Home-based Extra-Curricular Activities at the Aga Khan School, Dhaka
Never before has the emotional and physical wellness of students been more important than it is now. The Aga Khan School, Dhaka has developed a model of Home-based Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) during this COVID-19 pandemic, for students of grade 6 to grade 12. The aim is to support their wellbeing.
Home-based ECA is an opportunity for students to share their special talents, explore their interests and express their passions, personalities, and perspectives from home. At the same time the programme broadens students’ awareness, develops their concern for others, and enhances their ability to work cooperatively through an online platform.
Prior to students signing-up for the Home-based ECA, they receive a suggested list of activities in three categories - non-sports, physical recreation and home-based service. Based on the student’s interest, and a discussion with their parents each student registers for an activity of their choice from the non-sports list, one activity from physical recreation and has the option of selecting an activity for a home-based service.
It is the teacher’s task to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in at least one of these activities as part of a virtual club that includes participating in interactive sessions via Zoom where students share their experience and receive suggestions from experts, who monitor their progress.
As part of the programme, students have become involved in crafts, chess, cleaning, cooking, coding, creative writing, drawing and painting, dance, gardening, graphic design, helping parents with chores, looking after an elderly or disabled person in their home, playing an instrument, programming, singing, skipping and yoga.
Students’ participation of the Home-based ECA will be acknowledged in their upcoming first-quarter report card and contribute to meeting the requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. Due to the success of the model, it will also be followed for the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme.
By Mahmudul Hasan, Extra Curricular Activities Coordinator at AKS,D
Photos (top to bottom):
- Ahmed Sabbir Anam, Grade 8, is playing Chess for his home-based ECA
- Afra Saiyara, Grade 7, is doing Sketch & Painting for her home-based ECA
- Taieba Farhin Azad, Grade 11, is playing a musical instrument for her home-based ECA
- Zavier Huq, Grade 6, is analyzing an editorial for his home-based ECA
