Grade One Open House highlights

Excitement was in the air this morning as children and their parents from Kindergartens throughout Mombasa joined the Aga Khan Academy students for this year’s Open House event. The visiting parents were greeted by members of the AKA, Mombasa team, including volunteer parents. After signing the guest book, visitors were escorted to the amphitheatre, where a group of students from Year One to Six presented an assembly. Ali Fazel, as the ‘journalist’ questioned the students about what makes our school so special. Their responses, shared in English, Kiswahili and Hindi, described the school’s wonderful facilities, the caring teachers and exciting learning experiences. There was even reference to the philosophy of the school as captured by the attributes in our learner profile. The assembly concluded with all students singing the school song, We Are the Children of Aga Khan.

After the assembly the visiting Kindergarten children joined our Grade One students and were able to participate in a variety of activities in both English and Kiswahili. They had opportunities to explore musical instruments, dance and sing, and create pictures using the computers. The children also had an opportunity to work in the art room, classrooms and hear a story in the library.

Meanwhile their parents enjoyed a tour of the campus, led by student ambassadors from Grades Five and Six and then were invited to a special presentation in the lecture theatre. Peter McMurray, the Head of Academy, described the context of our school and its place within the network of Aga Khan Academies. Les Wilkins, the Junior School Principal, expanded on this with a description of how the vision for the Academies is realized through the unique AK Curricular strands of pluralism, cultures, ethics, global economics and governance and civil society.

Rukiya Cochu, the PYP Coordinator, opened with a quote by Alvin Toffler: “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” She proceeded to outline the curricular framework of the IB’s Primary Years Programme, highlighting our aim to prepare our students for the future.

The event concluded with refreshments in the Junior School, where parents were able to informally meet with faculty and ask questions. It was an informative morning for parents and a fun-filled session for the children. As one girl happily exclaimed to her mother on their way out, “This is going to be my school!”

If you would like more information regarding Year One Admissions, or about the programmes offered at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, please contact the school registrar at: info@akam.ac.ke