Aga Khan University Examination Board

Block-C, IED-PDC, 1-5/B-VII, Federal B Area,Karimabad, Karachi, Pakistan 75950

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+92 21 3682 7011- 8

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TWINJOURNEYS,SIMILARDESTINATIONS

Stories fromKorangi Academy

About Aga Khan University Examination Board

About Korangi Academy

Project Brief

Stories

Reflections

Outstanding Performance in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) 2017 – 2019

Testimonials

AKU-EB’s Impact Around the World

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03

05

07

13

16

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19

CONTENT

Vision

ABOUT AGA KHAN UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION BOARD

The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) is Pakistan’s first private autonomous examination body for Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC). The board also offers an innovative Middle School Programme (MSP) to help students transition into secondary school through project-based learning.

AKU-EB’s primary purpose is to improve the quality of education by delivering high quality, accessible syllabi and examinations across the nation, in accordance with the National Curriculum of Pakistan. AKU-EB qualifications are recognised and valued by leading higher education institutions, both nationally and internationally.

The Examination Board was established in August 2003 by the Aga Khan University, in accordance with Ordinance CXIV of the Government of Pakistan.

To be a model of excellence and innovation in education for Pakistan and the developing world.

To increase access to quality education for lower and middle income students at a secondary and higher secondary school level.

To inculcate a culture of higher order thinking in the youth through indigenous educational development and assessment programmes.

To acquire new knowledge through research and share best practices in education.

Impact

Quality

Relevance

Access

Mission Values

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ABOUT KORANGI ACADEMY

Korangi Academy is a unique educational institution in Pakistan that provides quality education and enhances career opportunities for the talented and deserving children of the underprivileged families. Education is the birth right of every citizen of Pakistan and it can play a vital role in the socio-economic development of the country. The Academy serves as a model institution to educate, enlighten and empower the youth of Pakistan.

We believe that if we can transform the life of even one individual in a meaningful way, it can have a positive and far-reaching impact on the family, community and the nation.

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PROJECT BRIEF

Through this project, AKU-EB depicts a model school with which it is affiliated, where the values shared by both institutions have created an environment that is conducive towards innovation and learning for all involved stakeholders. In doing so AKU-EB showcases the ability of its educational model to adhere to an emphasis on quality and affordability.

As an institution driven by both a mission and vision towards bringing quality education to underprivileged communities, the Korangi Academy’s values align closely with those of the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB). It thus serves as an ideal example of the type of educational environment that AKU-EB targets as a priority.

Besides offering the Middle School Programme (MSP), Secondary School Certificate (SSC), and Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC), the Korangi Academy has also availed AKU-EB’s teacher support facilities, allowing for continuous capacity development of its staff. The school has also made extensive use of AKU-EB’s School Performance Report (SPR) as an indicator for how well prepared its students are for examinations.

LOCATION

Ibrahim HyderiPOPULATION

1,045,815 approx

STUDENT LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT

PoorPRIMARY OCCUPATION

Fishing

Middle SchoolProgramme

(MSP)

Programmes offered by AKU-EB atKorangi Academy since 2015

Secondary SchoolCertificate

(SSC)

634Students registered

with AKU-EBGender-wise break-up

Higher SecondarySchool Certificate

(HSSC)

55% 45%

STORIES

0807

gained while completing projects as part of the AKU-EB’s Middle School Programme.

“My favourite project was about digital storytelling,” she says proudly. “I learned about how to use new types of software for the first time, and was able to develop my own digital story. I narrated the story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp in

pictures; my father was impressed by how much I was learning!”

In a moment of self-realisation, she summarises the key goal of her studies: “Right now, I am learning how to learn. These are the foundations that will guide me and my fellow classmates throughout our future.”

“A woman is able to handle her house along with her job!” exclaims Alishba Tariq. “She can be a daughter, a sister, a wife and a mother. A woman can do everything, and I don’t understand why people think they cannot handle an office job or a career in medicine. I want to be the type of person who proves girls can stand alongside boys in any field.”At the age of 13, Alishba has already decided that societal biases will not stand in her way.

“As the eldest sibling in my family, I am already under pressure to set a good example for my siblings,” says Alishba. “If I can set an example for them, I can

set an example for society.” She dreams of becoming a cardiologist one day: “Saving the life of another is the best thing I can do.”

Fittingly, her favourite subject in school is Biology, due to its scientific process of inquiry: “I detest rote learning; it is impossible for me! Biology is a conceptual subject, which is why I enjoy it so much. Every medical student I meet tells me that the process of becoming a doctor is difficult, but I love difficulty and challenges.”

Alishba credits a great deal of her determination to the confidence she

“A woman can do everything!”: Determination begins earlyAlishba Tariq, Grade 9

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Hailing from the Dadu district of interior Sindh, Aamir Hasnain is part of a small group of boarding students who not only attend classes at the school by day, but also live on the premises. Aamir arrived at Korangi Academy with a very basic understanding of English -- three years later, his vocabulary has improved significantly, and he speaks with eloquence and confidence.

His home and family, he says, are his sources of strength. They represent a key focus of his determination to succeed in

his studies and give back to his community.

“Halaat ke baray mein kuch to karna hai!” he exclaims. (“I must do something about their circumstances!”).

Aamir credits his burgeoning confidence to the skills he has developed during his studies: “When we completed our projects [for AKU-EB’s Middle School Programme], we had to present them in front of other classes and deal with their questions. We had no choice but to become

better communicators and learn to take responsibility for our entire group.” He is also adamant that he does not restrict what he has learned to the classroom: The habits that he has developed have also come to serve him during his everyday life and changed his outlook.

“Illiteracy is a disease,” he says. “It can be cured. Education has taught me ethics and morals. If I received a top grade during my exams but had no ethical sense and positive character, then nothing else matters. Insaaniyat ki zaroorat hai! (There is a need for humanity!) Education

without humanity is like a body without a soul.”

Aamir already knows the path he will travel in the future: “I want to obtain the highest percentage in all of my subjects that this school has seen yet. After completing my higher education, I want to join the army and one day become a Lieutenant-Colonel.”

Given his accomplishments thus far, there is little doubt he will succeed in this goal if he approaches it with the same fire that has brought him this far.

“Illiteracy is a disease that can be cured”: Light in the darknessAamir Hasnain, Grade 9

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In many ways, Syed Arij Kazim’s journey from childhood to adolescence has mirrored that of the school he has been enrolled in for the last 13 years.

“Like me, Korangi Academy was newborn when I enrolled,” laughs the 16 year old student. “My parents were so intrigued by the campus when it was being built that they decided to send me here.”

For Arij, every day at school is a chance for new opportunities. “Mathematics is my favourite subject,” he says. “My teachers are brilliant. Their instruction style makes me love the subject and they are willing to explain any concept to us, no matter how many times we ask.”

However, Arij is also clear that the impact his studies have had on him extend beyond

the classroom. “I now know how to answer questions more directly,” he says. “I can get straight to the point and engage with the person who is asking.”

Arij hopes to continue his education with a focus on pre-Engineering, as a means towards obtaining a scholarship for his higher education. “I have always wanted to become an Aeronautical Engineer,” he says. “I grew up observing planes due to the environment my father works in, and have held a lifelong fascination with aviation.”

Even as he plans ahead, Arij displays an acute awareness of his environment and surroundings. He has strong opinions about some of the current crises faced by underprivileged communities in Pakistan.

“In this culture, people’s thought process and vision are often discouraged from developing,” he says. “Girls are often discriminated against when they want to study, and there are very few institutions that serve the most needy segments of society.”

He laments the loss of potential that he sees in many impoverished communities:

“When I visit these areas, I see many gifted and intelligent individuals. Yet, there is nobody to take care of their education or help develop their skills.”

Arij makes a resolute declaration: “There must be free education for everyone. I hope that one day I can help ensure children in this world never have to give up their dreams.”

“Every day is a chance for new opportunities”Syed Arij Kazim, Grade 11

REFLECTIONS

My favourite AKU-EB’s Middle School Programme project was called ‘Newsletter’. We used a lot of facilities such as computers, and through this I was able to learn more about my school and how many events are held here. The lessons I learned improved my reading and writing skills and my critical thinking ability. I have become more interested in writing letters, emails and articles now, and am even able to write clearly in my diary when I want to record my thoughts.

Wajiha Zehra, Grade 9

My favourite subject is Islamiyat. I enjoy learning about the history of Islam, specially the Islamic civilization.

AKU-EB’s Middle School Programme has grown my interest in Islamiyat as a subject and group work has made it even more fun to study. I have been able to learn about famous personalities such as Ibn-e-Khaldun and Mahmud of Ghazni, because we are encouraged to explore the library on our own.

Syed Rahat Ali, Grade 9

I believe it is wrong to think that girls shouldn’t receive an education. They should go to schools just like boys, and there should be more schools in underprivileged areas. When I am older I would like to donate to schools that give free education, especially scholarships for disadvantaged students.

Alvina Rasheed, Grade 10

My teachers make learning fun by showing us many educational videos and encourage us to write in our own words rather than rote learn. I have a habit of not being able to learn within a given limit - I must learn more. Studying under AKU-EB system means I must use different websites and reference books to understand the topics more easily. In many ways, I am learning how to learn.

Asiya Azad, Grade 11

When I was in my village, I had no goal - now I have many, and my confidence has been raised. I heard that studying under AKU-EB system would be difficult, but my father encouraged me to do well. Now, I aim to become a high achiever under this board. I will need to work hard, but I know that hard work will make me successful.

Muhammad Ali, Grade 10

I hope to take the Central Superior Services (CSS) exams one day, and believe that the writing skills I picked up while studying under AKU-EB system will help me very much. Through my studies I learned how to use reference books, which is greatly advantageous in becoming a better student.

Ameer Hamza, Grade 11

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Every child wants to do well, so I’m studying hard to become a high achiever. My father has done so much for me, so I want to make him proud by becoming a well-known public speaker or an engineer. When I watch the news on TV, I almost want to become a politician and fight for a better country. I’ve seen so many people around me who don’t educate their daughters, and I want to challenge this. There needs to be more fairness in schools and with jobs, so that deserving people get their chance.

Quratulain Abbas, Grade 10

Studying under AKU-EB system has been very different compared to other boards. There is no rote-learning involved here; everything is about concepts. This teaches us how to apply what we learn to real life, and also developed our skills. My school’s library is now filled with many different reference books, as we don’t just rely on textbooks any longer.

Syed Mehmood Ali, Grade 11

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN

SSC 2017 – 2019

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The AKU-EB system has changed my personality. I have become a more independent learner, and that has broadened my horizons. To learn under this system, you have to explore a variety of sources, read reference books and develop research skills. It is these skills that have helped me become a high achiever. In the future, I hope to study accountancy and become an entrepreneur.

Sijjil KhanOverall sixth position in SSC – 2018 Subject-wise High Achiever in Urdu - SSC I and II 2017 - 2018

When I entered Korangi Academy in Grade 6, I could not speak any English. Now, thanks to my studies, I am doing well and learning about leadership and teamwork. I may become an industrial engineer one day. Not all of my siblings are able to go to school because my family cannot afford to send them, and this pushes me to work hard. I must take care of my family, and if I am to lead them one day then I must obtain a good education from university.

Asad Ali, Grade 9

Korangi Academy is amongst the top 30%of the best performing AKU-EB affiliated schools.

I failed in Grade 8; this failure taught me a lesson to learn from my mistakes and improve my performance. I aim to become a Chartered Accountant; therefore, I opted for Humanities group in SSC, as it also gave me an opportunity to study my favorite subjects, Business Studies and Accounting. I consider my continuous hard work, dedication of my teachers and encouragement from my parents as motivating factors to achieve good results.

Rameez AliSecond position in Humanities Group SSC – 2019 Subject-wise High Achiever in Business Studies – SSC I 2018

30TOP

+=

A

subject-wise high achievers

4AKU-EB Bridge Scholars

2

Position holders2result in SSC I and

II, 2018 – 2019

100%

candidates secured Grade A and A-1 in Sciences and Mathematics

85%in SSC II secured Grade A and A-1

in SSC I and93%

84%

students

students

17 18

“AKU-EB’s mission to bringing quality assessment and education to underprivileged communities would not be possible without strong partnerships that are built upon a foundation of mutual respect and trust. In this regard, the Korangi Academy is one of the model examples of institutions that have worked alongside AKU-EB towards the ultimate benefit of all involved educational stakeholders. It is always a thrill to see Korangi Academy’s students continue to excel year after year, doing so well under our system.”

Dr Shehzad JeevaDirector, AKU-EB

"AKU-EB believes in a holistic approach towards educational development, as well as working closely with its stakeholders. Korangi Academy stands as an example where this synergistic relationship has resulted in the uplifting of educational standards and enhancement of student achievement, thus empowering surrounding communities. I am pleased at this outcome and believe that it can serve as a blueprint for other educational institutions and communities to follow."

Dr Naveed YousufAssociate Director, Assessment, AKU-EB

“In founding Korangi Academy, our objective was to uplift the community in this area by providing them with a school that was not only equipped with good infrastructure, but also capable of providing the best education. It was this pursuit of quality that led us to affiliate with AKU-EB, so as to instill a sense of conceptual learning and logical thinking in our children as opposed to the rote-memorisation that is present in most other systems.”

Mr Nazim F. Haji S.St.Vice President Governing Body and Chairman Management Committee - Centre for Development of Social Service

“I have observed that under the training and guidance provided by AKU-EB, Korangi Academy’s teachers have had their capacity developed considerably. It is not only their approach towards teaching, but also their lesson planning, resource development abilities, and analytical skills that have improved. The same is also true for our students, who are actively encouraged to develop their reading, listening, and observation skills under the AKU-EB system.”

Ms Asma NasirPrincipal, Korangi Academy

TESTIMONIALS

AKU-EB’S IMPACTAROUND THE WORLD

19 20

Prospects for Higher EducationUniversity Destination Survey 2016

AKU-EB HSSCgraduates in national

and internationaluniversities

92%of AKU-EB studentsreached top 15 HEC

ranked universities inPakistan

Approx

50%4% admissions into

different universitiesaround the world

gained admissionsinto

universities inPakistan

28 Public | Private

49%

51%

30,000+Graduates

YEARSOF EXPERIENCE

OVER

10 1000+Teachers trained each year

12,000+Unique questions developed each year

PAKISTAN

ASIA

USA

CANADA

EUROPE

AUSTRALIA