MIDDLE SCHOOLPROGRAMME

MIDDLE SCHOOLPROGRAMME

IQRA - Impact. Quality. Relevance. Access.

DEVELOPING 21ST CENTURY SKILLS

Aga Khan University Examination Board Middle School Programme is a project-based learning approach for students of grade VI, VII and VIII. This is a form of experiential learning that recognizes learner’s diversity by offering broad-based interdisciplinary projects.

Project-based learning is a student centric learning approach that enriches the learning experience through application of knowledge to real world situations. It offers a diverse range of skills to facilitate the cognitive development and proficiency of students.

Middle School Programme projects focus on developing the following competencies, often referred to as 21st Century Skills, deemed vital to success in both school years and beyond:

• Listening, reading and observation skills• Information gathering • Communication skills • Interpersonal skills • Critical thinking and problem solving • Responsibility • Team work • Creativity and innovation

Middle School Programme prepares the students for a smooth transition to secondary school studies by encouraging them to approach learning effectively, moving from conceptual knowledge to understanding and application.

Middle SchoolProgramme

Programme StructureEach school opting for Middle School Programme receives a set of six interdisciplinary projects. These project tasks are designed by AKU-EB based on middle school syllabi drawn from the National Curriculum of Pakistan that outline key concepts for each grade level across five core subjects:

• Mathematics• Science

Students work in groups to complete project tasks and compile these as one portfolio. Students also attempt a set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Constructed Response Questions (CRQs) provided by AKU-EB. This reinforces learning and familiarizes students with AKU-EB Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary School Certificate examination format.

• English• Social Studies• Urdu

Teachers are trained and

encouraged to useMCQs and CRQs

as a tool that guides towards new ways

of learningProjects facilitate the development of higher-order

thinking through experiential and inquiry-based

learning21st century skillsare developed and

assessed using standard rubric

developedby AKU-EB

VI VII VIII IX-XIIMiddle School Programme influences the learning environment

in schools to develop higher-order cognitive skillsStudents prepared for the 21st Century

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Assessment is the driving force for new ways of learning.DR SHEHZAD JEEVA

PhD, University of Cambridge Director, Aga Khan University Examination Board

Teachers will assess the academic quality of students’ work and also the competencies demonstrated in task completion using a standard rubric developed by AKU-EB. The scores are moderated at an annual teacher meeting which will also be a training opportunity for teachers to develop their assessment practices. The process will be facilitated by AKU-EB. At the end of the year, each student will receive an annual personal accomplishment record from AKU-EB based on this assessment.

Additionally, AKU-EB will provide a set number of Multiple Choice Questions and Constructed Response Questions along with each project. The teachers may use these questions to review and reinforce the students’ understanding of key concepts related to student learning outcomes.

Assessingthe Projects

TeacherDevelopment SupportAt the beginning of each academic year, teachers will benefit from an orientation session to help them integrate the projects with their curriculum, understand the concept of project-based learning and plan the Middle School Programme implementation. Furthermore, teachers will have the opportunity to understand their role as facilitators for project implementation.

This is held at the end of each academic year to standardize assessment practices and to encourage peer-to-peer learning of teachers of different schools who come together for this meeting.

Teachers will have the opportunity to learn the application of rubrics to assess the students’ competencies. They will also get training to use Multiple Choice Questions and Constructed Response Questions effectively in order to reinforce learning.

Throughout the year, teachers will have access to ongoing facilitation from AKU-EB. This will ensure that all Middle School Programme implementation queries are resolved on a timely basis. This will be a rich learning experience for both students and teachers.

ORIENTATION SESSION

ANNUAL TEACHER MEETING

ASSESSMENT

ON-GOING FACILITATION

I have learned a lot! The history project gave me an opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and to understand how I should respect their feelings. It was a unique experience for me. I am sure that I will benefit from these activities in future, especially when I will join a university.

SYED SHUJAT ALIStudent, Grade VIIShining Light Academy JutialGilgit

ReflectionsIt was a good learning experience; all the students were actively involved in the process of assessment. Middle School Programme also provides a wealth of information to teachers which improve instructional decisions and ways in which we evaluate student’s progress. I must say that such assessments are more effective for measuring academic skills than ‘old-style’ tests!

AMBER HAROONTeacher BVS Parsi High SchoolKarachi

The experience of performing project portfolios was great. These activities assisted me in enhancing my confidence and creativity. It also helped in improving my observation and communications skills.

JOSEPH SAMSONStudent, Grade IXSt Bonaventure’s High SchoolHyderabad

I had an opportunity to interview few students from a private school in Hunza for their admission in grade VIII. I observed that all the students demonstrated good communication skills, good reasoning and were relating to ideas with their daily life experiences. As I further probed, I learned that these students participated in AKU-EB Middle School Programme. Their approach towards life was more practical and analytical. I feel Middle School Programme enhances the teaching and learning process at schools beyond traditional methods of assessment.

ZAHRA ALIDADPrincipalAga Khan Higher Secondary SchoolHunza

Aga Khan University Examination Board is a national examination board of intermediate and secondary education. AKU-EB's primary purpose is to improve the quality of education by making examinations of reputable standard accessible across Pakistan. AKU-EB qualifications are increasingly valued by leading higher education institutions in Pakistan and globally.

The Examination Board was established by Aga Khan University in August 2003 in accordance with Ordinance CXIV of the Government of Pakistan to offer examination services for both Secondary School Certificate and Higher Secondary School Certificate.

SINDHBlock-C, IED-PDC, 1-5/B-VIIFederal B. Area, Karimabad, P.O. Box 13688Karachi - 75950, PakistanTel: +92 21 3682 7011- 8 | Fax: +92 21 3682 7010Mobile: +92 300 829 2268

PUNJABShop # 39, Hotel Pearl ContinentalShahrah-e-Quaid-e-AzamThe Mall, Lahore - 54600, PakistanUAN: 111 - 505 - 505 Ext. 2939 | Direct: +92 42 636 3132 GILGIT-BALTISTAN AND CHITRALAga Khan University Professional Development Centre - NorthUniversity Road, Konodass, Gilgit, PakistanTel: +92 5811 454 133 - 4 Ext. 8881

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