As part of my CAS experience, I participated in Physical Special (PS) slots for table tennis under the HDP program at school. These sessions, held four times in a six-day cycle for 45 minutes each, provided an opportunity to refine my table tennis skills alongside other students. Having played the sport for several years, I focused on enhancing techniques such as top spin, chop, block, and smash. Training sessions involved practice with both peers and the coach, allowing me to strengthen my gameplay.

A significant milestone during this experience was my selection for the Under-19 girls’ team representing Fountainhead School in an interschool competition. Although our team did not win, the tournament provided valuable exposure to competitive players and allowed me to apply the skills I had developed over the years. This CAS activity extended throughout my 11th-grade year, making it a long-term and rewarding commitment.

Learning Outcomes

LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

Throughout this experience, I recognized my strengths and areas needing improvement as a player. Revisiting and refining my existing skills helped boost my confidence and deepen my understanding of technical aspects. One key realization was that my top spin lacked the correct angle and speed, prompting me to work on refining the technique gradually. Identifying these gaps allowed me to set clear improvement goals, and I plan to continue working with my coach to address other weak areas. This experience reinforced the importance of self-awareness in personal and skill development.

LO4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

Table tennis requires consistent effort and dedication, and attending all PS sessions while maintaining quality practice was a crucial part of this CAS experience. Staying committed to improving my skills, even during challenging moments, was essential. There were times when I struggled with performance and felt discouraged, but I learned the value of perseverance. By pushing through difficulties and staying focused on my goals, I developed a stronger sense of discipline, a quality that extends beyond sports into other aspects of life.

Personal Growth and Reflections

This experience also helped me develop the IB learner profile attribute of being ‘balanced.’ Managing my table tennis training alongside academics and extracurricular activities required effective time management and dedication. One of the highlights was engaging with a diverse group of players during PS sessions, which enriched my learning process.

Although I consider myself an average player, my skills are gradually improving. More importantly, this experience has taught me resilience, determination, and the significance of commitment. These takeaways will be invaluable in real-life situations where perseverance is key.

Overall, my participation in the PS slots for table tennis was an enriching and motivating journey, reinforcing my passion for the sport and inspiring me to continue progressing.