initiate their own school-based activities, such as starting a basketball or tennis club and inviting other students to join. These activities can help students to develop new skills, challenge themselves, and take on leadership roles. It is important for schools to support all students, including those with disabilities, in participating in physical activities as part of the CAS program.

  • Community-based Activity:

Participating in physical activities within the local community can help students to advance their awareness and understanding of interpersonal relationships, particularly if the activity involves members of the local community. Single events of activity can lack depth and meaning, so it is important for students to engage in activities on a regular basis in order to build and sustain relationships and continue to develop their physical well-being.

For example, rather than participating in a single activity experience at a community-based fun run, students could be encouraged to join a community-based running club, dance class, aerobics class, or out-of-school sports group. These types of activities can provide students with the opportunity to build relationships with others, challenge themselves, and continue to develop their physical fitness and health.

  • Individual Activity:

 students may choose to engage in solitary physical activities such as attending a gym, bicycling, roller-skating, swimming, or strength conditioning. These types of activities can be beneficial when they are carried out over an extended period of time, as they allow students to set personal goals and work towards them in a sustained manner. It is important for students to engage in physical activities that are meaningful and challenging for them, and that allow them to explore their own interests and passions.

It is also important to consider the risks associated with solitary physical activities, and to conduct a risk assessment with the student beforehand if applicable. This can help to ensure that the student is aware of any potential hazards and knows how to mitigate them. For example, if a student is planning to engage in a solitary activity such as cycling, it is important for them to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws to minimize the risk of injury. By taking appropriate precautions, students can enjoy the benefits of physical activity while minimizing the risks.

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