The residential experience is about learning and growth stimulated by the constant interaction among faculty and student peers of great talent, character and leadership. It greatly extends and enriches the overall educational experience.

Residential life at the Academy complements and extends the academic experience and includes a rich array of activities and leadership opportunities to enhance students’ learning and growth. 

Mealtimes and other gatherings offer opportunities for informal interaction as well as for discussions, meetings, language tables and study groups.

The focus of the residential programme is on students’ intellectual, social, spiritual and physical growth in a structured and ethical environment. Many of the least tangible but most important elements of an education – the development of practical leadership skills, the capacity to make ethical judgments, the ability to navigate through complex cultural settings – are formed outside the classroom.

The safe and secure environment of each Academy’s boarding facility gives students of all backgrounds the opportunity to thrive emotionally, intellectually and physically.

In general, four students share a room. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and large windows. Other facilities include a student lounge with a large-screen television, dedicated study areas and a laundry facility.

In addition, the Commons, the heart of the campus, houses the dining hall and an array of spaces for school activities.

It is the hub of student activity, serving as the Academy’s main space for major school functions, including music and drama performances and public lectures.

The Aga Khan Academy Dhaka’s counselling programme offers students a vast array of resources designed to help them find good matches between themselves and universities/colleges. These resources include a dynamic and well-resourced college counsellor, a wealth of printed, video and online tools, and a series of informational workshops and seminars on topics central to the college discovery process.

Our counsellors engage students in individual conferences that are designed to help students reach a greater awareness of who they are. Armed with the well-articulated sense of self, students are prepared to find universities or colleges that are the best fit. Ours is a student-centred approach, and we believe that the likelihood of satisfaction with their choices is enhanced when students are empowered to 'own' the process. Also key to success is good communication among all parties: students, parents and college counsellors. While outcomes are important, it is the process of self-discovery and college-discovery on which our programme focuses.

Click here to download a copy of the latest handbook.

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad has received authorisation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The programme is offered to students (aged 16–19) in the final two years of school.

The Diploma Programme is a demanding, pre-university-level course of studies. It is internationally recognised by over 2,000 universities worldwide.

The DP has a reputation for rigorous assessment of student achievement. Each student’s performance and levels of knowledge are examined internally by teachers according to set criteria. They are also assessed externally by independent examiners according to global standards applied to all IB schools.

Our students study all the subjects covered in a traditional, broad curriculum, including languages, social sciences, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts. The DP also takes the curriculum a step further through three unique programmes:

• theory of knowledge
• creativity, activity, service
• extended essay.

Theory of knowledge 

Theory of knowledge (TOK) is an interdisciplinary requirement unique to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It encourages students to reflect on the knowledge they gain both inside and outside the classroom.

One hundred hours of classroom time are dedicated to the TOK programme. We challenge our students to question the nature of knowledge across disciplines, to recognise biases and to analyse evidence using rational thought and argument. By making our students consider and appreciate different perspectives, TOK contributes towards a pluralistic outlook.

Creativity, activity, service

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is an important component of the IB curriculum and is required for every DP student at the Academy. Our students participate actively in a variety of creative endeavours, physical activities and community service projects. They develop self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills, and a sense of civil responsibility.

Students take part in sustainable projects that have real and lasting effects on the greater Hyderabad community. They develop strength of character and an understanding of their ability to bring about change.

The CAS programme is valued for its power to transform the lives not only of students but also the people they work with. It serves as a platform for interpersonal exchange, personal growth and greater understanding of the issues we face as a global community.

Extended essay

The extended essay requires students to pick a subject of their choice and research and develop it into a 4,000-word essay. Students may choose to investigate a subject from one of their higher-level courses more deeply. Or they can broaden their academic experience by researching a subject in a field they are not currently studying. 

Through the extended essay, we introduce students to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected at the university level.

For further information on the IB Diploma Programme at the Academy, please see the admission requirements or contact us.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, motivated by its mission to create a better world through education. IB programmes for students aged 3 to 19 help develop their intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills to live, learn and work in a rapidly globalising world.

The Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad has been authorised as an IB World School offering the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes.

IB World Schools share a common philosophy – a commitment to improve the teaching and learning of a diverse and inclusive community of students by delivering challenging, high quality programmes of international education that share a powerful vision.

Aims of the IB programme

Founded in 1968, the International Baccalureate currently works with schools in 144 countries to develop and offer their programmes to over one million students. 

The IB mission statement declares: 

"The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end the organisation works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right."

Primary Years Programme

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) at the Academy, for students aged 6–10, focuses on the development of the whole child, addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs, while giving students a strong foundation in all of the major areas of knowledge. Through the PYP, children become aware of and sensitive to the points of view of people in other parts of the world.

Middle Years Programme

The Middle Years Programme (MYP), for students aged 11–16, integrates the study of all the major disciplines, including languages, sciences, literature and the social sciences, mathematics, arts, technology and physical education. The MYP normally includes a service component designed to encourage students to become involved with their communities.

Diploma Programme

The Diploma Programme (DP), for students aged 16–19, is a two-year course of study that prepares students for university. All DP students study languages, a social science, an experimental science, mathematics and, usually, an arts subject.

At the same time as it provides a form of academic passport, the DP generally fulfils the requirements of a student's national education system. Each student's performance is evaluated by independent examiners and measured by his or her levels of knowledge and skills relative to set standards applied to all schools.

For further information about the International Baccalaureate and its programmes, please visit the IB website.

The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa’s University Counselling programme offers students a vast array of resources designed to help them find good matches between themselves and universities/colleges. These resources include a dynamic and well-resourced college counsellor, a wealth of printed, video and online tools and a series of informational workshops and seminars on topics central to the college discovery process.

Our counsellor engages students in individual conferences that are designed to help students reach a greater awareness of who they are. Armed with the well-articulated sense of self, students are prepared to find universities or colleges that are the best fit. Ours is a student-centred approach, and we believe that the likelihood of satisfaction with their choices is enhanced when students are empowered to 'own' the process. Also key to success is good communication among all parties: students, parents and college counsellors. While outcomes are important, it is the process of self-discovery and college-discovery on which our programme focuses.

The Aga Khan Academies University Counselling Handbook has been prepared in order to orient students to the complex and exciting process of university application and selection. The handbook provides definite guidelines and schedules that will help students comprehend the many issues and challenges they will face in their last years of secondary school. It is designed to provide the beginning steps and an outline of the application process and curriculum in various countries.

The handbook serves as a road map that will guide students as they embark on the transition from the Academy to university. It will be helpful only to the extent that students take advantage of the information it contains. The book does not replace the help of the University Counselling Office. However, it does provide answers to frequently-asked questions, it can help students organise their thoughts about university and, in general, it can eliminate much confusion if time is taken to read it and incorporate its recommendations into university planning.

For further details, please contact our University Counsellors via email: 

Lucinda Ochieng – University Counsellor: lucinda.ochieng@agakhanacademies.org

Paula Russell – University Counsellor: paula.russell@agakhanacademies.org

University Counselling: university.counselling@agakhanacademies.org  

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The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa works with a number of High-Achieving Low-Income African students through our school's generous financial aid and Talent Identification Programme. As such, we are a member of the HALI Access Network.