I was part of the core team for Garba Fest, one of the school’s prominent cultural events. My role involved overseeing the planning and execution of the décor, coordinating the required resources, and ensuring that all arrangements were fully in place across both days of the celebration — one dedicated to Grades 7–9 and another for Grades 10–12 along with the staff. Working in close collaboration with both the core committee and the décor team, I contributed to crafting an atmosphere that captured the cultural essence and vibrant festive energy of Garba.

LO1 – Identify strengths and develop areas for growth

Being part of the organizing team for Garba Fest gave me a clearer understanding of both my strengths and the areas where I can grow. I discovered that I excel in planning, staying organized, and managing tasks efficiently, particularly under time pressure. I also found that I am fairly effective at communicating ideas and working collaboratively with others. At the same time, the experience highlighted areas for further development, such as delegating responsibilities with greater confidence and handling unexpected last-minute changes with a calmer approach. Overall, the event served as a valuable opportunity for self-reflection, helping me gain insight into my capabilities and how I can continue to grow as a contributing team member.

LO3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

Planning was at the heart of my responsibilities as a core team member. Our team was tasked with choosing the décor theme, assigning roles, managing resources, and liaising with the décor team to ensure timely completion of all tasks. This process gave me a deeper appreciation for the importance of thorough planning in large-scale events, as even small oversights can have a noticeable impact on the final result. Overall, the experience significantly strengthened my organizational skills and helped me further develop my leadership abilities.

LO5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Teamwork was at the core of what made Garba Fest a success. As part of the Organising Committee, I worked hand in hand with teachers, volunteers, and student teams to manage logistics, oversee the décor, and ensure the smooth execution of the event. Through clear communication and a strong collaborative spirit, we were able to tackle challenges and meet deadlines without compromising on quality. By distributing responsibilities and respecting every individual’s contribution, we fostered a positive and productive working environment that encouraged both creativity and efficiency. This experience reaffirmed that effective collaboration not only leads to better outcomes but also cultivates trust, a sense of unity, and a shared feeling of achievement among the team.

LO6 –  Engagement with issues of global significance
Garba Fest was far more than just an entertainment event — it was a meaningful celebration and preservation of cultural heritage. Garba, a traditional Indian dance form that embodies unity and joy, carries deep cultural significance. By contributing to the organization of this festival, I played a part in promoting the importance of upholding cultural traditions in an increasingly globalized and fast-moving world. Witnessing students from various backgrounds participate with genuine enthusiasm was a powerful reminder of how cultural activities can nurture inclusivity, bridge divides, and cultivate a spirit of mutual respect within a community.

LO7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Planning a cultural festival demanded careful attention to both resource management and cultural sensitivity. Our team thoughtfully designed the décor to strike a balance between visual vibrancy and respect for the traditional values that Garba represents. I also grew more conscious of the importance of responsible resource use, making efforts to minimize waste and repurpose materials wherever possible. This experience taught me that even seemingly minor decisions in event planning can carry significant ethical weight, whether they relate to sustainability, honoring cultural traditions, or ensuring that the event remains inclusive and respectful to all.