"Service" - Library Service :)

It was a rigorous day today. It was time to arrange the "World Languages" shelves today. I was given the task to arrange the Korean, Japanese and Chinese books in the proper places. The books had to be categorized either as formal and informal, and then arrange by the numerical and alphabetical codes. It was really a new challenge for me as I had to develop a new skill of identifying the three languages and distinguishing between them. Arranging these books, I learnt that the Korean script was geometrical, the Japanese script had a lot of circular symbols with frequent dots, and the Chinese script was geometrical but it also had many "hyphen-like" designs in the alphabets. Hence, this experience was quite challenging for me (both mentally and physically) as it enabled me to increase my awareness of areas of global knowledge (as well as general knowledge). I also understood that this (the scripts of different countries and their link to the prevalent cultures) was one domain which I could broaden my knowledge in to become a "whole learner" who is aware about the whole world and can think independently using his knowledge to overcome challenges in different times of life.

"Creativity" - Guitar - 1st class!

Today, I attended my 1st guitar class! It was quite an interesting experience for me to enter into my future classroom where a song was being played in chorus many students while the teacher led them by singing in a jolly tone. The class began with me learning about the basics of an acoustic guitar. I learnt identifying the strings on the guitar with my fingers. Then, I learnt the various guitar chords. I spent the whole class practicing the first four chords, i.e. C, G7, F and D7. I was able to understand the hand positioning by the end of the class. My task till the next class on 8th October is to learn and practice the chords: C, G7, F and D7.

"Service" - Library Service!

It was an interesting session of Service today. After spending around 10 minutes arranging the newly returned books to their designated shelves, I spent another 10 minutes using my mother tongue knowledge to create transcripts for the Hindi books in the SLRC. The remaining time was dedicated to a meeting session!

In the meeting, a discussion about setting up a fundraiser event for the program supported by the Library Service Service team was held. There was a braintroming event which included ideas such as arranging a bake sale, a book sale or a movie night. In the end, the decision to plan a movie night with a bake sale sometime (not decided yet) in the upcoming weeks was taken.

IB Orientation: 25th - 27th August, 2011

The IB Orientation was a very enthralling experience. It was both a leisure trip as well as an educational trip, and hence was a very exciting trip. The IB Orientation trip had various activities planned over a 2 day programme which were physically and mentally challenging. All the activities either enabled us to use our past experiences and knowledge to solve problems and overcome challenges, and they also allowed us to stretch our limitations. Some of these activities were:

• A quiz based on all the six different subjects available in the IB DP program,
• Rock-climbing,
• Team-building activities,
• Making a float able boat for a race using limited cardboard and tarpaulin, and
• Making a rocket using newspapers.

A TOK session at the IB Orientation trip. - Photograph courtesy of - Nadeera Illeperumaarachchi (2011)

However, there was one activity which was very unique. It was the Talent Show. Everyone showcased some form of their talent through creative performances, interesting presentations, etc. I performed a Magic Show in front of the audience (my peers and teachers) with 2 fellow friends. I found this experience very unique as it allowed me to develop a new skill.

The audience having a spectacular time at the Talent Show. - Photograph courtesy of - Nadeera Illeperumaarachchi (2011)

This trip also brought forward various interesting ideas through TOK sessions based on Sense Perception and Maths. The IB Orientation trip also included discussions on university choices and various aspects of the IB. There was also a discussion on CAS in which we all set goals. 

Me and my group taking part in an activity based on the IB Learner Profile. - Photograph courtesy of - Nadeera Illeperumaarachchi (2011)

ROCK CLIMBING ROCKS!

Celebrating after collaborative team victory!

A group discussion!

Playing Volleyball :)

The theory of Maths is a really interesting topic!

Me and my friend taking part in an activity.

All these activities and programs each had numerous new morals/learnings for me. All of these varied drastically. The rock-climbing activity enabled me to undertake a new challenge as this was the first time I took part in a rock-climbing program. Also, to add to the challenge, the rainy weather made my "debut" really tough. In the end, I was successful in climbing a reasonable height.... but came down with a few cuts and bruises as "trophies" for stepping up to the challenge.

The team-building activities arranged by the Borderlands group allowed me to work collaboratively with others. I was able to work as a good team member in these activities. In the end, me and my group were able to win most of the challenges by cooperating and communicating properly.

Me and my group trying out ideas for a challenging task. - Photograph courtesy of - Borderlands, Sri Lanka (2011)

Another challenging task was building a raft (or a floatation device) with limited resources. I was able to help my team by giving them good ideas. Even though our team did not prevail in this activity, we enjoyed the whole experience very much.

Brainstorming ideas for raft designs. - Photograph courtesy of - Borderlands, Sri Lanka (2011)

 

The rafts are marked on the basis of Design and Float ability. - Photograph courtesy of - Nadeera Illeperumaarachchi (2011)

The team captains stepping into the water for the race. - Photograph courtesy of - Borderlands, Sri Lanka (2011)

 

The whole experience was very interesting for me. It allowed me to interact with my peers and learn more about them. It also gave me a good idea about the various kinds of challenges the IB DP brings forward. To conclude, if I were to describe this trip in one phrase, it would be - "A fun learning experience" !!!

"Action" - Badminton

Me ("Batman") and my peer Onkar outside the Sports Complex after a badminton session.

 

I have been regularly taking part in Badminton sessions at the D.S. Senanayake College Sports Complex for the last 1 year. However, earlier I attended these sessions to keep myself physically active and hence, did not plan any goals to be accomplished. However, for the first semester (in the IB DP Year 1), I have now planned to train and improve myself, by both using the Internet as a resource while also learning from my peers and other players that come regularly to D.S. Senanayake Sports Complex. 

Playing a overhead clear shot against opponents.

Responding to opponent with a backhand shot.

I have now been attending these sessions for 3 weeks (i.e. 2 sessions every week in the weekend - discussed in my goals for the First Semester.) I have practiced and gone through all forms of shots in my sessions both during matches and also while playing rallies as forms of drills to practice. The types of shots that I have been able to enhance my skills in drastically are forehand smashes (of all kinds), drop shots, and overhead clears. For now, the shots I need to improve are the backhand smash and also the jump smash. I am quite a moderate server in this sport and aim to improve my accuracy.

Thinking about the placement of my serve.

Me hitting a smash towards the opponents court.

Other than this, I also have been working on placement techniques in badminton. I have learnt to keep in mind the empty spaces in the opponents court. I am renowned as a player with good placement skills by my peers such as Onkar and Sahil. I love making them "run-around" in their court by making use of good variation in my shots.

I love playing badminton both in the singles and doubles formats. I know the score keeping techniques and other basic rules by heart. In these sessions, I played against all kinds of players ranging from moderate players to highly experienced ones. I enjoy playing against more experienced players as I am able to give them a tough fight till the end. However, I learn from all the players I play against as they all have many qualities that I can acquire to excel as a badminton player as well as a overall sportsperson.

"Creativity" - Guitar

I have successfully been able to arrange a guitar tutor. Mr. Netaji Wickremesooriya will teach me 4 days each month on Saturday's from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. starting on the 24th of September, 2011. I believe that this new task that I will undertake will enable me to learn the instrument as a form of art by heart, while also gaining knowledge about the culture(s) from which the Guitar originated!

Mr. Netaji's personal blog - http://netajiwickremesooriya.blogspot.com/

"Service" - Library Service

It has been three weeks for me in the ongoing Library Service program at The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC). The Library Service program is an hourly service program that takes place in the Secondary Learning Resource Center (SLRC) at OSC every Thursday. The aim of this activity is to maintain the library by arranging all the newly returned books on the shelves in a proper numerical as well as alphabetical order.

This is the first time I have taken part in Library Service. By now, I have learnt how to organize the books into the designated shelves in the minimal amount of time. Our activity is supervised by Ms. Raina Lockwood, the head librarian at The Overseas School of Colombo.This year's Library Service program is being headed by Skylor and Charity of Grade 12. They divided the service group into two teams. I am a part of the group which organizes the larger portion of the Library, i.e. the shelves with the Non-fiction books. 

Library Service is an activity that enables us students to recognize the role of the Library in every student’s life. We, the Library Service members, act as the "Guardians of the Library" by keeping it organized for the convenience of all the Library users, including students, parents, teachers, as well as visitors (Ethical implications of my actions). I believe that this Service program is very crucial as it not only allows us to be a part of the group in charge of maintaining the library, but it also enables us to respect the purpose of the Library.

In the library service program, I (with my other 2 peers) place the returned non-fiction books to their proper designated shelves. Then, we start organizing shelves one by one in the proper numerical and alphabetical order. There are many books that have been put in the wrong order and some that have put in the wrong shelf. I put them in the proper order, first using the numerical code and then using the alphabetical code. Also, during the process, I am able to find books that have torn or missing coded identification stickers. By the end, I am able to properly organize approximately 6 shelves. In this activity, the time goes by really quick and hence, I am always surprised.

It was fun to arrange the books in a proper order (Helps to revise one's alphabets)!

The "Fiction Team" organizes the books in the fiction area.

Humza, a part of my team which arranges the Non-fiction shelves, at work!!!

Onkar, another member of my team, JUST LOVES BOOKS :)

In the future, I hope to keep working in the same manner and helping my group in "advertising" and spreading awareness about the various programmes carried out by the Library in the school, such as the book week and other book sales.

Creativity, Action, Service - GOAL SETTING

Creativity

The creativity section of the current CAS program will be the most challenging for me. This is because of the fact that the six subjects that I have chosen to pursue in the IB Diploma years do not involve any form of art. I feel that during this 1st IB year, I will learn a new musical instrument, a dream I have been unable to fulfill in the past years. The musical instrument I plan to learn is the Guitar. Other than this, I will also grasp some chances to voluntarily take part in theatrical and dance performances organized both inside and outside the school, a task I believe will enable me to move ahead in the artistic field of life. Overall, I will enjoy this sphere of CAS while increasing my involvement in various artistic fields. This program will enable me to undertake new challlenges which will help me to develop a new skill.

Action

I believe the action section of the CAS program is one which will challenge me, but also one which I would very joyously participate in. For action, I plan on enhancing my skills in a sport I enjoy the most, both for its physical and mental activeness requirement - Badminton. I will take part in the Badminton ASA (After-school activity) and continue my ongoing Saturday and Sunday involvement in practicing and improving my skills in the sport at the D.S. Senanayake College Sports Complex.

However, simultaneously I plan to attend weekly swimming sessions every weekend at the Thurstan College Swimming pool. This activity will help me to improve my stamina and also stay physically fit.

This will require both perseverance and commitment from me, and also will allow me me to increase my awareness of my own strengths and areas for growth.

Service

In the service section of the CAS program, I am planning to join a specific course and further working towards developing myself and learning from it. I have planned to attend Library Service for the two IB DP years. In the first year, I will learn from the leaders of this Service program and then myself be a leader in the same activity next year, i.e. the 2012-2013 session. This plan will require perseverance, dedication/commitment, as well as hard-work from my side.

MY GOALS FOR THE FIRST SEMESTER :)

Creativity -

I am going to start learning to play the instrument - Guitar. In this, I will:

• Set-up a class programme which would be practical for me to follow (as I need to balance time between CAS and studies.)
• Attend classes regularly once a tutor has been arranged.
• Practice regularly.
• Enjoy the learning process!

Action -

I am going to attend Badminton sessions at the D.S. Senanayake twice every weekend. This activity will help me to improve my stamina and challenge my body physically. I also want to become a better skilled badminton player who is aware about the different mental as well as game tactics of the sport. The timing for these badminton sessions will be:

• Saturday - 7 am to 8 am
• Sunday - 7 am to 9 am

In this plan, I will:

• Attend class regularly.
• Be punctual.
• Take part actively.
• Learn more and enjoy.

Also, I plan to attend hourly sessions at the Thurstan College Swimming Complex at least twice every month. This program will help me to improve my swimming (as currently I am a moderate swimmer) as well as achieve my goal, i.e to improve my physical fitness. I will always:

• Attend sessions properly.
• Be focused.
• Participate actively.
• Challenge myself physically.
• Enjoy

Service -

My goals for the Library Service are:

• Be punctual.
• Be focused.
• Participate actively.
• Take up new tasks and challenges.
• Learn and develop new skills.
• Enjoy