Students enhance their language proficiency and communication skills at the Academy in Maputo

The sessions are part of “Quill – Language Power-up", which is an innovative language programme aimed at empowering students to excel academically and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape. It is designed to elevate students’ reading, writing and speaking abilities in both English and a second language by focusing on grammar and vocabulary. 

Through a structured curriculum encompassing three core components – identifying learning gaps, teacher-led sessions and interactive activities – the Academy strives for the programme to foster comprehensive language proficiency among Senior School students and boost their confidence in all types of communication. 

The sessions started in April 2024 and are led by the Academy’s Country Coordinator for International Talent Identification Abouzar Bassiri Zadeh and MYP Coordinator Esther Nondi. 

"Quill offers around 800 activities and assessments to aid students in developing their reading comprehension and grammar in English," Ms Esther said. "The other components focus on preparing students for writing essays and delivering oral presentations in two languages.”  

The programme has been useful for students to understand the writing mechanics behind the English language as they can adapt what they learn to other lessons. 

"English is not my native language, and I can tell the difference in how I speak from before we started with this programme to now," said Sayna Majidi, a Grade 8 student who is originally from Iran. 

Reem Saad, another Grade 8 student who is from Syria, also highlights the impact the programme has had on her. 

"I am now able to work on my grammar and overcome my shyness with this programme while also learning to speak English properly," she said. 

The Aga Khan Academy Maputo is working on the full implementation of Quill along with the other components of the programme, such as the “Longman Academic Series” and the "Public Speaking Merit Awards" to continue supporting Senior School students and their learning.