What to think about when writing your description
Describe exactly what you are doing as part of this experience. Some of you have very detailed descriptions of the the groups you are in, but neglect to say what you are actually doing as part of the group
What to think about when writing goals
These should be clear and personal. What you will actually get better at, or try to improve. They can be simple like to attend the gym 3 times a week for 6 months. Or more complex - to improve my leadership skills by being the chairperson for this group.
What to think about when choosing learning outcomes
For every learning outcome you choose, you need to show how you will reach it.
1. Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
You need to say what your strengths are and what areas you need to develop.
e.g. I am already very physically strong but I do not have such good stamina so I will do more cardio exercise in order to develop my ability to run longer distances.
2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
You need to explicitly describe the challenges and the skills that that you think you will develop.
e.g. I have never spoken in public before, so debating with be a real challenge but I hope that I will develop better public speaking skills through this experience.
3. Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience.
You need to show that it was you who came up with this idea and carried it through from idea and planning to completion.
e.g. I want to create a website about .... and I am planning to get others to work on it with me.
4. Show commitment and perseverance in CAS experiences
You need to mention what the commitment is
e.g. I will do .... every week for 6 months
5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
You need to say how you are going to work with others and the skills that you might need to do this.
e.g. I am working with 3 others to make a film. It will be important for us to communicate and plan together if this is to be completed by our deadline.
6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
You need to actually say what the issue of global significance is.
e.g. As part of the rhino group, I hope to make a difference to the global issue of biological diversity and play some part in protecting rhinos from extinction.
e.g. As part of the Nepal group, I hope to contribute to improving attendance at the school in Nepal as it has been shown that education is one way for people to take a step out of poverty. Poverty, is a global issue, that is big problem in this part of the world. I will do this by ......
e.g. As part of the group playing football with refugees, I hope to make the Afghanis feel more welcome in Sweden. Isolation and problems with integration are an issue for refugees all over the world. Whilst this is not going to change their lives dramatically, I hope that is makes a small difference to this vulnerable group of people.
7. Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions
You need to give an example of how you think you will do this.
e.g. As part of this group......., we will have to make decisions about who can be involved and in what capacity. It might mean that not everyone can have a chance to speak/go on a trip/have a leadership role. I will have to think about my role as a leader or group member and be sensitive to the wishes of others and try not to hurt people's feelings, but also keep what is best for the group as a whole in mind. (Your example should mention specific decisions).
Go back to your experiences that are not yet approved and make sure that you have addressed each of the learning outcomes that you have chosen and shown how you will reach them. Look at the notes that I have written on your portfolio.
Add evidence and reflections
Opportunities this week
Climate Comic Contest
Calling everyone up to 25 years old! Enter our Climate Comic Contest by coming up with a climate change fighting superhero - the coolest, most phenomenal will be brought to life in a real comic. BAM!
I spoke to the woman from Habitat this week and she is interested in helping us get a trip together. Possible destinations are Romania, Poland and Macedonia. There needs to be at least 6, preferably 8, people who are interested in attending. You would choose a time that suits you all - probably during sport or Easter break. You go for one week and help to renovate a home for people with low incomes. Costs are approximately: 350 - 400 US dollars for accommodation plus a donation of around 450 US dollars per person. Travel to and from are additional. You can fund raise to cover the donation. See the link for more details.
Swedish Speakers Wanted
Fånga Framtiden Tillsammans is a group that offers homework help to refugees. They are in great need of more people to help. On Wednesdays between 6 and 8 pm they meet at Björngårdsgatan 21 on Södermalm near Medborgaplatsen. Let me know if you can come this week or next. It is on a drop on basis so you do not need to commit to going every week. You can go once or more times, It is up to you. If you want to go next week, let me know and you can come with me the first time. They particularly need people with maths skills. They also meet in Mondays. If you want details about that, let me know.
Halloween Party - PTA wants helpers
See last post for details
