This week, I participated in a community service activity at school where I collected dry leaves from the yard and composted them. Although the task seemed simple at first, I quickly realised how much effort it actually takes to maintain such a large outdoor space. By helping gather and compost the leaves, I was able to take some of the workload off the school’s maintenance staff, who usually have to tackle these huge leaf-covered areas on their own. Working alongside them helped me appreciate their daily responsibilities and understand the importance of contributing to my school environment.

LO6 – Engagement with Issues of Global Significance

Through this activity, I recognised how composting contributes to addressing global environmental issues such as waste reduction and sustainable resource management. Instead of allowing the leaves to be thrown away or burned—both of which contribute to pollution—the composting process turns them into natural fertiliser that can be reused in the school garden. This small action is part of a larger movement toward sustainability, showing how everyday tasks can support global goals like reducing landfill waste and promoting ecological balance.

LO7 – Recognising and Considering the Ethics of Choices and Actions

While doing this activity, I also reflected on the ethical importance of contributing to shared spaces and supporting the people who maintain them. Choosing to volunteer my time helped me understand that community service is not only about completing tasks, but also about showing respect and consideration for others’ labour. By helping reduce the physical burden on the school workers and making a more sustainable choice through composting, I acted ethically and responsibly toward both people and the environment.

Overall, this CAS experience taught me the value of teamwork, environmental responsibility, and ethical decision-making. It showed me that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference—both locally and globally.