Available News Articles:
Swahili Day at the AKAM
Year 6 PYP Exhibition
The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa goes M.A.D.
Launch of Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka
Outstanding Academy Diploma Programme graduate earns award for higher study in Canada
The Residential Campus
Aga Khan Academy Residential Construction
Friendly Competition and Loads of Fun were the Name of the Game as the Academy Held its Annual Junior School Sports Day
MYP Newsletter (March 20, 2008)
Model United Nations
The Aga Khan Academy does it again in Athletics
MYP Parents Information Evening (6th March 2008)
The IB Extroverts
Five Academy Teachers Visit Lawrenceville School in the USA
Careers Fair 2008
Stage Performance a Hit!
A teacher's perspective: Assisting the internally displaced people of Kenya (by Mr. Liam Clifford, Biology Teacher)
Jazz Notes: an afternoon of Coffee, Live Jazz & Book Review
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Aga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya Shillings
Head of School
Soccer
The School Choirs
Parent Volunteers
Year One Open House, Friday 7th March, 2008
Academy holds “Peace Assembly”
Teacher Activities
School opens after winter vacations
Tree Planting
Young Achievers Excel Outside of the School
The Brookside Freedom from Hunger Walk
Kenya Airways Flight 507 Tragedy
Anna and the King Musical (by Alistair Lowe – Production Director)
Staff Training by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
Sports
International Acacdemic Partnership, July 10th – 14th 2006, Nairobi
School Leadership Programme
Teachers at The Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi extend a helping hand to the community
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Consultant Visit
Sports - others
Stage Coach
Our Trip to Ngong Hills (by Murtaza Karimjee, Grade 4A)
Music Outreach Programme
Swahili Day at the AKAM
Swahili Day at The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa (AKAM) is an annual event held in the school, aimed at promoting awareness of both the Swahili culture and language.
This appreciation of culture is synonymous with the pluralistic ideals of the school, in an effort to create a multi-cultural atmosphere that is conducive for diversity and the appreciation.
The third annual event was held this year on June 6, 2008 and it was characterized by a number of events including the recitation of poems in Swahili, singing of songs and dramatizations.
Among the groups that were invited to perform during the event included: The Aga Khan High School Mombasa, Loreto Convent and WEMA Centre boys.
Indeed so significant is the event that the entire school including the student body, teaching faculty and support staff were expected to shed off their usual attire and dress up in traditional Swahili wear.
The event was clearly marked with a lot of pomp and color in the school's Multi-purpose hall:
• a comedy session by the known Abdalla Moi,
• a rap session in Swahili,
• a fashion show by student and teachers of AKAM.
Of course the day could not be complete without a myriad of Swahili dishes which included: starter salads of 'kachumbari', 'pilipili', the main dish of 'biryani', the dessert included 'mathobosha', 'makupa ya Lamu', 'kaimati' and 'podini' while the beverages included Coastal drinks such as 'maji ya ukwaju', 'maji ya sherbati', 'madafu' and 'kahawa thungu/ thamu'.
During a speech by the guest speaker, Hassan Makombo, the auditorium was reminded of the importance of Swahili as a national language and its potential critical role of fostering national cohesion if it is given its rightful prominence. Although Kiswahili is recognized as a national language in Kenya, English remains the official language. Sheikh Ahmed Nabhani from the Swahili Cultural Centre, who was also among the invited guests, left the crowd speechless when he translated the word 'video-camera' into Swahili 'nyakaso pataninga'. The Member of Parliament of Malindi, Hon. Gideon Mung'aro, attended the Swahili Day in his capacity as a parent and also as an enthusiast of the language and culture.
> View photograph
Year 6 PYP Exhibition
The Year 6 Exhibition is a culmination of the Primary Years Programme. The IBO emphasizes and encourages students in Year 6 of the Program to undertake an in-depth collaborative inquiry to synthesize the primary years learning and to share their learning with the community in the form of an Exhibition.
The first Year 6 PYP Exhibition at AKA/M was held May 5th – 9th 2008. Students chose a central idea from the Organizing theme, “Sharing the Planet” to express their ideas for a safer, friendlier and diverse planet that we share and care for. Students presented their research and findings to fellow students, parents and the AKA/M community. Students grouped themselves into areas of personal interest, choosing to focus on issues of land abuse, lamenting for endangered species, pleading with humanity to save our planet and think about our actions to protect our lands and seas. Groups shared how they had taken action to protect the environment, and encouraged visitors to do likewise.
The Year 6 Exhibition is a culmination of the Primary Years Programme. It is a requirement in PYP schools that Year 6 students undertake an in-depth collaborative inquiry to synthesize the primary years
learning and to share the learning with the community in the form of an Exhibition.
> View photograph
The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa goes M.A.D.
Written by.Sheliza Jamal
After slightly more than three weeks of rehearsal, the Senior School students at The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa produced their 2nd, soon to be annual, MAD Night titled Welcome To My Life. This evening of Music, Art and Drama was run by student musicians, artists, dramatists and dancers who told the story of their lives. Year 8 student, Alim Alarakhia says, “It was MAD in a good way!”
The performance was referred to by Les Wilkins, Head of Junior School as “top class entertainment from a group of happy and talented adolescents.”
Aimed at presenting the social issues and events that our youth encounter, the performance featured various forms of theatre, musical interludes, vibrant dancers and a colourfully animated backdrop. Welcome to My Life takes you on a journey through a student’s life with every day twists and turns. The theatrical elements carried the show through the use of short yet powerful vignettes. Based on actual events, they were written and performed with the intention of allowing the audience to see things from various perspectives, question decisions and invent their own conclusions.
The cast braved showcasing pertinent social issues such as bullying, blackmail and discrimination while continuing to highlight the positive moments in a student’s life.
Entertaining and enlightening, the performers captured your attention with their insight and humour. Complaining about “Teachers and Homework, Parents and Chores,” providing “Tools to Deal” and creating a positive and lasting impression; the actors, dancers and singers have covered all bases.
Karin Clough, Dean of Students was dazzled by the stunning performance by students from Year 7 to DP. Following the production, she commented on some of the issues that were raised, “I am still thinking about it and feeling duly impressed by the talent and the self awareness of our students. The message of the show was fantastic, and I kept thinking, “Wow! They do get it!” It was lovely to see them thinking deeply about how to do your best and be a good person, even when there are real pressures on you to do things differently. I also just loved the pace of the show; the mixture of drama, music, art, all flowed together so nicely and reinforced the message perfectly.”
This year we were lucky to have the Salsa Club and Break Dance Club integrated into MAD Night. Their hot and steamy moves kept the crowd on their toes.
Susanne Mungaro, the school Librarian and a parent at The Academy said, “I was thrilled and deeply touched by the creativity, talent, dedication and love the Senior School show, Welcome to My Life had presented to the audience. Not only did the show leave a big impression in the audience’s hearts, it equally moved actors, singers and dancers who breathed life into this show.” Susanne is already looking forward to next year’s MAD night!
Equally moved by the performance, Dean of Studies, Jennifer Fenton praised the performance. “I have been teaching for over 20 years and have seen a lot of Senior School productions Welcome to My Life is by far the best show I have ever seen performed by students. I am amazed by their talent and was moved by the message”.
The students, parents and community members echoed the mass praise of the performance. The hard work of the students paid off as many continue to plea for an Encore!
The positive messages and insight delivered in MAD educated youth and adults alike and will not be forgotten. The creativity, talent and drive of the Senior School students has led to yet another successful MAD Night at The Aga Khan Academy and has you asking yourself the question, “What would you do?”
> View photograph
Launch of Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka
On 20 May 2008, on a state visit to Bangladesh, His Highness the Aga Khan laid a foundation stone for Bangladesh’s first
Aga Khan Academy. The Academy in Dhaka will eventually be part of a network of 18 centres of educational excellence in a total of 14 countries across Africa, Central and South Asia and the Middle East. Find out more.
Outstanding Academy Diploma Programme graduate earns award for higher study in Canada
The Aga Khan Academy was delighted to learn recently that Anoushka Rejan, one of the graduates of the first Diploma class, June 2007, has been awarded the International Leadership of Tomorrow scholarship to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Anoushka, who has spent this year working at the Academy on a voluntary basis to “Give back to the Academy that [gave her] so much” explained that the scholarship amounts to approximately CAN$100,000 over the course of the four-year degree. Without this support, she would not be able to attend this outstanding university.
Anoushka’s happy news reaffirms the value of the Academy experience, and reflects in particular the value universities place on the service aspect of the IB Diploma Programme.
Peter J Mc Murray, Head of Academy commented, "It is Anoushka's attitude of giving and of service, as much as her impressive academic achievements, which mark her out as wholly deserving of this award. She is an example not only to the many students who will follow her, but also to all those working to build an Academy befitting of His Highness’ bold vision. That the award recognises
leadership for tomorrow is a wonderful testament to the potential the Academy in Mombasa, and the many future Academies, have to positively impact countries in need."
The Residential Campus
On Thursday 3 April 2008, The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa's Senior School assembly was dedicated to the fast approaching building work which will signal the transition from the Academy being a wholly day school to that of it being able to accept boarding students from around Kenya and the neighboring countries.
Head of Academy, Peter J McMurray made clear that this was an important development in the life of the school and explained that being able to identify and attract young talent from all over the country was a critical part of His Highnesses vision for the network of the Academies. He then introduced the Dean of Students, Karin Clough, to the assembly making clear that planning work for this change in the life of the school had been aggressively happening "behind the scenes" for well over three years.
Karin then spoke of the life of the residences and introduced those teachers who have been identified as future dormitory parents, who shared stories with the students about their decision to join the dorm parent team. Many spoke of their own personal experiences at boarding schools as the best years of the life. They recalled the close relationships between teachers and students, and the joy of learning and living together with their peers. The team includes Lucy Mandawiro, Pam Mokua, Sabine Chegge, Nancy Oruko, Judith Misigo, Benard Dudi, Jacob Okelo, Naheed Bardai, Aziz Batada, Kipkemoi Serem, Joel Godiah, Jane Kinyoda, Bulemi Mulama, Benson Wafula and Francis Kariuki.
Truly experiencing the real life of top boarding schools in the world has been one of the ways teachers are being trained for their dorm parent role. In May 2007, four teachers visited Schule Schloss Salem in Germany for a week of intensive training in dorm parenting. On Friday, April 4, 2008 five Academy teachers leave for a visit to Lawrenceville School in Princeton, New Jersey, USA during the April break. Look for a full report of their trip here in the coming weeks.
> View photographsAga Khan Academy Residential ConstructionAs this photo testifies, there is now a serious building project in progress at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa. The construction of the residential facilities along with the supporting infrastructure is well underway and the school community is excited at the coming additions. It is already clear that, upon completion, the work happening on campus will transform it into one of most exceptional quailty on the continent of Africa.
Alongside the physical preparations, there is also much planning at the human level. Dormitory parents have been identified and have been trained, (see the article on the visit to Lawrenceville), and this week a "mock up" of a student dormitory is being laid out with a plan to have teachers, students and parents visit to provide feedback and suggestions before the final buliding and furniture work is undertaken.
A Dean of Admissions has been appointed as of June 2008 and his mandate is to formalise the admissions policy and to help in the identification of the young talent around Kenya and surrounding areas who will soon be the first residences of this exciting project.
Please visit this site regularly to monitor the progress of this important work.
> View photographFriendly Competition and Loads of Fun were the Name of the Game as the Academy Held its Annual Junior School Sports DayThe
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa had another very successful annual sports day on Friday, 15th of February 2008. It was a usual steamy Mombasa day, with the exception of a most welcomed cloud cover for most of the morning. The four "house teams" enthusiastically cheered on their athletes. Red house were tight and organized and thanks to the effort of their committed house captains, were judged as the "most disciplined team".
Abdulrahman and Lesley in grade 6 enjoyed the competitiveness and described the day as "wonderful" as they were able to "show off" their athletic prowess. Dev Hirani in grade 3 enjoyed the sack race most: "I knew I had tried my best and I came second". Darshil, in grade 5, said that the cross country event was his favorite, as it was the most challenging.
There was a noticeably large turn out of parents this year, who subsequently gave the poor Academy teachers a show down in the teacher versus parents tug-of-war event. Congratulations to yellow house who won the event overall. It was a fun-filled day and enjoyed by everyone present. Thank you to Mr Anthony Ndungu for all the incredible hard work in the organization and coaching of some 270 students for this memorable day!
> View photographsMYP Newsletter (March 20, 2008)Life in the 21st century places many challenging demands on students making the transition
through adolescence...
View MYP NewsletterModel United NationsOn Tuesday, March 4, 2008, the
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa hosted its 1st Annual
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa Model United Nations Conference. Students, ranging from Year 7 to DP2, engaged in a series of captivating debates on topics including: Child Soldiers, Unilateral Economic Sanctions, Climate, Stem Cell Research, Nuclear Energy, Generic Drugs in China, Security Council Expansion and Debt-Relief for Developing Countries.
Charged with representing the interests of various countries, and to take their particular perspectives into account in debates, these teams of students engaged in and learned about the United Nations system, practiced parliamentary debating procedures, and built their leadership, public speaking and writing skills.
All students came well prepared, spoke eloquently and demonstrated great enthusiasm for and knowledge of these difficult topics. Sanna Malik and Shiv Morjaria won the awards for Best Speakers. Imran Khalfan and Zilna Shavdia won the awards for Best Country Representatives. Congratulations to everyone who took part!
The Aga Khan Academy does it again in AthleticsOn Saturday March 8th, the
Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa won the Annual Mombasa Junior School Athletics Championships, for the second year in a row. The championships are hosted and held annually at the AKAM and this year welcomed four other local schools to the event: Oshwal Academy, Shree Swaminarayan Academy, Mombasa Academy, and Coast Academy.
The AKAM team put on a superb performance in front of a huge crowd of cheering parents. Made up of the Under 12’s, Under 10’s, and Under 8’s, team members claimed 13 out of the 19 records set that day, and won the event overall. The
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa students shone once again, in both track and field events, and in a sparkling day of sportsmanship, friendly interaction and competition. Congratulations to all who participated!
> View photographsMYP Parents Information Evening (6th March 2008)The second Middle Years Programme (MYP) Parents’ information evening was held at the Academy’s Lecture Theatre on the 6th of March 2008. The meeting convened by Mrs. Esther Nondi, the MYP Coordinator, and attended by Year 7 parents, discussed Learning Objectives and Assessment Criteria.
It was a follow-up to an introductory meeting held in November 2007 to introduce Year 7 parents to the MYP. The 2007/2008 Year 7 students will be the first graduates of the MYP at the Academy.
The aim of the second meeting was to explain to parents how learning objectives are linked to assessment criteria. Every subject has a number of learning objectives to be achieved at the end of a unit. A unit may be work covered over one term or half a term. By the end of a unit, the achievement of a student is measured against the assessment criteria.
As a point in case, Science has 6 learning objectives; A-F, where learning objective A is ‘Our World’. This objective enables students to understand the interdependence between science and society. The assessment criterion A therefore requires students to show the interdependence between science and the world.
Mrs. Rebecca Crossley, a Science teacher at the Academy, was at hand to demonstrate how assessment tasks she had given her Year 7 Class were marked and graded using Assessment criteria D and E, which are linked to Learning objectives D and E.
Mrs. Nondi gave parents assessment and reporting booklets that explain how assessment is going to be carried out for the MYP students in Year 7 to 10.
Also present were MYP Steering Committee members, Mr. Peter J. McMurray (Head of Academy), Mr. Simon Otieno (Principal, Senior School), Mrs. Jennifer Fenton
(Dean of Studies), and other members of faculty.
The next meeting will be held on 20th of March 2008 and every Thursday evening for the next three Thursdays. Meetings start at 4:00 pm.
The topics are:
20th March 2008: Assessment and Reporting.
27th March 2008: Areas of Interaction.
3rd April 2008: Vertical content Plans in the Subjects.
The IB ExtrovertsDuring his speech made at the Inauguration Ceremony of this school, His Highness the
Aga Khan underscored the important contribution the citizens of Africa can make to address what he called the somber global circumstance in which we live. He stated that “their writings and research must contribute to the edifice of knowledge; their publications, inventions, and artistic and architectural creations must be of a quality to enrich the human experience”.
This quotation was part of the opening remarks made by Zubair Kassam, Head of the AKAM English Department, as he introduced the second cohort of IB Diploma candidates before each of them presented their internal assessments to the public. “The IB Extroverts”, as they call themselves, made a remarkable presentation across the various disciplines they have studied during the last eighteen months of their course.
The richness of what the IB Diploma course has to offer was superbly demonstrated by each of the speakers. Kennedy Mbuvi boasted the first IB Diploma Mathematics Extended Essay in Africa, under the topic: “Superannuation”, answering in length a research question of only 40 words; Kirsty Bird delved into the topic, “From Artifact to Curio – the Journey of the African Mask”, under the discipline of Visual Arts.
Why would a student be taking samples of saliva from Arcea nut chewers somewhere in Old Town Mombasa? One wonders! Yet, Irfan Samji did it to establish the saliva’s Ph measure, generating scientific evidence that the habit indeed predisposed chewers to oral cancer.
Seeking another first at the Academy was Dure-Nayab Khatry: this time, with a presentation in Swahili. The ease with which she delivered her Kiswahili Extended Essay presentation underscored the IBO’s belief that, in one’s mother tongue, complicated ideas can be expressed with supreme and admirable clarity.
The ambition of the IB curriculum is to create compassionate citizens. Sheliza Ramji brought this phenomenon to fore with the depiction of what her ITGS project endeavoured to achieve; a worldwide reach for the Mwokoeni Children’s Centre through the creating and hosting of a website for the institution. The centre, one of the school’s CAS focus centres, is in a disadvantaged part of Mombasa, and offers dismally impoverished children a free education.
Good, practical advice for the aspiring IB students and next year’s candidates was not in short supply. “Make sure you complete your first World Literature assignment in the first year because you will need the whole of the second year for the second assignment…” Salsabiha Sheikh’s asserted.
Each member of the class had the opportunity to present his or her particular topics of interest, and, at the end, all received a thunderous standing ovation from the crowd. The
Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, is very proud of this year’s cohort of IB graduates, and their talents and wide spectrum of interests shone through in an impressive display of intellectual curiosity and depth of knowledge.
Five Academy Teachers Visit Lawrenceville School in the USAFive teachers from the Academy spent their April holiday at Lawrenceville School in Princeton, NJ, USA. Aziz Batada, Jacob Okelo, Judith Misigo, Pamela Mokua, and Benard Dudi were hosted by Lawrenceville teachers for a week of real life experience in one of America’s most prestigious boarding schools. The teachers visited classes, ate meals with students, watched sporting events, attended extra-curricular events and lived in the Housemaster’s residence in order to experience life at a busy and well run boarding school. Teachers were also able to meet with faculty in their own disciplines to discuss the Lawrenceville curriculum and gain insight into their own teaching. The Academy teachers were impressed and inspired by their American counterparts and commented on the full engagement of the faculty and the students in the school community at Lawrenceville.
The five teachers have been selected as Dorm Parents for the upcoming residential program. The trip to Lawrenceville was part of the on-going training process of The Aga Khan Academy’s faculty in preparation for the boarding component of the school. The first dormitories are under construction in Mombasa and the Head of the Academy, Peter J McMurray, has stated that , upon completion, this will be "the finest boarding facility in Africa." Visiting a school like Lawrenceville allows our teachers to experience a boarding school that has been running well for over two hundred years.
In an interview for the student newspaper, The Lawrence, Mr. Dudi said, "We are here to learn about how the boarding school system works, how teachers relate to their students, to see what kids do after classes, and how they spend their free time. We are eager to learn all about Lawrenceville’s best features and incorporate them into a Kenyan context."
> View photographCareers Fair 2008The
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi is hosting its annual Careers Fair on Saturday April 19, 2008 from 9am to 1pm. This year’s theme is Careers That Change the World and the goal is to expose high school students to careers that will have a high impact in Kenya and in the world in the coming decade. This year, we will feature careers such as Entrepreneurship, Bio-Technology, Environmental Management, and Banking, to name a few. Several high-profile speakers will give an introduction to their chosen professions to parents and students.
There will also be several Career and University booths for guests to tour.
Where: The
Aga Khan Academy Nairobi, Limuru Road & 1st Parklands Avenue
When: 9am to 1pm
> View photographStage Performance a Hit!The
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi put on a stage adaptation of Disney's High School Musical. The shows held at the Alliance Française from Thursday 28th February 2008 to Saturday 1st March 2008. The shows were a huge success and students put on a display of true excellence. This memorable production showcased the remarkable talent of
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi students in song, dance and drama. All shows were sold out and an extra show was added to accommodate the demand for tickets. The production was also featured on KTN's Art Scene.
> View photographsA teacher's perspective: Assisting the internally displaced people of Kenya (by Mr. Liam Clifford, Biology Teacher)Nairobi, early Tuesday Morning, several enthusiastic teachers from the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi accompanied the AKESK, CEO and a representative from
Aga Khan High School, Nairobi to one of the many Internally Displaced Peoples Camps within Kenya. The purpose of the visit to the Limuru Camp, was to provide resources and support, alongside the AKES, K initiative of active involvement towards peace and normalcy within Kenya.
Upon arrival, it was obvious that organisation and sanitation were challenges facing the many citizens now located in this temporary facility. Red Cross volunteers accepted our donations of writing and learning materials, as they attempted to allocate our teachers to the various makeshift classes that had formed. SO along with local volunteers, who demonstrated a masterful grasp of the situation, we engaged ourselves with the primary classes.
Highlights involved witnessing the tenacity and readiness to learn amongst pupils displaced from far, having lessons under the shade of indigenous flora, interacting on a personal level with students as they successfully completed their mathematics exercises, and remembering smiles and farewells as our time came to a close.
The
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi and AKES, K have continued to call upon willing staff to maintain involvement with the Camp’s day to day progress, in an attempt to instill in students, self importance and self worth, a respect and admiration for education and an understanding of the necessity for peaceful conflict resolution.
Jazz Notes: an afternoon of Coffee, Live Jazz & Book ReviewThe
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi hosted an event entitled Jazz Notes, which took place on Saturday February 23rd from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm. It was an afternoon of coffee, provided by Dormans, live jazz by Nimrod Hellon, and a book review by David Wandera on Like the Flowing River by Paulo Coelho. In attendance at the event were students and parents from
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi and other Nairobi schools as well as individuals from the corporate, diplomatic and NGO communities. The event was a success and we hope to more of these in the future.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the
Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the
Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the
Aga Khan Junior and
Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsAga Khan Schools in Kenya raise over 1.2 Million Kenya ShillingsOn Wednesday 5th March the Aga Khan schools in Kenya collectively presented a cheque of Ksh 1.2 million to the Kenya Red Cross and UNICEF to support internally displaced persons (IDPs). Numerous food and clothing items were also donated. The presentation ceremony took place at the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi. Students from the Aga Khan Schools performed songs, poems and peace messages for the Guests of Honour and the parents and students in the audience.
Kenya Red Cross representatives Dr Simuyu Tabu, Head of Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Mrs. Dolat Premji, Chairperson of the Parklands Branch, as well as UNICEF Communications Specialist Pamela Sittoni, attended the event and received the cheque. The ceremonial presentation of the cheque was done by the students who raised the highest amount from the Aga Khan Junior and Aga Khan Senior Academies.
Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya teachers were also recognized for the service provided to IDPs at various camps in Limuru and Nairobi in January and February. The teachers provided recreational and educational activities for children in the camps. Over one person-month of hours were donated by AKES, K teachers in this effort.
> View photographsHead of SchoolThe Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi welcomes Ms. Belinda Holland to the school. Ms. Holland, previously of Aga Khan Primary School, Mombasa, has been appointed as Head of School at the Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi. Ms. Holland brings with her years of experience and understanding of the IB curriculum.
SoccerThis term was a soccer season at school. The seven year old students from grades one to three had a fantastic time as they participated in the annual Aga Khan 7 year old tournament. The AKJA had two teams; A and B. Team A were Runners Up overall. They recorded the following scores at the tournament; 1-0 against Rusinga, 2-0 against School of Nations, 0-1 against Peponi School and 4-2 against Oshwal. Well done lads!
The School ChoirsThe upper school choir has grown in numbers this academic year with a standard and committed membership of 55 students. We have been pleased to see more enrolment of boys in the choir, especially from Grade 4. The lower school choir has been meeting regularly and our membership currently consists of 25 children, all from Grade 3. In the third term, we will open up the choir to Grade 2 students who are interested in joining. The lower school choir meets every Friday at 12.45pm in the Music Room, while the upper school choir meets every Friday at 2.45-3.45pm. Both choirs had a chance to sing at the Red Cross presentation assembly on 5th March 2008. This was the first opportunity they’ve had to sing together and they did a splendid job.
Parent VolunteersA letter was sent home some time early this year requesting parent volunteers to help out in a few departments in the school.
In ICT, we were glad to receive Mrs. Darbar and Mrs. Bij – Shane’s and Shiven’s, mothers respectively. The experience, we hope, has been useful to both of them... they get to get close and personal to the ICT curriculum and in Mrs. Bij’s case, a chance to teach her own son! The children are glad to have them with us and it is indeed our hope that they will continue providing this service to us.
Some parents also volunteered to assist the librarian. These are Mrs. Jethwa, Mrs Bimal Shah, Mrs Bhari who have spent a lot of time helping the children sing-up for new books and other librarian duties.
Mrs. Salim and Mr. Bhari also take some time in mornings to read with the children.
A number of parents have requested to be included in the programme. This is indeed possible and welcome and all requests made will be responded to by the beginning of the third term.
Year One Open House, Friday 7th March, 2008The Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa cordially invites parents and children seeking entry into year one in September, 2008 to an Open House on March 7th, 2008. The day will include information sessions about the Academy and the application process, as well as an opportunity to meet with Junior School faculty and staff, and to participate in classroom activities. Please contact the Admissions Department for more information or to register. Space is limited.
Important dates to remember
Deadline for Application into Year One- Friday, March 14th, 2008
Year One Assessment Examinations- Monday, March 17th- Thursday, March 20th, 2008
Notification Letters Sent- Friday, April 4th, 2008
Tel: +254 041 2230 049, 2220 360
Email:
info@akam.ac.ke
Academy holds “Peace Assembly”On Thursday 7th February the Senior School Academy held a special "peace assembly" to remember the victims of the recent unrest in Kenya and to plan to support the displaced and homeless.
Mr Peter Mc Murray, Head of the Academy, began the assembly with one minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the recent violence, and reminded the students that the Academy was a community, and that this was a time of "strain and strife". It was at such times that the merit of a community was tested and communities that failed this test were ones that allowed division, intolerance and anger to infest its ranks. But a community that succeeded in such times came together in harmony, forgiveness, tolerance and patience and channeled its energies to helping those who are suffering from that strife.
Two representatives of the Red Cross, Kenya, then presented the current status to the assembly. Nationally, almost 1200 have died, and there are approximately 400,000 displaced, staying in camps. Major challenges are the lack of basic supplies and poor sanitation, with the accompanying risk of outbreak of diseases.
The Student Council announced a two-week drive for food and clothing, commencing on Monday, February 11th.
The assembly ended with the reading of a poem written by the higher level IB English students and using some of the words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
They wrote:
“Hidden passions, triggered by senseless motions
Boiling, toiling and coiling are the emotions
Peace, overwhelmed by destruction
That has led to the nation’s disintegration.
Refugees in our own home
We fear being victim of one of our own
Sparkling like lightning
The news spreads with the singeing effect
In the ears of the bearers, leaving
A bewildered cover on our faces and
A bid blow to our conscience and sense Of judgment.
But it is in our hearts as one to find
A chord to strum to give us back our melody
A beautiful symphony of brotherhood,
The words of Martin Luther King,
As a people who once spoke of freedom
We must say, let the song of unity play
Peace, Love, Nationalism, all fruits of the same tree
For the pillar of strength of peace is truly solidarity.
Let’s sing the song of unity from the highest mountain
And the darkest corner
Let solidarity spring like a bounteous fountain
Amend the anthem! May we dwell in unity and peace
Within our borders, shall we find liberty and equity."
And with the powerful delivery of this poem, the Academy confirmed it’s ethos of community, united in a sadder Kenya than before, but hopeful for and dedicated to a brighter future.
> View photographsTeacher ActivitiesThough students reported on February 1, 2008, teachers reported two days earlier on January 30, 2008 to plan for the first term and formulate targets for the New Year. At the end of two days they designed their schemes of work and discussed and finalized School Planner for 2008. A new syllabus ‘Life Skills and Approaches’ was also deliberated thoroughly for its effective designing and successful implementation. It is expected that the new syllabus will be fully effective from new academic session in May 2008. However, there would be some pilot sessions for students on the same in February and March.
School opens after winter vacationsAga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit, resumed its academic activities on February 1, 2008 after being closed for one and half months for winter vacations. The school was closed for winter holidays on December 15, 2007. Before closing for winters, a very successful Parent Teacher Meeting was held on December 14 and 15, 2007. Parental participation in PTM was very active and encouraging. They discussed with teachers their children’s performance in first term exam held in the last week of November 2007.
Tree PlantingAga Khan Junior Academy students participated in a tree planting project where they raised enough funds to plant 1000 trees and maintain the site located in Karura Forest. Head Teacher Ms. Wanda Matuszkiewicz participated in a ceremonial planting of a tree and unveiled a plaque recognizing the students' contribution to Karura Forest.
The Billion Tree Campaign recently achieved their target for planting 1 billion trees worldwide, and the Aga Khan Junior Academy helped make this a reality – Well done!
> View photographYoung Achievers Excel Outside of the SchoolStudents of the Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi have continued to excel in and out of school e vents as was evident at the Windsor Country Club Gold tournament. In division 2 of this competitive event, Aquila Merali should be congratulated for placing third in a wide field of competitors.
During the recently concluded Rhinothorn, our school was ably represented by Sydelle Diniz and Dhruvi Joshi. This courageous pair rode their bicycles tirelessly to finish in second place. Not to be left behind, Jeet Jobanputra came first in the Brookhouse School Badminton Tournament in the challenging under 12 category. He followed this feat by claiming the top spot in the doubles event as well.
> View photographThe Brookside Freedom from Hunger WalkThe attributes of caring and sharing are highly exercised at our PYP based school. At the Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi, we hope to instill in our students tolerance and appreciation of the whole world around them. We also hope to make them responsible citizens in our ever developing community.
Once again we took a positive step to make a difference to “stamp out hunger in Kenya”. This term children from the Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi took part in the Freedom from Hunger Walk. Approximately 150 children participated in the collection of money for this worthy cause and put in a remarkable effort to raise money. They talked to friends, family and neighbours about this worthy cause and got their sponsorships. The children who collected more than Kshs 700/= were given a free T-shirt and a wrist band that they wore at the walk.
On Saturday May 26th, 2007, about 25 children accompanied by their parents and ten teachers, participated in the walk with millions of other Kenyans. Our school raised a total of Kshs 519 720/=. The highest amount was raised by Shivani Shah of grade 4A. Her overwhelming collection of Kshs 215 000/= made her the highest student contributor in the country.
This did not mark the end of our rewarding journey; we also had an opportunity to present the cheque to the sponsors of the walk, Brookside Dairy. We organized and entertaining and informative assembly at our school. There were many distinguished guests including the Managing Director of Brookside Dairy who proudly received our cheque.
I am very proud of what the children, parents and teachers at our school have done to contribute to this great cause. My experience as the coordinator of this country wide event has been very rewarding and satisfying and I will definitely support the school in participating in this event next year.
-Nadia Janmohamed, Helping Hands Group
> View photographKenya Airways Flight 507 TragedySeven of Mr. Lowe’s Grade 6 students made a wreath and visited the Panari Centre to meet with Kenya Airways management and show their solidarity with the KQ staff and members of the crew and passengers aboard KQ Flight 507 that crashed in Douala, Cameroon.
The group led by Zeeshan Manji and Fatima Tayeb, presented the wreath, lit candles and offered words of encouragement and condolences on behalf of the school to the Managing Director of Kenya Airways, Mr. Titus Naikuni.
The National Prayer day set aside by the government to mourn for the loss of citizens in the crash was also marked in the school with a special assembly conducted by Mr. Amalemba and Mrs. Karumba. The rest of the school joined the choir in singing a song after prayers from the different religions represented in the school.
All students and staff wore white ribbons for a week to celebrate the life of those who passed away in the tragedy.
> View photographAnna and the King Musical (by Alistair Lowe – Production Director)School plays are usually a time of stress and panic with loads of last minute changes but this made another success story from The Aga Khan Academy. Hats off to the sets, props and costumes committees!
Our most recent musical “Anna and the King”, accentuated the depth of talent our children have. The Musical was staged at the Nairobi National Theatre for a two day performance. We received media coverage from Nation TV. It was truly a time of “Getting to Know You” while we produced “Something wonderful!”
In the past, The Aga Khan Junior Academy has also staged the following musical productions: “Lion King”, “The Piper” and “Alice in Wonderland” among others.
> View photographsStaff Training by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)The second year in our candidate status for PYP has started off on a positive note. Everyone is eager to learn as much as possible. Teachers are putting their best foot forward and working very hard. Some teachers have had the opportunity to attend workshops and facilitate in-house workshops for the rest of the staff. The following are workshops organised by IBO that some of our teachers attended:
Teaching and Learning in the PYP - January 11th – 14th 2006 - Johannesburg, South AfricaTwo members of staff attended the workshop. On their return they conducted sessions for the rest of the teaching staff who have now developed a new approach to teaching through the Inquiry process. They have also incorporated the importance of authentic integration by implementing Curriculum Maps.
An Education that is International - March 15th – 18th 2006: Cairo – EgyptThe aspect of authentic Internationalism in the Curriculum was highlighted at the workshop. Two members of staff attended the workshop and are conducting in-house insets on what was covered to the rest of the staff this term.
Social Studies & Science in the PYP - March 15th – 18th 2006: Cairo – EgyptStaff can now use the backward by design approach when planning units of inquiry. This ensures authentic inquiry strategies of teaching being integrated in the PYP planner. Teachers also use a standard seven point reflection scheme to assess the success of the learning in the units of inquiry. This leads to timely improvements and modification.
The Programme of Inquiry has also been collaboratively reviewed by staff to create a balance in subject areas. There is now more emphasis on science and technology content.
Inquiry in the PYP Planning and Development of the school’s Programme of Inquiry. April 20th – 22nd 2006This was an in-house workshop attended by all the members of staff. The facilitators from International Baccalaureate Organisation worked with the staff on developing school based Units of Inquiry to be used in the teaching.
> View photographSportsThe Aga Khan Junior Academy runs a large and comprehensive sports programme throughout the year both within the school and with other Preparatory Schools in Kenya. This includes:
BOYS: Cricket, Hockey, Football, Athletics, Tug rugby, Basketball, Cross-country and Swimming
GIRLS: Rounders, Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Athletics, Cross-country and Swimming
The school also holds an annual Skip -a-Thon competition for the Lower School in the month of September. This is aimed at developing a life-time interest in exercising.
> View photographsInternational Acacdemic Partnership, July 10th – 14th 2006, NairobiThis "Good Readers Workshop" is aimed at promoting a reading culture in schools by providing teachers with strategies and tools for assessing children’s reading comprehension. Three teachers from the school attended the workshop. The workshop focused on 3 key reading strategies including Visualization, Making Connections and Questioning. Further to this workshop, a feed-back workshop held during the Professional Development day was given to the rest of the Junior School staff by the teachers who had attended the Good Readers Workshop.
School Leadership ProgrammeA team building session for the grade 6 students was held on Friday 20th September 2006 at The Aga Khan Sports Club. It was a thrilling experience for the children. The students took part in various activities where they had the opportunity to practice their leadership skills. The grade six teachers and the P.E. Department observed the children participating in those activities.
We looked for students who are enthusiastic, co-operative, and confident and exercise good self management skills. We currently have a team of leaders, whose responsibilities include: supervision of classrooms and lunch bandas; representing the school at different functions; and giving visitors a tour of the school.
> View photographsTeachers at The Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi extend a helping hand to the community“Improving standards and Teaching practices in Language Arts” is the project initiated by Reeshma Charania and Rosmina Gokrani, teachers at The Aga Khan Junior Academy.
The project which was founded by International Academic Partnership (IAP) involves teachers who work in community schools in the slum areas of Nairobi.
The International Academic partnership promotes global education and student-centred teaching at participating schools. The programme focuses on professional development for teachers and curricular innovation at all affiliated institutions.
Since its foundation in 1983, the IAP has linked schools in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America to create a living laboratory for the study of issues related to developing nations and to provide a forum for the dissemination of methods of cooperative teaching and learning.
Due to availability of funds from IAP, teachers from the Aga Khan Junior Academy, Nairobi, approached the Shepherd’s Orphanage and Educational centre (a centre caring for AIDS orphans) and offered their services as teacher trainers. The workshops which commenced in the months of February 2006 assisted teachers in employing the practices acquired through the workshops for effective teaching and learning.
As a result there was an increase in the level of effective teaching in the classroom. In addition, the trained teachers were able to take their learning into the community to develop other teachers unable to attend the initial workshops hence creating a critical mass.
The teachers have pledged to continue supporting the home in the form of service through sharing of skills, knowledge and time.
Primary Years Programme (PYP) Consultant VisitThis year we have had two visits by Wanda Matuszkiewicz, a PYP consultant from Canada. The first visit in March was geared towards giving strategies on student and group centred teaching and learning from lesson observations. She has made a follow up in September to observe the implementation of strategies suggested and to give further suggestions to teachers for them to improve and enhance the teaching and learning process.
> View photographSports - othersStudents are given the opportunity to play sport both socially and in competitive fixtures. Students can take part in a wide range of sporting activities that are run on a "sport for all" basis while our more serious athletes take part in additional coaching sessions.
Some of the highlights and achievements of our school teams include:
- U6 Soccer Team has won the Banda Friendly Tournament three years in a row (2004, 2005, 2006)
- U11 Rounders Team won The Aga Khan Junior Academy Tournament in 2005
- U9 Netball team won the Premier Tournament in 2005
- U12 Cricket Team won the cricket Premier Tournament in 200
- U11 Boys Cricket Team won the Aga Khan Junior Academy Cricket Tournament in 2006
- U11 Rounders team became first runners-up in The Aga Khan Junior Academy Rounders Tournament in 2006
> View photographsStage CoachA musical theatre programme which features vocal music, dance and drama has been introduced in the Junior Academy as an enrichment programme occuring weekly on Saturday morning. The objective of this programme is to provide opportunities for children to experience musical theatre in a fun setting to help them build their self esteem, self confidence and self expression. Group exercises and participation is the foundation of this class. The principal methods of learning consist of acting exercises, theatre games, rehearsals and shop work in costume, prop and scenery creation. The children are now responsible for performance as well as, pulling props, costumes and set pieces from school stock.
There is great demand for the programme and the children and parents consider it to be a valuable programme because it allows the children to explore various character roles through professional guidance from a versatile actor that is known in both TV and Theatre and whose strengths are largely in Shakespearean Drama.
“We are not attempting to discover talented children. We are attempting to help children discover their talent.”
(Stage coach motto)Our Trip to Ngong Hills (by Murtaza Karimjee, Grade 4A)It was a great sunny day and our whole class was excited for the trip. For the first time we were going to climb hills as a class.
It took us an hour and a half to get there. After taking a snack, we were split into two groups; “Mountain survivors and African survivors”. Then we started climbing the hills. As we got nearer to the top, we saw animals, more hills and houses below the hill which looked tiny. We had stopped for a short break to have water and rest for a while when Aleena started screaming. She had been infested by Safari ants. Luckily, Mrs. Isige and Mrs. Dhall helped her get rid of them.
On getting to the top of the hill, we saw KTN boosters and wind vanes. The scenery from the top of the hill was amazing. We played a few games and ate lunch before embarking on our trip back. The climb down was much easier, a few of us tried running down.
We were very tired as we boarded the bus back to school. It was the best field trip we have had in grade four so far!
> View photographMusic Outreach ProgrammeThere are two choirs in the school. The Junior Choir is open to grades 1-3 and the School Choir is open to grades 4-6 through auditions. The junior choir performs at our school functions and assemblies whereas the School Choir performs in and out of school. Some of the outreach programmes include various performances at the
Aga Khan Hospital, Gertrude’s Garden Children’s Hospital and the Village Market. Apart from this, students enrol for instrumental lessons and orchestral instruments and based on what they have learnt, they perform at tea time concerts and assemblies in school.
> View photograph
