Primary Years Programme
The Primary Years Programme is a framework that develops attitudes to learning that nurture curiosity, stimulate inquiry, develop a lifelong love of learning and a desire to respond actively and responsibly toward what is being learned from an early age. This is achieved through the study of six in-depth, transdisciplinary Units of Inquiry (UOI) throughout the year. The six units are themed: who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organise ourselves, and sharing the planet. These are carefully designed to build concepts, knowledge and skills from one year to the next, as a student progresses through the school.
What about basic skills and subject knowledge?
In addition to the Units of Inquiry students follow a dual language programme in Grades 1 – 3 when they are taught in both languages and learn some of the concepts using both English and Kiswahili. In Grades 4 and 5 students have separate Kiswahili lessons developing the language further in preparation for the Middle Years Programme.
In English, teachers focus on reading and writing skills both independently of the UOI and as an integral element. They use the six writing traits, RAZ kids and the Oxford Reading Tree Reading schemes. Students follow the “Maths – No Problem” scheme taught using Singapore teaching approaches.
Specialist teachers deliver Art, Music and Health and Physical Education (HPE) collaborating with the homeroom teachers to complement and enrich the themes in the UOI where relevant. The specialist lessons also focus on the specific skill development and understanding required for that discipline.
Students at the Academy have access to a broad range of resources and are encouraged to participate in engaging and challenging extracurricular activities with their peers at the Academy.
The Junior School playground provides an adventurous and enjoyable space for students to socialize and unwind after lunch and school. The playground is equipped with slides, swings and more.
Numerous resources are offered to the Junior School students, including an expansive library with tablets equipped with educational programmes and activities.
How are students assessed?
There is continuous monitoring of progress and feedback by teachers during the Units of Inquiry. Students are formally assessed in Maths, Reading and Writing with a formal baseline assessment at the beginning of the year and middle and end of the year assessments. In Grade 5 students hold an Exhibition; a culmination of the programme which allows each student to consolidate their knowledge, understanding of concepts, development of skills and demonstrate their learning based on a topic of their choice.
Meet the Children
Aga Khan Academy Mombasa Junior School
Learn more about the Junior School experience, seen through the eyes of students.
Fun in Music and Math
Mahin Patel, Grade 5, enjoys playing music and solving math problems.