Strengthening teaching excellence through the Professional Teacher Collaboration Project
In September 2025, the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) hosted training sessions over five days for teachers at the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Uganda as part of the Professional Teacher Collaboration Project (PTCP). The sessions were delivered in collaboration with the Aga Khan Education Board for the United Kingdom (AKEB UK) and The Institute of Ismaili Studies (IIS)’s Secondary Teacher Education Programme (STEP).
Launched in 2018, the PTCP aims to strengthen educational outcomes through sharing knowledge and best practice between teachers and AKS teachers. So far, it has taken place across the Aga Khan schools in Tajikistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tanzania and Kenya. Initially focused on mathematics, the programme now encompasses a broader range of instructional leadership and teaching practices across all subjects, enabling teachers to exchange knowledge and adopt best practices from around the globe.
This year’s PTCP, held in Uganda, trained teachers on new tools, methodologies and pedagogical approaches aimed at enhancing classroom experiences and supporting learners in a rapidly changing educational landscape. The workshops were led by Anisa Bharmal, a music teacher from the UK, Farheen Meghani, Academic Director for STEP Kenya, and Nadeem Hirji, Mathematics Lead Practitioner for AKS. They explored teaching strategies, assessment methods, student engagement, lesson planning, modelling, effective questioning and fostering a growth mindset.
“I am personally intrigued by the assessment-for-learning methods, which allow you to check whether students are truly grasping what you intend to teach and inform your next steps immediately,” said Gilbert Atukunda, Head of the Linguistics Department and English and Literature Teacher at the Aga Khan High School, Kampala. “These sessions are highly participatory; even experienced teachers are prompted to reflect on their practices. We identify problems and solutions ourselves, which helps us develop as educators in ways traditional programmes cannot match.”
Following the training sessions, participants refined their lesson planning processes, with ongoing support and guidance being provided by the AKS Head Office team. This will ensure that the PTCP’s impact extends well beyond the sessions themselves.
“It has been amazing coming into this space,” Anisa said. “We are training teachers across all subjects and seeing how they take the information we have given them and apply it into their lessons has been very rewarding. Even when we are not here, they can support each other to make their teaching stronger.”
The PTCP gains particular relevance in light of Uganda’s new competency-based curriculum, which equips learners with practical skills and applied knowledge. This curriculum shifts the focus from rote learning to emphasising what students can do with their learning through critical thinking and problem-solving.
“Previously, our curriculum was knowledge-based, with limited translation into practice,” said Fred Tukahirwa, Principal of the Aga Khan High School, Kampala’s national section. “The new curriculum requires students to actively participate in their learning and demonstrate competencies. This training helps our teachers interpret the curriculum, understand assessment methods and effectively guide students to meet these expectations.” This training helps our teachers interpret the curriculum, understand assessment methods and effectively guide students to meet these expectations.”
Through this blend of international expertise and local adaptation, the Professional Teacher Collaboration Project exemplifies the Aga Khan Schools’ commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and learning across its schools. By fostering professional exchange between educators across countries, the programme strengthens teaching standards and advances the Aga Khan Schools’ aim of nurturing learners who are skilled, confident and prepared for the globally competitive world.
Photos (top to bottom):
- Participants gathered for the PTCP training at AKES, Uganda.
- Teachers discussing the importance of independent practice during the PTCP training.
- Anisa Bharmal, a Music Teacher from the UK, working with the AKES, Uganda teachers during one of the sessions.
