Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Hunza

Curriculum

A Rigorous Academic Experience

To bring diversity and rigour to the learning experiences of our students, Aga Khan Schools have a two-fold curriculum approach. First, the syllabi prescribed by the examination boards are enriched, which means that the entire curriculum is reviewed and revised with special focus on certain themes and concepts. The teaching of English is skill-based, focusing on reading and critical thinking, writing skills, oral communication skills, as well as on the ethical and social dimensions of language learning. The Science teaching and learning focuses more on conceptual understanding and exploration. Our approach is inquiry-based and students learn through project work and practical experimentation.

In addition, the School is introducing Physical Education and Health, as well as PrISM — Personal, Intellectual, Social and Moral development — curriculums.

Classroom sessions are student-centered with a focus on interactive teaching that includes discussions, case studies and research projects. For assessment, the School is affiliated with the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB), the only examination board in South Asia to integrate e-marking, or computer-based marking, in its assessment methodology.

Currently, the School offers instruction in following areas:

  1. Pre-Secondary (Grade VIII)
  2. Secondary School Certificate (SSC) in Science Group
  3. Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) in Pre-Medical and Pre-Engineering

Pre-Secondary Level

The national curriculum is followed for grade VIII but teachers have made significant enrichments in the syllabus. The prime focus of the grade VIII curriculum is to give a strong basis in English, Mathematics and Science subjects. Other compulsory subjects like Urdu, Pakistan studies and Islamiat are also part of the curriculum.

Secondary School Certificate (SSC)

The School offers science subjects at Secondary level. These subjects include Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Pakistan Studies, Islamiat and Urdu. The School follows Aga Khan University Examination syllabus prescribed by National Curriculum Wing.

Higher Secondary School Certificate in Pre-Medical

For Pre-Medical students, the schools lay the foundations for a professional career. The two years at Aga Khan Higher Secondary Schools are extremely important for the students’ personal and academic development, and preparation for a challenging professional journey.

The Higher Secondary Pre-Medical programme provides a general exposure to the basics of scientific inquiry. It is an entry point to a host of fields within medicine, such as Physiotherapy, Surgery, Pharmacy, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and so on.

The scientific skills of the students are polished in an atmosphere conducive to learning, and under the guidance of a fully-qualified, passionate and devoted faculty. Students attend lectures, take part in interactive sessions, and conduct practicals in well-equipped labs.

Higher Secondary School Certificate in Pre-Engineering

The Higher Secondary Pre-Engineering provides general exposure to many aspects of basic scientific inquiry. All courses within the programme are designed to prepare students to pursue different fields of engineering such as Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Architectural, Telecom, Chemical, Environmental, Space and others. This is achieved through detailed lectures, interactive sessions, seminars, and practicals in well-equipped labs.


Extra-Curricular Activities

The School recognises the importance of a well-rounded education and emphasises a holistic education that extends beyond the classroom.

To achieve this, the School arranges different extra-curricular activities throughout the year. Early in the year, students are divided into four distinct houses, which compete in different activities — such as sports, arts, writing, debate and drama competitions — during the Students Week. The winning house enjoys the status of champion for the entire year.

In addition to this, the School has the following clubs and societies:

  • The Literary Society
  • The English language club
  • The Sports Club
  • The Students Representative Council
  • The Junior Club
  • The Art Club

Field Study Programmes

The students are engaged in the Field Study Programme to increase their conceptual understanding of the world around them, helping them link theory to practical life. Students acquire knowledge while researching areas of interest based on their future career paths.

Students' Representative Council

Students from all levels are elected into the Student Representative Council and learn the democratic process by voting for the candidate of their choice.

The Council takes an oath, promising to work for the interests of the School and the students it represents. It is also a platform for students to discuss, raise and explore acceptable and sustainable solutions to their concerns.

Annual Students' Week

Early in the year, students are divided into four distinct houses. During the annual Students’ Week, students compete as houses in student-driven activities including the Sports Day, Science Exhibition, Art Competition and Fun Fair.

The friendly competition sees students vying for the coveted Student Week trophy. The winning house enjoys its champion status for a year till the next Students’ Week.

Educational Field Trips

Educational trips give students first hand exposure to processes and places by visiting educational, historical and local development projects such as Hydraulic Power Stations, Radio Pakistan Gilgit, Baltit Fort, Municipal Libraries, Professional Development Centre, North, Khunjerab National Park, and other conservation projects in the area.