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Pluralistic community
Students and staff across the Aga Khan Academies come from various unique geographic locations and backgrounds.
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Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme is a two-year comprehensive curriculum with a culminating set of externally graded final exams, that is designed to be an academically rigorous preparation for students pre- university. Students study six subjects from the curriculum areas; English language and literature, second language acquisition, individuals and societies, mathematics, sciences, and the arts. In addition, students complete three components which are the core of the Diploma Programme (CAS, TOK and EE), a distinguishing feature of the programme that develops well – rounded, independent critical thinkers. 

The Curriculum

At the AKA Mombasa, we guide our DP students to excel in a comprehensive curriculum which encourages them to apply their knowledge and skills throughout. They study languages such as French and Kiswahili, social sciences, experimental sciences, mathematics and the arts. They are rigorously assessed to global IB standards, both through internal exams and by independent external examiners. 

We also work with our students to develop academically, socially and physically through the three unique programmes below.

0 %
pass rate for the
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa on the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme exams

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Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

DP Students having a group discussion in the gazebos. Theory of Knowledge, one of the core subjects of the IB Diploma Programme, encourages thought-provoking discussions and the exchange of ideas.
How do we know? What counts as good evidence? How does a theory play out in real life? We challenge our students to question the nature of knowledge, to recognise biases and to analyse evidence. They spend 100 hours reflecting on the knowledge they gain within and beyond the classroom. Through these discussions, they gain self awareness and an understanding of others’ perspectives, helping them emerge as critical thinkers and confident communicators in a diverse world.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

DP2 student painting As part of the DP2 programme, students studying art put together an exhibition of their work.
During the DP, our students deepen their engagement with their creative endeavours (LINK TO ENRICHMENT), physical activities (LINK TO SPORTS) and community service projects (LINK TO LEARNING THROUGH SERVICE SECTION OF LEARNING IN PRACTICE). As they master their chosen activities, they develop leadership and teamwork skills as they work together to guide younger students, and learn in practice how they can make a difference to others. Students take part in sustainable projects that bring real transformation to the community. Recent DP projects include ** add 2-3 CAS projects (LINK TO LEARNING THROUGH SERVICE SECTION OF LEARNING IN PRACTICE)

Extended Essay

Students choose a topic for a 4,000-word essay, perhaps delving into a favourite subject; maybe alighting on something new; or combining disciplines to study a globally significant issue. They practise independent study, develop their research skills and hone their writing ability, giving them a head start for university.
Student working on her laptop The Extended Essay, a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, enhances research and analysis skills.
“With this understanding, I believe that the next wave of leaders coming from the [Aga Khan Academies] will be the foundation of positive change in the world.”
Raphael Mwachiti, Diploma Programme 2 student, Aga Khan Academy Mombasa

Honing leadership skills through TEDxYouth@AKA Mombasa

Tamara Werle, Class of 2020, AKA Mombasa
Tamara Werle, Class of 2020, AKA Mombasa
“What started as a simple application to speak at the second TEDxYouth@AKAMombasa’s annual event led me to an unforgettable three-year journey as a performer, performance curator, and eventually a co-lead organiser of the event. I have experienced what it’s like being on-stage and performing, what it’s like mentoring a group of performers, and what it’s like putting on the event from start to finish. Taking on a different and more challenging role every year certainly contributed to my personal development. As a performer at the 2018 event, I had to face the challenge of creating and performing an original spoken-word piece. The next year, my role drastically changed as I was curating performers and preparing them for what I went through the previous year. Then finally, as a lead organiser, I had to support a large team and oversee every committee. Through these different experiences, I became more confident in not only my creative abilities, but my leadership skills as well. While the event is a student-led initiative, several staff members supported us in the entire process.  Planning TEDxYouth@AKAMombasa in 2020 taught me a series of transferable skills that I will apply to many different areas of my life, now and in the future. I learned how to create and work within detailed timelines, delegate tasks, lead meetings, and approach sponsors, amongst many other things. Such skills will aid me in future projects or even in a work setting. Being a part of this event contributed to my rounded education because it allowed me to learn and apply skills that are difficult to teach in a classroom. For instance, learning how to speak to sponsors or manage a team was skills I had to develop outside of the classroom environment. However, since these skills were transferrable, I was able to apply them to my academic life as well. For example, designing badges and creating the 2019 logo was helpful when I had to design a logo for an Information Technology in a Global Society project.” Tamara Werle, Class of 2020, Aga Khan Academy Mombasa