Nanjiba Sayara: Teaching students in Bangladesh to recycle plastic
My desire was realised through the grade 10 International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) personal project, a community project that focuses on service learning through practical exploration and a cycle of inquiry, action and reflection. As part of my personal project, I went to a village school in Bangladesh where I taught a group of about 20 students how to recycle plastic bottles, and the importance of such an activity. I chose to focus on this, because recycling plastic is needed to keep our environment safe and it’s a fun activity that would keep the students interested. Please click here to see a video of my experience at the village school.
I was privileged to work with those students, as they were very enthusiastic to learn and contribute. Spending one day with children from different backgrounds made me a better communicator. My parents and I have always believed that extracurricular activities are as important as academics because they contribute to being a balanced individual. I am happy to have done this activity at the village school because it made learning enjoyable and therefore memorable.
The IB MYP personal project was challenging, educational and exciting. My parents always ask me to share my happiness and knowledge with others because it might brighten up someone’s day. I believe my session at the village school accomplished this, so I wish to continue sharing my knowledge, what I have learned and will continue to learn, with my society.
History
In 2000, His Highness the Aga Khan initiated a programme to establish an integrated network of schools, known as the Aga Khan Academies. The aim of the Academies is to provide education to deserving students at an international standard of excellence.
The Aga Khan Academies are part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has been involved in education in developing countries for decades. AKDN agencies currently run more than 240 schools and educational programmes ranging from early childhood through to post-graduate education.
In 2003 the first Academy was established in the Kizingo area of Mombasa, Kenya. A facility inspired by Swahili architecture, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is a state-of-the-art learning institution. It is recognised as an International Baccalaureate World School. The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad was the second to open in 2011, and the third opened in 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique.
Establishment of the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad
Construction of the Aga Khan Academy in Hyderabad began in 2006. The first intake of students was in August 2011 for the Junior School and 2012 for the Senior School, including the residential programme. The Academy has been accredited as an International Baccalaureate World School for the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes. The first class of the Senior School’s Diploma Programme graduated in 2014.
The Academy's Professional Development Centre (PDC) began operating in July 2010, prior to the opening of the school. The first programme offered by the PDC was a series on Professional Learning for Educators. These are collaborative courses designed by the Aga Khan Academies with input from government and educational experts. Their aim is to improve the education of both students and teachers within the region.
A global learning community
As further Aga Khan Academies are established, the vision is for them to become an interconnected network of schools that form a global learning community. The work of the Academies is also enhanced through partnerships with other educational institutions and the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network.
The Junior and Senior Schools
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa is made up of two schools, the Junior School and the Senior School, which together cater to students from year 1 (age 6) to university entrance.
Junior School
We currently welcome 181 day students in the Junior School (years 1–5), most of whom are from the local area. All Junior School students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Through the PYP, our students learn to be confident, independent and creative learners.
The Junior School building has been designed to address the needs of younger children, with age-appropriate facilities and classrooms. In addition to the PYP classrooms, the building contains the Junior School library, and music, art and information technology rooms. There are also large playing fields and an adventure playground.
Senior School
The Senior School currently houses over 500 students. Those from the local area attend as day students, while those from other parts of the country or region live on campus as part of the residential programme.
Students in the Senior School pursue either the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) or the IB Diploma Programme (DP).
The Middle Years Programme is for students in years 6–10. It helps them master essential skills and knowledge, and teaches them to be critical and analytical thinkers.
The Diploma Programme is offered to students in the final two years of school. It is an internationally recognised and demanding programme that prepares students for university entrance.
The school caters to both the intellectual and personal growth of students.
The Senior School has a wide range of facilities that include:
- Laboratories for the sciences as well as for home science and computers
- Art and music rooms
- Library and resource centre
- Religion and culture room
- Career counselling centre
- Design and technology workshop
- Student and teacher lounges
- Theatre
- Multipurpose hall
- Cafeteria and dining area
The building is networked so that computers become common resources for teachers and students. The multipurpose hall can be used for a variety of events ranging from theatre productions to parent-teacher meetings. The school also has swimming, basketball, badminton, volleyball and gymnastics facilities as well as playing fields for soccer, field hockey and athletics.
For further information about applying to any of the programmes offered at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, please refer to the admission requirements.
Samson Suhas – swimming to a better life
“I came to this school searching for better opportunities and better facilities through which I can improve in sports and excel in music and studies,” says Samson. “I didn’t have these opportunities in my previous school and didn’t get a chance to play any sport.”
Samson Suhas Srungarapti, a grade 10 student at the Academy and a professional swimmer, represented Rangareddy district at the 2nd Telangana State Winter Aquatic Championship held in Khammam district in December 2016. He came away with the bronze medal in 100mts free style and a renewed desire to participate in not just regional, but national swimming tournaments. This was the first time he had participated in a state tournament.
“I want to be an Olympic swimmer. I want to win medals in Olympics for India. And alternatively, I love music and would like to be a music director or a music teacher in the future,” expresses Samson, who trains at the Academy pool for four hours a day when school is on, and six during holidays. “My father is my coach and my role model. He is my inspiration for choosing sports as my career. Without his support and commitment, I wouldn’t have achieved as much as I have in my swimming career from when I started in December 2015 till today.”
Samson has joined a swimming club for extra support and to get his know his competition better. When he is not training, he enjoys playing football with his peers, and remembers the moment the school team won the interschool football tournament as one of the most rewarding experiences at school. His favourite subject is Mathematics, because he loves the challenge of solving a tough problem. Besides swimming, music is his other great love.
“I find the Aga Khan Academy very balanced in giving opportunities for students to develop their skills in academics as well as sports, and that is the most unique thing about this school.”
Samson feels confident of participating at a national level in 2017, and determined to continue working hard on his speed, endurance, and agility even if it involves longer training hours. He has his eyes set on the international swimming circuit, and we wish him all the very best!
Students recreate Hyderabad Bazaars in classrooms
Farewell to the IB evaluation team
Following an intense week of meetings evaluating IB programs for PYP, MYP and DP across the Academy Junior and Senior Schools, we bid farewell to the first 5 year IB evaluation team visiting AKA Hyderabad this week. A successful visit for all.
Maker Faire international festival - 9am-7pm, 10th & 11 November @ Hitex
15 students from Junior & Senior Schools have been selected to present unique projects at an event celebrating innovation amongst young people and adults in Hyderabad. Parents can get a complimentary pass.
Admission Requirements
The Academy uses a multifaceted assessment in identifying students. The assessments enable students to demonstrate their cognitive, literary, mathematical, creative and leadership abilities.
Admission is competitive and based on student merit, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. The Academy endeavours to meet the demonstrated financial need of each admitted student.
Please click here to access the application forms.
Junior School
Years 1–5: Primary Years Programme (PYP)
Students entering year 1 should have completed at least three years of nursery school and must be 6 years of age by 31 August of the year of entry.
All prospective students must demonstrate a potential for high academic achievement and demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy. Each applicant from year 2-5 must sit a standard assessment in logic, English (reading and writing), mathematics and creativity. Applicants will also have personal interviews with key members of the Junior School staff as part of their application process.
Senior School
Years 6–10: Middle Years Programme (MYP)
All students applying for a place in the Senior School must have attained high scholastic achievement in their former educational institutions. They must also demonstrate a keen interest and participation in community service projects outside the classroom and/or extracurricular activities such as sporting activities, clubs, arts and music.
All applicants must schedule an appointment for a standard assessment test in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving at the school, in addition to providing past student grade reports and certificates of achievement. Applicants will also have personal interviews with key members of the Senior School staff as part of their application process.
Diploma Programme
Years 11–12: Diploma Programme (DP)
Applicants for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, must have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement as well as a proven record of civic mindedness and participation in community projects.
The application process requires prospective students to undergo a standardised assessment test in English, mathemathics and logic as well as an interview with IB Diploma Programme coordinators and key members of the Senior School staff.
New students will not be accepted in the year of the Diploma exam.
Admissions Forms to Download
If you are having difficulty accessing our online enquiry service, you can also download the package and forms here.
Age requirements
Please see the age requirements that will apply over the following years for entry to the Academy.
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
Junior School
Years 1–6: Primary Years Programme
Students entering year 1 should have completed at least three years of Nursery School and must be 6 years of age by 31 December of the year of entry.
All prospective students must demonstrate a potential for high academic achievement and demonstrate competency in literacy and numeracy. Each applicant from year 2-5 must sit a standard assessment in logic, English (reading and writing), mathematics and creativity and supplemented by personal interviews with key members of the Junior School staff.
Senior School
Years 7–10: Middle Years Programme
All students applying for a place in the Senior School must have attained high scholastic achievement in their former educational institutions. They must also demonstrate a keen interest and participation in community service projects outside the classroom and/or extracurricular activities such as sporting activities, clubs, arts and music.
All applicants must schedule an appointment for a standard assessment test in logic, English, mathematics and problem-solving at the school in addition to providing past student grade reports and certificates of achievement. Applicants will also have personal interviews with key members of the Senior School staff as part of their application process.
Diploma Programme
Years 11–12: Diploma Programme
Applicants for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa must have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement (with a minimum of an average B grade from their current school) as well as a proven record of civic mindedness and participation in community projects.
The application process requires prospective students to undergo a standardised assessment test in English, mathemathics and logic as well as an interview with IB Diploma Programme coordinators and key members of Senior School staff.
New students will not be accepted in the second year of the diploma programme.
Academy tours are held regularly throughout the school year. For more information about applying to the Academy, please contact the admissions office. You can call the admissions team on their direct lines: +254 (0) 736 200 008 or +254 (0) 733 121 927.
Book Day @ Academy Junior School - Thursday 2nd March 2017
Celebrating the magic of books with a character parade at 8:30am at the Amphitheatre, followed by buddy reading sessions and other activities surrounding storytelling.
