“My journey here has been deeply enriching and rewarding”

Meet an exceptional educator, Ms Sanya Malhotra, the Service Coordinator and IBDP Business Management, MYP I&S Facilitator at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, who plays a key role in nurturing holistic development among students. As the CAS Coordinator, she inspires learners to discover their passions, lead with empathy, and engage meaningfully with their communities. Through her dedication to experiential learning, the facilitator empowers students to grow into balanced, reflective, and globally minded individuals ready to make a positive difference in the world.   

In a candid interview, she shares what CAS stands for and what aims to achieve, among other things.

Could you tell us about your role? 

I guide students in creating purposeful experiences across Creativity, Activity, and Service. My role upholds the IB philosophy of holistic education, fostering a balance between academic excellence, personal development, and active community involvement.

How has been your journey at the school?  

My journey here has been deeply enriching and rewarding. Working alongside passionate students and a dedicated team has allowed me to experience the transformative power of experiential learning in nurturing responsible and empathetic individuals.

Explain what CAS stands for and what it aims to achieve?

It stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service. It empowers students to explore their passions, build essential life skills, and make meaningful contributions to society. It also nurtures balance, self-reflection, and a strong sense of global citizenship.

How do students typically begin their journey?

Students embark on their journey through orientation sessions, where I help them explore their interests, set meaningful goals, and design authentic experiences. I provide reflective frameworks and ensure that each plan aligns with the CAS learning outcomes.

Could you share a few examples of memorable projects your students have undertaken?

Some noteworthy projects include a Food Wastage Awareness Campaign, a Book Donation Drive, and Rakhi-making for Charity. These initiatives nurtured empathy, teamwork, and leadership among students while creating meaningful impacts within the community.

How do you ensure that experiences go beyond being just an activity requirement to make it transformative for students?

I encourage students to engage in deep reflection, examining what they learnt, how they evolved, and the impact they made. This reflective process transforms their activities into meaningful learning experiences that shape both their character and worldview.

What are some challenges you face while implementing CAS, and how do you overcome them?

A key challenge lies in fostering authentic engagement rather than mere compliance. I address this by promoting student-led initiatives, encouraging consistent reflection, and offering one-on-one mentorship to ensure meaningful and sustained participation.

How does it prepare students for real-world challenges beyond school?

CAS cultivates vital life skills such as collaboration, problem-solving, empathy, and resilience. Through these experiences, students learn to adapt, lead, and act responsibly, preparing them for real-world challenges beyond academics.

How can parents and teachers outside the IB community better understand and support the programme learning? 

Parents and teachers can support it by motivating students to take initiative, engage in reflection, and appreciate their own growth. Viewing CAS as a journey of self-discovery and development, rather than merely a service requirement, greatly enhances its impact.

How would you sum up its importance in shaping well-rounded, compassionate global citizens?

CAS lies at the heart of the IB learner experience. It fosters balance, compassion, and global awareness, guiding students to become well-rounded individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and actively engaged in making a positive difference in the world.