(by Samuel Musoke, Yusuf Kasumba and Oliva Nalunkuma)
The journey to Muscat was enjoyable; the flight as good as Emirates Airline can provide. Muscat is a beautiful city with settlements concentrated within the valleys, which leaves wonderful scenery behind every building. The streets are clean with no litter at all, which says a lot about the discipline of the city dwellers.

The American British Academy, the host for the Oman workshops is an “IB World School” with a sound academic record. Like the city, the school environment was attractive It did a good job keeping all the participants comfortable. The school’s CAS students were deeply involved in the organisation of the workshops especially in logistical arrangements. We hasten to add that our own students here at AKHS are on course in this respect.

The workshops were informative, stimulating, refreshing and worth travelling for. As newcomers to the IB world, we left the workshops feeling confident and better informed about course organisation, instruction, and assessment. Our interaction with those teachers who have been teaching the course for some time afforded us the opportunity to listen, first hand, to what those teachers consider to be challenges and how they have each responded to different situations. This enriched every participant’s experience and in the process each participant gained a rich repertoire of instructional strategies.

We are sure the school will benefit greatly through the trickle down process to students.

(by Pujit Vazrala, Year 8)
The Cultural Day was fabulous. Students were happy because this event was properly organised and good fun. It was an opportunity for everyone in the school to represent their culture, and help us learn about each others’ backgrounds, traditions and up-to-date national affairs.

Programmes such as dances, songs and skits were enjoyed by all students. We also portrayed our cultures using paintings, creative and informative writings, powerpoints on geography, national sports heros etc. Everyone was full of excitement as they saw the cultural costumes. These costumes and fashion displays made the day very bright.

We got a chance to ask others about their cultures and languages, 23 in all; also to see and taste their food! The essence of culture prevailed in our hearts.

(by Samuel Musoke, Professional Development Teacher)
Following an ‘English Across the Curriculum’ workshop conducted this term by the Language Department (with help from Primary School staff), teachers have new zeal in emphasising language in their classes, fully aware of its contribution to students’ learning. Each teacher has put on new ‘lenses’ to examine how students’ proficiency in language affects understanding of what they read and hear.

Students with weaker English skills find it hard to cope with lengthy readings; Some staff are devising measures to assist such students. Science teachers have reported that they are doing group reading in the classroom as a way of helping students develop note-making skills. It is hoped that, over time, students will learn to pick important points from large texts.

The Mathematics Department is ahead of the game, as their focus on Language started early in 2004. The workshop however helped to bring out important ideas such as ‘visualization’, something maths teachers do a lot. Stronger emphasis is now put on the various meanings mathematical words carry that will enhance student’s understanding.

The Humanities teachers are most comfortable with the idea of English Across the Curriculum. In preparation for the coming examinations, some have gone ahead to help students grasp the idea of making and supporting an argument.

(by Kevin Rwanyarare, Senior six)
The Aga Khan High School Computer Club has undergone a renaissance. The Club was nominated last year for the award of Club of the Year, which it scooped flawlessly. The Club population has increased and it is, at the moment, the most organized club in the Wednesday sessions! During our meetings, there are a number of hands-on training programmes, equipping the members with IT skills among which are included: web page building, desktop publishing, and network administration. Word on the vine has it they might just make it for the 2005 awards. The Club is chaired by myself and seconded by Viral Sharma, Senior three, recipient of the Computer Brain of the Year Award 2004.

(by Solome Okolong, Year 10)
For Public Speaking Day, on the 24th of February, nine students, three from each House, were chosen as contestants. There were three categories to participate in.

The first category was a common text by Nelson Mandela. This required good reading skills. The second category was an oral speech on a common topic, for example poverty. This could be backed up by short notes but not a fully written text. The third and final category was an occasional speech in times of grief.

In any competition there must be rules for it to be a fair, and this was no exception. Contestants were judged on eloquence, grammar, content and clarity of points, physical presentation, body movement, voice projection, information, pronunciation, syllable stress and confidence.

It was an educative as well as entertaining afternoon for staff and students. The judges pointed out some corrections to the participants. Then Hawks were declared the winners, with Falcons following closely, and Eagles not too far behind. Congratulations to Hawks. To Falcons and Eagles, there will be other chances for you to shine.

(by Julius Twinomujuni and Oscar Becwarika)
Our experience as new teachers in Aga Khan High School has been life-transforming. The first feeling that came to us, walking through the school gate, was similar to any other you would get in reaction to a new environment.

Students and teachers were smart and the sight of girls in trousers was not a new experience. We realized that as soon as you start to interact with people in this community, anxiety turns into excitement owing to the friendly and conducive environment.

We joined the school during a period of academic transition. Students were working together with teachers to implement the school expectations to reach greater academic heights. We were motivated by the kind of teamwork involved in the process.

The High School is introducing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma curriculum, which is a big opportunity for the school, teachers and students to develop a global perspective and identity. For the short time we have spent in Aga Khan High School, we feel welcome and accepted in this productive community.

(by Dismus Obondo, Deputy Head)
Aga Khan Schools worldwide are implementing an Education Management Information System (EMIS). The system consists of a central database of information linked to specific computers.

The system will operate a multi-level access/edit protocol aimed at ensuring security of personal data, eliminating data duplication and redundancy. The program, designed by Hunter Systems, USA will provide benefits for everyone:

For Faculty:
a) Ease in entry, analysis, grading and reporting students’ progress in all subjects, including graphical trend presentation.
b) All-round information about learner progress including skills, lesson attendance or lateness, etc.
c) Customized, readily retrieved and modified lesson plans.
d) Cue showing usual students’ sitting positions in class and their photos.

For Administrators:
a) Ease in accessing students’ progress reports, school attendance, co-curricular achievement, medical details as given by parents, positions of responsibility etc.
b) Space management, i.e. allocation of facilities, teachers, and classes depending on day of the week, time of day, and available faculty.

For Parents:
a) Obtaining accurate and timely reports of their child’s progress and activities from any teacher or administrator who has access privileges.
b) Parents may in future be able to access these reports online.

The first hands-on setting up and data entry experience was afforded to staff at a workshop led by Bob Turner, the ex-CEO in Uganda. It was a pleasure to work with Bob and with Sham-Aviz Dhanji, the man overall in charge of EMIS. The High School has embarked on the project in earnest.

(by Suzanna Kisekka, Senior six)
I was invited along with Kevin Rwanyarare to attend the annual British Council Fair held at Garden City in February. We were the stand assistants for the University of Central Birmingham. At first, I was worried about going to the fair because I did not know what to expect, but half way through the first day, both Kevin and I got used to the questions asked, and how to advise visitors on the different courses.

We learned a lot about universities and colleges in the United Kingdom, and how to apply to them. We found out which universities are specialised. For example, the University of East Anglia is a five star university which excels in environmental courses.

This was a good experience and opportunity to learn many useful things, as well as improve on people skills. We also met university staff who may later turn out to be useful, especially when it comes to applying to institutions of higher learning overseas.

I would like to thank the school for giving Kevin and myself this unique opportunity. We are now able to make better and more informed choices, as well as to help our peers in school with their career choices, and how best to achieve their academic goals and aspirations.

(by Pascal Kutter, Year 11, Sports Prefect)
Aga Khan High School held its Sports Day on Friday 12th March. The field events, namely shotput, javelin and discus, were held on Thursday afternoon. The Friday events were kicked off by a march around the field, led by a brass band, followed by House cheerleaders, then students in their House colours: Blue for Eagles, Yellow for Falcons and Red for Hawks.

This year’s Sports Day was a bit different because the events were split up into three age categories: junior(G.1 and S.1), inter-mediate(G.2,S.2,G.3 and S.3) and senior(G.4,S.4,S.5 and S.6) for all events except the 3000m, 1500m and the 4X100mand 4X400m relays, which were open.

The events started with the 3000m races, followed by 100m sprints. The 1500m runners took their time and kept their pace, giving the 200m runners a chance to warm up. The 400m and 800m runs followed, to end the divided runs, then the relay put the jewel on the crown. We ended the day with the teachers v students tug-of-war and relay races. Of course, teachers used illegal tactics to win, but no hard feelings. The overall winners of one and half days of competition were Falcons followed by Eagles, and Hawks finishing up.

I salute the winners and thank the participants and their cheering students, and also the teachers and parents who showed up to support this very successful Sports Day.

(by Jamie Lising, S3)
Every year, the Association of French Teachers, Uganda organises a day for 20 or so schools to entertain one another, share experiences and make friends in French. On 27 March, the High School hosted the event to a packed auditorium of students. Each school performed skits, songs, poems and talks. Students enjoyed showing visitors including the French Cultural Attache around the School.

(by Jade Marie Lising, S3)
The Annual Aga Khan High School Prize Day was held on 17 October. It was a grand occasion with the Art Club transforming the usually plain Main Hall into a warm and colourful place. Guest of Honour, Professor Matthew Odada, from Makerere University’s School of Education graced the occasion with guests, parents and friends. A joyful show of entertainment from junior class students, displaying skills in both Indian dance and contemporary, Hollywood-like dance began the ceremony. Senior students recited poetry. Then came the prize-giving ceremony proper. Beaming faces were what the prize-winners wore as they marched robustly to the stage where Prof. Odada and Mrs. Zainab Bandali, AKES Board Director, presented them with certificates of merit. Prof. Odada’s speech was a moment of thoughtfulness and reflection. Enlightening, indeed it was. The ceremony ended with short speeches by Headteacher Dr John Pragnell and the Academic Dean, Yusuf Kasumba. It will be a long wait for next year’s ceremony!