Broadcasting Service Education

On Tuesday 25^th May, CAS Co-Ordinator, Pablo Gorostidi Perez, caught up with local station, River Radio, to discuss just what his job title entails.

Creativity, Action and Service, aims to develop socially conscious adults who will continue to make meaningful contributions to society long after they’ve completed their education. CAS places emphasis on emotional development outside of the classroom and allows students to really develop softer skills such as teamwork and empathy.

In the Lower Sixth, students taking the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme organise their own CAS projects. However, as a school dedicated to forming young people of real character, independence and confidence, the programme is recognised widely and is incorporated into the curriculum at Years 7, 8 and 10.

Working on a rotation basis, by the end of the Summer term, each Year 7 student will have had the opportunity to experience the disciplines of music, journalism and web design, culminating in a recorded composition, in depth article and website to support their chosen charity or cause. Whilst Year 8 students complete a Sport Leadership qualification, creative writing course, textiles, arts and crafts modules.

Explaining how the different elements of the course intersect, Pablo gave the example of how composing a song which engages students creatively, can then be put to practice in the choir and eventually even sung to the local community, such as when the group has visited the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the past.

“You can see them flourishing, blossoming, when they are developing one of these projects that is theirs… they become in charge of their own learning. We love seeing that they are able to develop long term thinking, I think that is very important.” Pablo told Rachel Tyrell, School of Parenting Presenter.

In Year 10, students are given a variety of options from which they commit to one, for the course of the year. From the Sports Leader course which aims to develop confident, healthy leaders through physical activity, to learning British Sign Language, a valuable life skill, each diverse course is united in its common interest to promote character, independence and confidence and push students out of their comfort zone.

Pablo also spoke about his pride for student-led charity group, Amicus, and the work that they have achieved. “I just give a little bit of advice and experience” he commented. “We don’t only want to raise money, although that is very helpful, we want people to be involved actively… We try to support local charities and get involved in the community.”

Whether concerned with CAS or Amicus, Pablo reflected “As a Quaker school with Quaker values, we try to create rounded personalities, so students are ready when they leave, to face the world… A lot of former students who come back to Leighton Park say they remember these skills… they appreciate then, having received the skills and its really nice to see them having put those into practice.”