CAS PORTFOLIO

CAS PORTFOLIO

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Vol XCIII, No. 311 - Julia Iunes

Class of 2017

ManageBac summary

Introduction

Screen shots

*image available at: https://www.fcaq.k12.ec/images/stories/13-14/CAS.png

Increased awareness of strengths and areas for growth

This outcome enabled me to see my potential as an individual with a variety of skills and abilities. By this I understood that I'm capable of many different things, even if some of them are more developed than others. The import thing, in this outcome, is self-development and self-awareness

Reflection and Evidence

This was probably one of the best decision and experiences that I had. By taking the foundation preparation course, I learned more of what was to come when getting into university. It was by this process that I decided what was my first option about choices of future. I not only developed new skills in my art field, but I also decided on taking the foundation course that will be the beginning of my art study. This was a big step for me and it was because of this know increased confidence that helped me on this decision.

One example of one of the activities that I completed during the course. For this situation I worked with a team and the aim was to gather materials from local sources and join them to a body to transform it in some way. By that we were changing the function of the materials used and using it in a completely different form. For this specific project I learned new skills on how to work better as a group, listening and considering all members of the group. It was also very important to plan ahead due to the budget required when getting this materials. The total was 3 pounds for each student. I learned that I was better suited to plan the creative side better than planning the financial side, giving me more awareness of my abilities

Where I was:

Where I am now:

Another example of one the activities that I completed was the 'Egg support'. In this activity I had to plan and create an object that supported an egg and needed to have, at least, 30 centimeters. This specific activity was a challenge for me because I had never worked with metal before, which made me develop new skill on the matter. Because it was the construction of something, that needed to be very secure to be able to hold an egg, I had to plan the activity very well. Otherwise the project would be meaningless.

Before the development of this outcome I was insecure of my own abilities. one example of this is that thought that, just because I was interested in arts and fashion, I was less of a person as I wasn't interested in studying anything academic related.

Now I know what I'm capable of. Through the exploration of different activities made me aware of my abilities and the areas that I still had to grow and develop. I learned that the most important thing is not being good at everything, it's about trying the best that can.

There are many requirements for the International Baccalaureate diploma. One example of this is CAS. These are essential elements that every student has to complete. They stand for, respectively, Creativity, Action and Service. After our CAS experience, every student has to reflect and provide evidence of achieving the eight necessary learning outcomes.

Undertake new challenges

*image available at: http://www.ibo.org/globalassets/digital-tookit/logos-and-programme-models/ib-world-school-logo-2-colour.png

This outcome enabled me to explore things out of my comfort zone. This not only made me learn new things about the activities I was exploring but also learn things about myself.

Reflection and Evidence

Where I was:

Where I am now:

The Cambridge Science Festival is an annual 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math in Cambridge and New England and the global impact of those endeavors. Every spring, the Cambridge Science Festival makes science accessible, engaging and fun for everyone through multifaceted, multicultural events. The founding collaborators are MIT, Harvard University, the City of Cambridge and the Museum of Science.

As part of the Cambridge Science festival, I helped the Science department at my school by selling tickets, signing people in, serving food etc. It was a big step for me to volunteer for this event. It was right after I came to Boston and I was still struggling to speak with those I wasn't comfortable with. Nevertheless, I was happy to do it, as I became more confident with myself and with my ability to help others that needed me. By that, I learned a lot new skills of social interaction. It was important to know how to deal with different situations, such as, knowing how to inform the wheel chair entrance, or helping people without a ticket. Because the Science festival committee needed the help, it was also one task that involved commitment, especially because it was an outside program. I was not the only one there so in order to work and actually help, I had to learn how to collaborate with others that were also trying to help. One important and useful strategy was to separate people into different tasks.

Work collaboratively with others

Show perseverance and commitment

Before I was afraid of getting out of my shell. I was comfortable with things and wasn't willing to take the chance to explore new things in fields I have never explored

With the challenges (literally) of this outcome I was able to explore things I have never thought I would or could. This lead me to grow as a person and learn to deal with situation I wasn't always 100% relaxed and comfortable

This outcome enabled me to accept a share of responsibilities when dealing with all sorts of things that happen to come up in the activities explore. For this outcome is also important to attend regularly the commitment you imposed. For me, this is important in my academic life and my professional life coming soon. One of the most important things to develop, no matter what context it is, is to stay committed, even if things do look to be working the way you hoped.

Working collaboratively with others is an outcome that I find extremely important. This will not only help in you professional life in the future, but also in your personal life. Knowing how to best relate and collaborate with others is a skill that is essential for all stages of your life and will help you go places. Personally I didn't think this was the hardest learning to outcome.

Reflection and Evidence

I've always liked to run so I've always tried to make time to be able to go for a run. For me running is not only about exercising but also a form of therapy.

In this activity I hope to raise awareness on the importance of going out and exercising. As well as initiating the movement of stopping what you're doing to get out and move. I hope to commit to it and, when I say that I'm going out to exercise, I actually do it. My new skill that I hope to concur is based on the abilities that is needed to go for a good run, such as patience and breathing exercises.

This school year I got involved in my school soccer club. The team was surprisingly big when thinking about the size of my school. Not only I started a sport, but also a team sport. With this I hope to develop a more collaborative skill, as well as leadership skills. Soccer will also help put me out of my comfort zone, which for me, is important to undertake that challenge. I've always heard that participating in a school sport is not only good as being a physical activity, but also for the social side. Creating a more broad group of friends.

In this activity I raised awareness on the importance of going out and exercising. Also initiating the movement of stopping what you're doing to get out and move, as well as planning your days based on the idea of you going for a run. I committed to it and, when I decided to go for a run, I forced myself to do so. I developed new skill based on the abilities that is needed to be able to go for a good run, such as patience and breathing exercises .

With my involvement in the school soccer club I was fortunate to develop a lot of new skills, not only related to sports, but also in the social aspect of partaking in a team sport. With a team sport came a lot of collaborative work with other teammates, with this I learned how to work better with others and listen more to them. It was important to commit to my involvement with the team, showing up to practice and the games we played against other schools. Additionally, I also learned the ethics of playing a sport, learning the 'rights' and 'wrongs'. As well as learning the global importance of playing a sport, learning how to accept defeat and move forward, alongside the importance of trying your best. I will take all of this developed knowledge in other aspects of my life, such as University.

Example of a run

Where I was:

Where I am now:

Where I was:

Where I am now:

I've always thought I worked well with others. Coming from a very close family enable me to learn, throughout my life, how to best relate to my family members.

One of the things my mother used to teach my siblings and I when we were growing up is to "stick with the things you said you were doing". This could be translated to this learning outcome. Therefore, I think I've always had to learn how to commit to things.

Still, I think I've mature a lot from this learning outcome. I had to learn to continue doing what I was supposed to be doing, even if things weren't working the way I wanted. Another thing I wasn't used of dealing with was people depending on me, which was even more important to show my commitment and will of doing things

Even though I've always worked well with others, I believe the activities with collaboration were really important to form and develop a friendship with those I was working with, as most of them were in my school.

Plan and initiate activities

This outcome enabled me to understand the importance of going out and doing the activity you have planned. I was surprised with the instant gratification and felling of "mission accomplished" after I completed my activities. This helped me learn better the effect of planing and completing things.

Reflection and Evidence

I decided to attempt to hike because I thought It could be a good learning experience. I had never done it before so it was something that I definitely learned from. I hoped that by doing this I will learned some new things about, not only nature, but patience and the sport.

I had a team that went with me, as well as a instructor. I think it was because of the instructor that the whole experience became such a learning process. He, not only guided us through the hike, but also taught us a few important things. Such as the different importance of different plants and how they work together in the environment, as well as where in the trail of the hike they tend to grow (e.g. one needs more hydration so stays closer to the water). I wasn't expecting to learn so much from this experience as I did. Before we went we made sure to plan the hike, making sure we knew were to go and were we could go. It was a big initiative for me to make, I was concerned about staying hour surrounded by nature and nothing else in case something happened but throughout the hike I felt good and safe.

Where I was:

Where I am now:

Engage with issues of global importance

Now I am glad I learned this, as I fell proud of myself for all the things I accomplished like I had planned

Before CAS I wasn't aware of the gratification that came after completing an activity planned.

Consider ethical implications

For me, the outcome of global issue is not only being involved in international projects. I've always thought that global issues is something, no matter what context that is, that is happening around the world. I've always looked more at the social side of a global issues. Learning the importance of that activity, or those I'm working with (such as children that needs help) and becoming more aware of the issues that surround me

This outcome enabled me to understand the importance of the moral aspect of a lot of my activities. The ethical implication also was related to doing things to generally help others for the general good for them. I had to consider more the other and work with whatever I could to help.

Reflection and Evidence

Where I was:

This activity was extremely challenging and nerve-wracking for me. As I was collaborating with other volunteer I had a lot of responsibilities on my hands. Taking care of children was harder than I thought and by doing so I learned a lot of patience, something my friend that was also volunteering help, as she was older and had more experience. We planned the day beforehand to make sure we knew what we were doing at all times and to make sure we knew where we were going. Something my friend advised me to do when working with children was to stay organised. The activity was something that demanded a lot of commitment from me, as it was a very important task not to lose any of the kids since I was responsible for them. I also learned a lot from them. They were children that have had their basic rights violated or threatened and they thought me a lot of things. After I came home that day I researched more about the NGO and was amazed by those kids and what they've been through. I also learned that, unfortunately, this was happening all around the world and NGO's/ others organisations like those were really important for their future.

In the summer vacation I had the opportunity to go back to Brazil. taking advantage of that I decided to do a lot of work with the NGO that I used to regularly work with while I still lived there. Because of summer -winter over their - vacation, the children that are welcomed on the organization are out of school. In that period the organization try to create as many activities as they can, to keep those children occupied. On that day we decided to take the kids to the park. By doing so, I had the help of a volunteers. With her collaboration it was a great challenge to take children to the park. I was responsible for them, making sure they were by my sight and doing the right thing. The activity was something that demanded a lot of commitment from me.

Where I am now:

Reflection and Evidence

Where I was:

Where I am now:

For CAS this semester I assisted Mrs. Smith with her Art Club. The club meet every Thursday after school. It was for students that had passion and real interest in art. With this activity I hope to get out of my comfort zone and help others that need my help. I understand the big challenge that I will be facing, but I think it will be very beneficial for my future, as I am looking to continue my art study a University level. With this activity I hope to learn more to interact with others in a creative environment, which is something I will certainly take it further at University

I not only helped her with her classes and the students, but also helped to prepare and organise, giving Mrs. Smith as much help as I could.The experience was really challenging, considering it was a whole new thing for me to help my teacher with students. With that, I learned new skills on how to interact and teach new things to younger kids. At the same time, I also had to learn how to collaborate with others. If you're helping someone - not only your teacher, but as well as a students - you need to learn how to work with them, and how to peacefully collaborate, giving your support no matter what is happening. It took a lot of initiative to help out, with art clubs being such a hands on and forward thing to do, where I had to talk to other and offer help. In this scenario - with other younger students - I was the one that was "superior" and they look for when they needed help, something I was not used to.There was also the ethical side to consider, as I was helping younger kids I had to make sure I was always doing the right thing, showing them as how to behave properly. I also always needed to put them as my priority, having to do everything to benefit them.

I was unaware of a lot of things happening around me. Those things were impacting a lot of people in the world.

With this learning outcome I was able to learn a lot from things that I am surrounded with. They are happening around the world and a lot of them I had no further knowledge. I became more aware with a lot of social aspects that happened in Brazil, for example. It made me realize things that happened not only in Brazil, but all over the world

With the activities that I explored during my CAS I started to think more about the ethical side of things I was doing (such as 'right' and 'wrong' when playing soccer"). Now I am aware of my action and their implications, not only on myself, but on others as well.

I wouldn't say that I was a selfish person before my experiences with CAS. I've always tried helping others as much as I could. However, I never had thought of the moral aspects of the things I was doing and whether they were the 'right' actions

Develop new skills

This outcome enabled me to learn new things and, personally, was my favorite. I was able to explore other things, either in creativity, action and service. I think this learning outcome was also linked to the ones developed previously, as many of them I could incorporate as a new skill as well.

I've always been interested in video making and digital design, so I decided to take the video clips that I had on my camera of trips that I did and create videos.

I began to edit the first one and I enjoyed a lot. I did not expected to be hard and to involve the much work that involved, but it ended up taking so much of my time. It was a challenge not to lose my patience as well as trying to figure out how Imovie works, without any help. It turned out to be OK so I ended up doing 3. By committing to these videos and many hours of work, I ended up learning the basic of editing on imovie.

Where I was:

Where I am now:

CAS Project

Now I believe that I gained not only many new skills, such as learning how to edit videos and soccer skills, but also the confidence to explore many others. Enabling me to more possibilities of activities.

Learning outcomes are possible so students can develop themselves within new areas and skills. Before this outcome I had little knowledge on a lot of things. Most importantly, I wasn't confident about undertaking new challenges.

CAS Project

Espaço Bacana

There was a lot of steps to organize the event. They helped me achieve a learning outcome.

1. The first step was to research for which stores we wanted to feature in our bazar. This took a lot of planning.

2. Next we needed to send invites for those we selected. We also needed to explain what it was and the purpose of this event.

3. Then we needed to start publicizing the event. There was a lot that involved this step, such as creating invitations, banners, etc.

4. It was also necessary to send a "Guide" for the stores that would be featured in the event. this would include how to mount each table, the time they should be there and rules

5. WIth all of these steps completed, it would be possible to hold the Bazar

6. After we would start calculating the profit, as well as pay the stores featured

Espaço Bacana is a non-profit bazar held every Christmas and Mother's Day, in which 20% of the profits of each store goes to an NGO. The NGO is called 'Associação Maria Helen Drexel'. Founded in 1973 by Father John Drexel and a group of couples, Maria Helen Drexel Association - AMHD is a civil organization that welcomes children and adolescents, whose basic rights have been violated or threatened, by providing protection, assistance, health and education for their development. It currently maintains more than 40 children and adolescents in five foster homes.

The Association provides various courses, workshops and activities for the purpose of developing citizenship, social inclusion and sustainability. it offers cooking, swimming, hip hop, music,

choral, singing, theater, arts and English activities, among others, as well as school tutoring.

The goal of AMHD is to help children and adolescents to become well educated and independent adults, and to insert them back in society with real chances of having a dignified and happier life.