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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

ISS students extend learning outside classrooms |01 July 2013

ISS students extend learning outside classrooms

The students, who recently completed their IGCSE examinations, were back in school ahead of starting their A-Level studies in September 2013.

The programme is loosely based on an element of the International Baccalaureate's Diploma Programme – Creativity, Action, Service (CAS). The aim of the school's new CAS programme is to develop responsible global citizens in an ever-changing global economy.

New head of sixth form from September 2013, Matthew Marson, said, "It is essential that we invest, develop and nurture the skills and capacity for our students to be the best they can be academically and holistically. While academic performance is still of utmost importance, universities and employers are looking for more. Our new CAS programme gives students the opportunity to take ownership of community projects, volunteering, engaging in creative activities and to be active". 

The three-day programme (June 19-21) started with an 'Apprentice Style' creative challenge at Eden Plaza where students were challenged by Nilesh Kerai from Vijay Construction to create a marketing plan for the centre. Students then had the chance to let off steam and build confidence on Thursday  June 20 at SMAC Adventure, Ephelia Resort where they pushed themselves both physically and mentally, rock climbing and zip lining.

The launch of the CAS programme culminated with the service element of the programme at Port Glaud and Nature Seychelles. Abbie Hine, marine educator and project leader of the Save our Seas Foundation (SOSF), briefed the students.

She commented: "Today was a great event bringing together students from ISS with marine conservation organisations SOSF and Global Vision International (GVI).  One of the activities the students were involved in was a beach clean. It is always astounding how much litter can be found on only just a very short stretch of beach. Most of the litter was found above the high tide mark having been washed in and left behind. Most of the litter left behind constituted plastic bottles and Styrofoam, both of which are commonly seen on beaches and take hundreds of years to bio-degrade as they just break down to smaller and smaller pieces which get ingested by marine life causing them much harm. The students worked hard and collected a total of 14 bags in just a 45-minute period.

We can all play our part in cleaning the beaches by always putting our litter in the bin. The students certainly played their part today."

Finally, students finished at Nature Seychelles by planting mangrove seeds collected from Port Glaud, at the conservation centre based at Roche Caïman. Robin Hanson, green health coordinator at Nature Seychelles, said “the students were enthusiastic and hard-working, making a real positive difference to our conservation and heritage work. They fully engaged with the day, asking insightful questions regarding our projects, displaying a keen interest in Seychelles' beautiful natural environment.”

ISS head teacher Daniel Roberts had this to say: “This is a fantastic start for our new year 12 students as they embark on the next phase in their education. The CAS programme will be integral to ensuring that all students leave us with the skills and outlook needed, to be our future leaders. I have been impressed by the mature outlook and can-do attitude of our students and thank the sponsors and organisations who have supported the programme and launch of CAS.”

The school would like to thank Constance Ephelia Resort, Global Vision International, Nature Seychelles, Save our Seas foundation and Vijay Construction.
The following are some of the pictures taken during the launch of the programme.

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