Students Life
We believe that social, emotional, and mental wellbeing is an integral part of children’s holistic development, and it is a priority for our school. The small class sizes, contribute to the close bonds that teachers build with their students. The Form Tutor is the first and main contact for pupils and parents. They play a central role in the academic and pastoral growth of the children. They regularly talk with and listen to the children in their class about safety and wellbeing issues, and they actively promote our positive behaviour policy. At Nairobi Academy, we believe that if students feel safe and feel that the learning atmosphere is a happy one, they will thrive as learners.
The Guidance and Counselling program is key in supporting our children to realize their potential by helping them balance academic work and activities, minimize frustrations, and eventually undergo a smooth transition to secondary school and beyond. Students may be assigned learning mentors who help them through this journey.
We believe a positive attitude can be learned and practiced. We aim to raise standards by promoting a school ethos which is underpinned by our learner profile attributes and through our value-based annual theme.
Student leadership
We run a vibrant student leadership programme in line with our learner profile attribute LEADER, as we believe every child and every person is a leader where they are. School Prefects are elected from Year 7 and help in promoting the ethos of the school by listening, helping, and advising students where necessary.
The 4-house school system is led by a team of House Captains and Vice Captains from Year 6 and Year 5 respectively. The Student Council is made up of two representatives from each class. It promotes student voice in the decision-making process of the school and encourages the students to take action themselves.
Activities
We believe that great learning happens even beyond the classroom, and we provide a selection of activities and leadership opportunities to enhance students’ learning and growth. Extra-curricular activities include Art, Sport, Music, and the Performing arts, among others.
Friday activities are compulsory and provide the students opportunities to learn about their strengths, develop their talents and enhance teamwork and collaboration. Some of the activities offered have included, and are not limited to, Scouting, Synchronised swimming, Knitting, Science clubs, Junk art, Glass painting, Squash and Band practice.
Music and the Performing arts
Music education is an integral part of our curricular and extra-curricular program. The main strands taught are ‘Making Music’ and ‘Making Sense of Music’. This brings about an appreciation of, not only music, but also the environment around the students. Music brings enthusiasm as every student can find their niche – be it instrumental, vocals, composing, music production or even backstage support. We also offer opportunities for individual instrument lessons available to all our students. These include drums, violin, piano, recorder and others. Students work towards exams following either the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or the London Academy of Music syllabi.
Ensembles and bands can be heard rehearsing at every opportunity and all assemblies (even online) have music incorporated in the program. Music is authentic and relevant and is a part of our culture. We aim to foster a life-long love of music by exposing students to diverse musical experiences and igniting a passion for music.
Dance and drama in different forms are showcased at assemblies, in-class learning, different curriculum days, and an annual performance to which parents are invited. The Nairobi Academy Interschools Verse Speaking competition provides opportunity to perform, hear and experience poetry.
Sport
Nairobi Academy has a strong tradition of sporting success. Students participate and compete across a wide range of sporting events. We have extensive fields and a 25-metre swimming pool. The major sports for boys are cricket, hockey, rugby, and soccer. Our girls take part in rounders, hockey, and netball. Other sports on offer include athletics, cross country, basketball, squash, badminton, tennis, biking, gymnastics, and swimming.
Pupils may be selected to represent the Nairobi Academy at inter-school matches and swimming gala competitions. Inter-house sports competitions are also a regular on the calendar.
