Teacher’s Spotlight: Mr.Bonifatius Djoko Pandojo – My Teaching Experience Through CAS

Hi, I’m Boni, and I started teaching at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug in 2003 as a PYP teacher. Currently, I teach students in grades 6 to 12. My teaching responsibilities include TOK for grades 11-12 and Indonesian Studies for grades 6-12, along with my role as the CAS Coordinator. Working with students at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug brings me great joy and fulfillment, particularly in my capacity as the CAS Coordinator.

CAS, which stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, is one of the core components of the Diploma Programme (DP). It aims to develop well-rounded individuals who can achieve balance in their lives. In order to lead a happy and fulfilling life, we must strive for a harmonious integration of our mind, body, and soul through engaging in creative pursuits, participating in physical activities, and serving our communities (CAS). CAS encourages students to pursue their passions and engage in experiential learning, relating to creativity, sports, and community service over a period of 18 months. By actively planning, acting, and reflecting on their experiences, students become independent and lifelong learners. I wholeheartedly agree with the quote, “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” In today’s rapidly changing world, it is crucial to equip our students with the necessary learning skills so they can easily adapt to new challenges. CAS is the programme which equips them with the skill of “Learn how to learn”.

CAS involves five stages and seven learning outcomes. The stages include investigation, preparation, action, reflection, and demonstration. During the reflection stage, students evaluate their experiences based on various criteria, such as taking initiative, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, engaging in global initiatives, demonstrating ethical behavior, developing new skills, fostering collaboration, embracing challenges, and exhibiting commitment.

Within the CAS framework, students establish connections with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to initiate or contribute to projects. Some of the organizations our students collaborate with include HOPE Indonesia, Happy Hearts, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Additionally, there are numerous student-initiated projects, such as the School2School Project, School Play, Math Club, STEM Club, and Dead Poet Society, among others.

It is my hope that through their CAS experiences here at BINUS SCHOOL Simprug, our students will grow to become creative, open-minded, healthy, and empathetic citizens.