The Aga Khan School, Chitravad

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The Teaching and Learning Approach

Pre-Primary
Research shows that high quality experiences in the early years are linked to positive outcomes associated with health, social and economic wellbeing as adults and that 90% of brain development occurs during the first five years of a child's life. AKSC's pre-primary programme provides ongoing training and support for teachers to facilitate the provision of safe, stimulating and nurturing early learning environments for young children.

AKSC's Pre-Primary programme promotes holistic learning through a progressive, well-researched methodology of Shishu Pahel Padhati (SPP). SPP is a child-centred pedagogy and means ‘child first'. It encourages children to plan and construct their own learning thus retaining their natural self-confidence, and develop knowledge, skills, values and attitudes for their current and future needs. SPP focuses on experiential learning through hands-on activities that include opportunities to explore, experience, practise, reflect and share learnings. Our teachers plan and implement an engaging curriculum based on this theory to meet meaningful goals, while also being mindful of differentiation and diversity. The preschool follows a teacher-student ratio of 1:15.

Our qualified and experienced multilingual staff nurture and provide care to the students. AKSC has spacious classrooms with abundant natural light, outdoor play areas and a well-stocked library. A happy, safe and engaging learning space has been designed to provide an enriching environment for young learners that includes:

• Indoor and outdoor spaces that promote activity-based and experiential learning.
• Teaching and learning materials that are child friendly and tactile to build curiosity, autonomy and ingenuity in children.
• Classroom furniture and accessories are ergonomic, safe and made with natural materials.
• Classroom spaces that are organised and promote peer-to-peer and engaged learning.
• Classrooms and corridors that are divided into eight learning areas, including reading, science, home and art corners.
• Outdoor play to support gross motor skill development.

Primary

AKSC's Primary Section provides a high-quality curriculum that embraces intellectual, social, physical, artistic and emotional learning, underpinned by moral values and at an affordable fee. The natural curiosity and creativity of a child is nurtured through application-based learning methods. The syllabus is planned to facilitate learning where each child is given the best learning experience. Our teachers plan and design Curriculum Webs to ensure that every topic in the curriculum is integrated with other subjects.

Secondary

At the Secondary level, the Gujarat state-prescribed curriculum is taught using innovative methods and activities. Lessons are supplemented with a variety of extra-curricular activities, field trips and class projects. Students also participate in a number of interschool activities such as elocution competitions, debates, science exhibitions, creative writing and the arts. Our students learn through collective reflections shared with peers and facilitators, as well as group discussions.

Higher Secondary

AKSC offers the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) for students who wish to pursue advanced education in Commerce.

The subjects offered are:

• Language: English, Hindi and Gujarati
• Accountancy
• Computer Studies
• Organization of Commerce
• Economics
• Statistics
• Commercial Correspondence and Secretarial Practice

Environment Sustainability Initiatives

• Drip Irrigation: AKSC uses drip irrigation facilities to water the plants. More than 100 litres of water is restored and used for irrigation.
• Compost Facility: The school has a compost facility where the students collect leftover food and deposit it. This is later distributed to farms surrounding the school to contribute to improving agricultural outcomes.
• Gir Forest Cleaning Drive: This student-led drive cleans 15 km of forest area and ensures it is a no-plastic zone.
• Use of Technology: The school uses the Teno app as a communication channel with parents to reduce paper circulation. The Student Information System is also used to maintain student records and reduce paper usage. Additionally, teachers use technology to source information, professional support and teaching resources.
• No Plastic and Thermacol Zone: AKSC is a ‘no plastic' zone and does not allow students or teachers to bring single-use plastic and thermacol into the school.
• Agent of Change: AKSC raises awareness on numerous social issues including climate change, the practice of cleanliness and hygiene, the environment and unity and diversity in India.