Aga Khan Higher Secondary School, Gilgit

Curriculum

To bring diversity and rigour to the learning experiences of our students, the Aga Khan Higher Secondary Schools have a holistic approach to the 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

In addition to sport facilities for volleyball, cricket, and football, AKHSS, Gilgit also has a number of clubs and societies. The objective is to provide a forum for students to plan and implement various activities in the pursuit of their individual interests. Leadership development is an additional benefit underlining all these activities.

English Literary Society

The English Literary Society provides a forum for students to arrange various literary activities including different competitions such as English debate and essay writing. Thus, the society is actively engaged in developing students' literary and communications skills.

Science Club

The Science Club involves students in activities and discussions that expand and enhance students' scientific knowledge while developing their psychomotor skills.

Art and Music Club

The Art and Music Club strives to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan's Northern Areas, and uses this environment to enhance students' learning experiences. AKHSS, Gilgit regularly produces local musical functions, cultural exhibitions, and Annual Parents Days. In addition, the club organises art competitions at school and inter-school levels.

Hiking Club

World-famous for some of the highest mountains in the world, including K2, Nanga Parbat and Rakaposhi - the region is a hiker's paradise. The main objective of this club is to encourage students to appreciate nature and pursue an activity that fosters physical well-being.

Environmental Club

The Gilgit Environment Club was established in 1998 to create environmental awareness amongst students. Since its inception, the club has organised and participated in many environment-friendly programs for students to create awareness about environmental issues.

Urdu Literary Society

As many our students come from a variety of backgrounds and linguistic traditions, the Urdu Literary Society motivates students to engage with the Urdu language. The Society arranges activities and functions that help students learn and improve their language skills.

In addition to the above extra-curricular programs, AKHSS, Gilgit arranges annual student study trips of educational interest at local, regional and national levels.