WELCOME TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026–27

WELCOME TO THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026–27 Dear Parents and Guardians, As we begin a new academic year, I extend my sincere gratitude to you for your continued trust and support, and to our teachers for their dedication and commitment. The partnership between home and school remains central to helping our boys grow into capable young men of character, intellect and integrity. The year ahead will build on the strong work already underway across the Senior School. Our focus remains on academic rigour, purposeful opportunities, physical well-being and the development of boys who are reflective, responsible and ready to contribute positively to their community. Academic Enrichment, Inquiry and Research We continue to strengthen learning beyond examination requirements by creating opportunities for boys to investigate, question, write and present with greater independence. The following initiatives will be introduced or expanded this year: - The International Project Qualification (IPQ) will provide participating boys with a structured opportunity to explore a topic of genuine interest, conduct independent research, evaluate sources and produce a sustained academic project. - The AJ Centre Research Project Initiative will connect boys with guided research opportunities and encourage curiosity, evidence-based thinking and scholarly discipline. - Creative Writing sessions for H1 and H2 will help boys strengthen clarity, imagination and confidence in written expression—skills that support both academic work and university applications. These initiatives reflect our commitment to preparing boys not only for examinations, but also for the independent thinking, communication and research expected at university and beyond. Teaching and Professional Learning Our teachers continue to develop their practice through our Teaching & Learning Centre, Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications, subject-specific training, collaboration and reflective professional learning. This year, we will continue to emphasise active learning, effective assessment and feedback, thoughtful use of digital tools, and teaching that connects new knowledge with prior understanding. Equally important is a learning environment in which boys feel safe to ask questions, learn from mistakes and take intellectual risks. Career and University Guidance Our University Counselling Office will continue to support students throughout the university application process. University counsellors have also been allotted to C1 and C2 so that boys and parents can seek guidance well before the H2 application year. The period from January to August is particularly suitable for these meetings, as counsellors have comparatively fewer H2 application pressures during this time. Parents are requested to encourage their sons to meet deadlines, maintain academic integrity and work closely with their assigned counsellors. Application essays and personal statements must remain the student’s own work; counsellors will guide, question and provide feedback, but ownership must rest with the boy. Friday Arrangements for H1 and H2 To use time more effectively, H1 and H2 boys who are not studying a fifth subject will be permitted to leave early on Fridays at 11 am. Boys who have a scheduled fifth-subject lesson, academic commitment, activity, detention or other assigned responsibility must remain in College according to their timetable. Parents are requested to make the necessary transport arrangements and ensure that boys follow the approved schedule throughout the week. Sports and Physical Well-being Sports remain an essential part of an Aitchison education. They promote health, discipline, teamwork, resilience and respect for others. Every year group will therefore have mandatory sports on two designated days each week from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. The year-group schedule is shared on the routine timetable. It is mandatory to maintain 70% physical attendance in the Sports to be eligible for leadership positions next year. Attendance will be recorded by the teachers on duty at the start and end time. Boys are expected to participate in the assigned activity unless medically exempted through the proper College procedure. College team practices and inter-house competitions will continue according to the Sports Department’s schedule. Leadership, Co-Curricular Life and Service The Senior School’s societies, house activities, leadership roles and service opportunities allow boys to discover interests, develop confidence and learn to work with others. Leadership is not limited to holding a badge; it is demonstrated through reliability, initiative, self-discipline and service. Boys are encouraged to participate meaningfully rather than merely collecting titles, and to leave a positive footprint for those who follow. Character and Pastoral Care Character development remains at the heart of our work. Honesty, empathy, humility, perseverance, accountability and responsible digital citizenship will continue to be reinforced through assemblies, lessons, house life and individual guidance. Year Heads and Housemasters will meet boys regularly and will work closely with families where support is needed. “Perseverance commands success.” Important Expectations Parents and boys are requested to read the Student Handbook and Behaviour Policy (available on the portal), which set out the College’s expectations regarding attendance, conduct, discipline, uniform, digital responsibility and wider school life. These policies apply throughout the academic year, and boys are expected to understand and adhere to them. - Boys must attend punctually, wear the correct uniform and maintain the required standards of grooming from the first day. - Mobile phones must remain switched off during the school day and may only be used in accordance with College rules. - The Honour Code and expected standards of conduct apply in classrooms, houses, sports, activities and online spaces. - Parents should consult the portal and official College communication regularly, and ensure that their contact information remains current. - For academic matters, boys should first approach the relevant teacher, Head of Department or Year Level Coordinator. - For any concerns, parents may contact the DHMSS or the HMSS via email. Looking Ahead The coming year offers our boys many opportunities to learn, create, compete, serve and lead. We look forward to working with you to ensure that they make responsible choices, use these opportunities fully and grow in confidence and maturity. I wish all our boys a purposeful, productive and fulfilling academic year. Yours sincerely, Amina Kamran Headmistress, Senior School

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