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The Aga Khan Nursery School, Makerere
A great school,
"will educate its students not merely to be personally successful but also to use their gifts to build their communities and enhance the common good to levels beyond our dreams."
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Frequently Asked Questions
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GENERAL
Q: Why study at the Aga Khan School?
A: The Aga Khan School strives for excellence through a continuous process of improvement that features regular review of teachers and programmes. At the same time, it works to create a harmonious balance between academic demands, sporting and cultural activities and community life. In addition, its graduates are sought after by universities in Uganda and abroad.
Q: Is there an advantage in keeping my child in an Aga Khan School from Nursery to Secondary?
A: Yes. The transition will be smoother for children, who will not be required to take new entrance tests, and for parents, who will benefit from a transition that is administered internally. In addition, there would not be any new entrance fees.
Q: Will it be difficult for my child to adjust in another Aga Khan School?
A: In general, Aga Khan schools everywhere follow the same educational principles and philosophy. A child who transfers should feel at home and will receive a warm welcome.
Q: What is the Aga Khan Education Service?
The four Ugandan Aga Khan Schools are managed by Aga Khan Education Service, Uganda, which is part of the Aga Khan Education Services (AKES). It currently operates more than 300 schools and advanced educational programmes that provide quality pre-school, primary, secondary and higher secondary education services to more than 54,000 students in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Uganda, Tanzania and Tajikistan. Schools are also envisaged, or under development, in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique and Syria.
AKES is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies working in health, education, culture and rural and economic development, primarily in Asia and Africa which includes the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS), Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), Aga Khan University (AKU) and the University of Central Asia (UCA). Find out more
Q: Who is the Aga Khan?
A: The Aga Khan is the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). A Harvard graduate in Islamic history, the Aga Khan, 65, succeeded his grandfather as Imam of the Ismailis in 1957. He has established and leads a number of private, international, non-denominational development agencies, collectively known as the Aga Khan Development Network. Find out more
The Network’s agencies seek to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities. Active in over 20 countries, the Network’s underlying impulse is the ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society and its agencies and institutions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of origin, gender or religion. Find out more
Q: What are the entry requirements ?
For entry to the Ugandan ‘O’ level (S1), students should score 14 points or above in the PLE (Primary Leaving Examination). For IGCSE, PLE is not a requirement but prospective candidates sit for an entrance test. For A-level or for IB Diploma, the student must have at least a Division Two in UCE or 5 credits in IGCSE and credits (A, B, C grade) in the chosen subjects for study. Find out more
Q: What are your fees?
Fees for the Uganda O-level (UCE), International O-level (IGCSE) and the Ugandan A-level differ. They range from Ushs. 500,000 to Ushs. 765,000. Fees for the new IB Diploma course are Ushs. 995,000. Find out more
Q: Will school fees increase with the newly introduced international curriculum?
A: The IGCSE course is approximately 50 per cent more expensive to run than the local curriculum. Aga Khan schools are not-for-profit and the Aga Khan Education Service shall not seek to raise fees unduly. However, parents should expect an annual increment (each January) in line with inflation and expanding services.
Q: Who do I contact if I need more information?
A: The Headmaster or Deputy Head (Administration).
Write to the Headmaster or Administrative Dean
Q: What programmes are offered at the school?
A: Academically, the School offers the Uganda O-level and A-level (UCE and UACE), together with the International General Certificate of Education (IGCSE). The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma will be offered from September 2005. There is a broad range of sports and co-curricular activities to ensure a balanced whole-child education. Find out more
Q: How is the local curriculum different from the international one?
A: The Ugandan national curriculum is followed in most Ugandan schools, and prescribed by the Ugandan National Examination Board. The International courses do not follow any particular nation’s educational programme, but are designed to have an international or cosmopolitan feel. Their assessment practice includes coursework, research and presentation. They are open to all who choose them, including Ugandans, and are recognised by Ugandan universities for admission on government scholarship.
Q: Will my child have to study a local language?
A: It is not required for the UCE or UACE programme. However, a second language (usually French or Swahili) is required at IGCSE level as a preparation for IB. All IB students offer English literature and a second language.
Q: Does a "student-centred" approach result in lower standards or academic results?
A: The student-centred approach is delivered with the underlying philosophy that for a student to learn, he/she must initiate self-paced learning and take greater responsibility for learning outcomes. The teacher is more of a facilitator. It is not a soft approach to learning and the expected standards of achievement are high.
Q: How well qualified are your teachers?
A: Teachers at the High School are mainly Makerere graduates. Each teacher is recruited on the basis of his or her teaching ability, attitude, drive and educational outlook. Some overseas staff are recruited to support the School's multi-cultural ethic. All staff receive continuing professional training to develop their potential and keep abreast of developments in the field.
Q: Do you provide textbooks?
A: No. The School provides book lists. Parents are expected to purchase recommended books for their children. If they are not available locally, the School assists by importing them.
Q: Will my child have difficulty in any other international or local school?
A: No. The standards of the High school more than match other local or international schools. Aga Khan High School students are known to have performed well when they move to other schools.
Q: Where do your graduates go?
A: Most graduates further their education at Makerere University, regional institutions and overseas.
Q: Is your school mainly for Asians?
A: Not at all. The student population is predominantly Ugandan with students from 16 nationalities. The school prides itself in being multi-cultural.
Q: Is there any preference given to Muslim students?
A: No. Entry to the Aga Khan High School, Kampala is offered on a competitive basis, regardless of background, and is based on merit.
Q: Will my child find it difficult to mix with local students?
A: Ugandans are notably friendly and the student culture is warm, open and welcoming.
Q: Should I be concerned that my child will be influenced by another religion?
A: No. Religion is not a compulsory subject and the school has no wish to proselytise. The School celebrates its multi-cultural staff and students. Respect and tolerance for these cultures and religious groups is part of the pluralistic ethics of the School.
Q: What if my child falls ill during school hours?
The School does not have extensive medical facilities, though the school nurse can competently administer first aid. A sick child will be taken to the nearest hospital with parents duly informed. Parents are encouraged to alert school administrators if their child has a special condition or requires on-going treatment.
Q: Do you offer transport facilities?
A: Currently the School does not provide transport. Though public services are good, if the School is aware of shared parent or commercial transportation, the Administration Office can arrange to inform you.
Q: Do you provide canteen services?
The School Canteen offers meals and snacks at breaktime, lunchtime and after school at reasonable prices. It uses a token system and parents may choose to purchase lunch tokens for a set period in advance.
Q: Do you have boarding facilities?
A: Currently the School does not offer boarding or hostel facilities, but several commercially operated hostels are located in the vicinity. Parents are however, advised to carefully examine them, as standards are usually not high.
Q: Do students wear a school uniform?
A: The School uniform is available from the designated tailor; Smart Outfitters, Martin Road (close to the School). A uniform set currently costs Ushs. 90,000. Two sets and a sports kit are required.
Q: Can you give me directions to your School?
A: The School is located on Makerere Road in Old Kampala, Uganda, 45 minutes by taxi from Entebbe Airport. The School Complex is located prominently in Old Kampala and most buda buda (taxi motorbike) drivers can direct you to the School.
