The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad Organises First-Ever Student Orientation Programme
The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad organised a three-day student orientation weekend for new students and parents from 22-24 July 2022. An event that not only provided an enriching experience for many but one that further reiterated the fundamental beliefs of the Academy and His Highness the Aga Khan’s vision.
Over 450 new family members and students attended insightful seminars by the Senior Leadership Team, panel discussions, guided campus tours, alumni interaction sessions, as well as fun activities like tie-dye and pottery. Run by a group of 20 students with the help of a core committee, the orientation programme was a wonderful way to introduce new families to the Academy community.
Day one kicked off in the Commons where the Senior Leadership Team were introduced to new parents followed by networking opportunities during a high tea.
Day two started with a keynote address by Dr Jonathan Long, Head of Academy followed by an introduction to the Academy by Mr Arjun Puri, Dean of Admissions. Day two was mostly a parent-driven day providing them with an in-depth understanding of the Academy.
The Junior School and Senior School staff ran panel discussions on a range of topics - from insights into the International Baccalaureate curriculum to life beyond the classroom. The student-led activities organised by our volunteers were the highlight of the day. Parents and students created lifelong memories exploring their artistic sides with tie-dye and pottery, whilst others explored the extensive campus on a student-led tour. The ‘Alumni Story’ was a session led by the remarkable graduates of the Academy, who shares with the attendees, glimpses of their lives here. The day concluded with a visit to the dorms by the Dean of Students, Mr Suresh Madhavan.
The third and final day began with ‘The Passion Project,’ a captivating panel discussion comprising Senior School Staff members, moderated by Mr Puri. To further emphasise the importance of our students' well-being, Mr Jeff Doerfler, Deputy Head - Pastoral conducted an enlightening session, followed by a talk by our University Counsellor, Ms Pragati Pandey titled, ‘The Road to University’. The day ended with a Treasure Hunt and according to the new students, a memorable way to end the Orientation.
The Student Orientation 2022-23 is among the greatest events of the year. “This weekend is a new chapter in their [new students'] lives,” says Mr Arjun Puri, “a moment when they embark on a journey. It has taken weeks of planning to get to this moment. I am incredibly fortunate to have had a dedicated team that understood the importance of this weekend. They value this opportunity of welcoming new members to our family.”
On behalf of everyone, we warmly welcome our new students to the community. Good Luck for the year ahead!
- Ayaan Aziz Lalani & Samiksha Shukla
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