A new academic year brings new energy and challenges for students and parents. To ensure a smooth transition and provide a clear understanding of the school’s academic system, parents of selected Year Groups were invited to orientation meetings to familiarise themselves with the learning and assessment practices followed in these year groups.
This year, parents of Years 1, 3 and 4 from the Primary Section attended orientation meetings. From the Secondary Section, parents and students of Years 8 and 9, and students of Year 10 attended their respective orientations. These are crucial years in which students encounter important changes in their learning, assessment and academic responsibilities. Parents of new admissions were also invited to attend these meetings.
Year 1 had their orientation session on Saturday, 1 August 2026, where the Principal, Heads and teachers met the parents of Year 1 children, along with parents of new admissions to Year 2. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet new parents and interact with them.
The orientation focussed on how pupils learn in the classroom, their daily routines, and the ways in which teachers observe and assess their development. The school’s holistic approach to learning was also highlighted, along with its mission and the qualities it hopes to develop in pupils throughout their ten years at the school. Parents were reminded of their role in helping children develop independence and supporting their learning and development at home.
The session concluded with a recording of the poem “Ek Chota Bacha,” narrated by the late Principal, Ms. Seema Malik, followed by an engaging Q&A session with parents.
Year 3 had their orientation session on Saturday, 22 August 2026. This was the first time an orientation meeting was held specifically for Year 3, marking their transition from the Lower Primary to the Upper Primary Section, helping parents understand the changes in routines, expectations, and learning responsibilities that accompany this new stage.
The principal welcomed parents and provided an overview of the Year 3 programme. A key focus was on the development of greater independence, organisation and responsibility of pupils. For example, they will now be expected to follow their daily timetable and bring the required books for the subjects scheduled each day.
Parents were also briefed on the similarities and changes in the learning, observation and assessment practices in Year 3, as well as the importance of establishing healthy routines that support pupils’ learning and well-being.
The session concluded with an introduction to the teachers of Year 3, and an interactive Q&A, giving parents an opportunity to clarify their queries and share their concerns and feedback.
Year 4 had their orientation session on Saturday, 15 August 2026, which was also attended by some parents of new admissions to Year 5. The session focused on the transition from Year 3 to Year 4 and the changes in routines, expectations and academic responsibilities.
The Principal welcomed parents and shared an overview of the school’s vision and expectations. The HM then explained the similarities and differences between the previous and present Year Group, followed by a detailed discussion on the assessment system where parents were briefed about the assessment procedures, academic expectations, and the importance of monitoring pupils’ progress. Particular emphasis was placed on REEDS (Revise Everything Everyday Done in School) approach, which supports pupils in developing independent learning habits.
Parents were also reminded of the importance of establishing healthy routines, including nutritious meals, adequate sleep and personal hygiene, in supporting their children’s learning and overall well-being. The use of Google Classroom was explained, including its role in sharing learning resources, assignments and communication between home and school.
The session concluded with the introduction of the Year 4 and Year 5 teachers and an interactive Q&A session, providing an opportunity to clarify expectations and further strengthen the partnership between parents and the school.
Year 8 orientation was held for both parents and students on Saturday, 8 August 2026. The Principal highlighted Year 8 as an important transition year and emphasised the need for students to put in consistent effort from the beginning of the academic year.
A key change discussed was the subject-choice threshold of 60%. Students who meet the required criteria will be able to choose between Science and Commerce. Parents and students were also introduced to important technological and administrative updates, including digital report cards and parents’ access to Google Classroom.
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The responsible and mindful use of AI tools such as ChatGPT was emphasised. Students were reminded not to become overly dependent on technology.
Other important areas included the school’s ban on mobile phones, clubs, personal grooming, REEDS and Specific Learning Tutorials (SLT) as ways of supporting learning and reducing examination stress.
The session concluded with the introduction of the Year 8 teachers, followed by an interactive Q&A session with parents.
Year 9 orientation was held for both parents and students on Friday, 7 August 2026.
As students move towards the AKU-EB SSC Part I examinations, an important milestone in students’ academic journey, the session focused on academic expectations, assessment procedures, examination requirements and key school policies.
The session began with a welcome and an overview of the year ahead, highlighting the important role of parents in supporting students’ academic and personal development. Parents were briefed on the assessment framework based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, including MCQs, ERQs, marking criteria and scaling of marks. The AKU-EB Scheme of Assessment and Paper Specifications were also explained. Grading requirements, including the minimum academic criteria, attendance requirements and departmental clearances for examinations, were discussed.
The school’s expectations regarding the No Tuition Policy, responsible use of AI, personal hygiene and appearance, and zero tolerance for cheating and examination malpractice were reinforced. Parents were encouraged to remain involved in their children’s progress and maintain communication through official school channels.
The session concluded with a Q&A covering academic support, SLOs, syllabus completion, assessment, career counselling, teacher availability and examination preparation.
Year 10 students had their orientation on Thursday, 6 August 2026. The session focussed on preparing students for the academic challenges and expectations of their final school year. The Head emphasised that, although students had attended an orientation in Year 9, it was important to reinforce the attitudes, habits and responsibilities expected of them in this crucial year.
Students were reminded not to underestimate the demands of the AKU-EB curriculum, particularly in light of recent amendments to assessments. The importance of consistent effort, regular practice, reading and timely revision was emphasised, with students encouraged not to rely solely on past papers. The Annual Assessment schedule will be shared to support planning. It was also clarified that the teaching pace will remain unchanged to ensure timely syllabus completion. Students were also reminded that their Year 9 results should neither lead to overconfidence nor discourage them, but should instead motivate them to work consistently. The importance of maintaining attendance and meeting the required academic criteria for the AKU-EB examinations was also reinforced.
The session concluded with reminders about personal grooming, discipline and responsible mobile phone use, encouraging students to approach Year 10 with greater focus, responsibility and determination.