Following in the footsteps of previous cohorts, the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa’s Class of 2020 received record-breaking results in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) this year. In addition to the Academy once again scoring highly, the percentage of top scorers was also above the global average – with nine students scoring an outstanding 40 points and above. Of these, two students Muskaan Bhaidani and Alisha Doshi scored an impressive 44 points out of a possible 45.
The cohort of 67 students achieved an average score of 34.9, well above last year’s global average of 29.7. These results represent a particularly remarkable achievement, considering the rapidly-changing global circumstances as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Class of 2020 completed their DP coursework through an online learning platform, along with the encouragement and support of their teachers.
Adapting to change and rising to challenges comes naturally to Academies students. “The intentionally rigorous environment at the Academy forced me to step out of my comfort zone, every day. To choose courage over comfort, always. To not just go with the flow, but to be the flow,” said Muskaan Bhaidani, one of the top-scoring students of the cohort.
The Aga Khan Academy Mombasa strives to develop home-grown, ethical leaders working towards a shared goal of sustainable development to improve the lives of those living not only in Kenya, but across the globe. The IB programme aims to develop critical thinkers and inquirers who are courageous, principled, and open-minded. Throughout their time at the school, the Academy’s Class of 2020 have exhibited these qualities and much more. Top scorers have received admissions to a number of prestigious universities including offers at Yale and Cambridge.
Head of Academy Alison Hampshire highlighted the students’ resilience and success, saying, “We are immensely proud of this year’s class and their accomplishments during what has become a difficult and unsettling time for the global community. They had to deal with an unprecedented and unforeseen challenge, yet met it head-on, showing bravery and strength to perform well in their final assignments, which bodes well for their futures.”
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Another top scorer at the Academy, Ohad Mutua, is a beneficiary of our Talent Identification Programme (TID). This programme is developed in line with the Academy’s vision to provide exceptional students with an international-standard education and leadership opportunities, regardless of their ability to pay. “I am grateful for the amazing opportunity to study at this school. The Academy made each and every learning experience one to cherish. Through the TID programme, the Academy helped me to nurture my leadership skills, and to hone them inside and outside the classroom setting, and it really equipped me with all the necessary tools to take on any challenge in the next phase of my education,” said Ohad. “I would like to express my gratitude to all my teachers and peers for their tremendous support, I could not have done it without them.” Talent ID students are selected based on academic merit and leadership potential, and receive full scholarships to attend the Academy from Year 6 onwards.
As part of its aim to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and motivated young people, the IB programme opens doors for students to attend the top institutions of higher learning around the world. Owing to their remarkable academic achievements, students from the Class of 2020 received over USD 7 million in university scholarships. Three were awarded the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow award at the University of British Columbia, which acknowledges students with superior academic achievement, leadership skills, and involvement in community service. Another student received the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto, which recognises student leaders with exceptional academic achievements and the potential to contribute positively to the global community.
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