Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is at the heart of the Diploma Program at Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS). CAS is about becoming an active member in the community; a journey of selfdiscovery to learn who you are and what your full potential can be.
It is impressive to see all of the ways that our CAS students excel and enrich the school and local community. The Grade 11 excursion to Sanya provided students with invaluable experiential learning opportunities for positive personal and interpersonal development. Through our partnership with The Bright Connection center students spent a day caring for children with cerebral palsy and other functional disabilities. They also supported the full-time staff who work at the center, and this experience was life-changing for many students.
The goal of The Bright Connection is to guide the children under care towards social independence. Following our arrival, our SSIS students assisted the children on a short walk. They then led different learning activities and tasks around the center, such as cleaning, laundry and food preparation.
It was an overwhelming experience for all of us, and the students cared for the children exceptionally well. They showed genuine love and support, which came from their hearts and their comments on the trip were extremely positive.
"Today's experience was unique. It was extremely heartbreaking and inspiring to watch the kids give their best despite difficulties. It taught us all to be more grateful and realize how privileged we are. It was incomparable." – Gore Arundhati, Grade 11
"Seeing some of the children who were so enthusiastic about learning and giving their best, despite their disabilities, was an eyeopening experience for me. They are content with what they have and make the best of their situations, which is an important lesson for me to learn. Visiting them today and helping them with everyday activities that are second nature to us but so difficult for them is an unforgettable experience." – Cheah Zi Ying Victoria, Grade 11
"When we visited, the children were happy and excited. Despite their disabilities, they were able to put up a smile and enjoy themselves. They don't feel sorry for themselves, and they face the challenges and are grateful. Be thankful for what you have in your life now because nothing comes easy." – Chan Pak Hei Ethan, Grade 11.
[Images via Shanghai Singapore International School]
James Cattran is the Creativity, Activity, Service Coordinator & IGCSE/IB geography teacher at the Shanghai Singapore International School. He has a Master of Teaching from Griffith University, Australia, and an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Western University, Canada. James relishes in learning about different cultures and experiencing travel, and is passionate about working with students.
