Kasim Kasuri

Hello parents and teachers! I was wondering how many of you are aware of the 'Single National Curriculum' launching across Punjab, Isbd, and KPK in August 2021 from the early years to Class 5 (apparently Sindh has refused so far...let's see), and later for older year groups. The SNC does not include Art, Music, Physical Education, IT/robotics, personal/social/health education (PSHE), all of which are key components of the Beaconhouse curriculum. After a detailed mapping exercise, we have learnt that even the subjects it DOES cover only address 70% of the content delivered in similar subjects in the existing Beaconhouse curriculum up to Class 5.

To ensure implementation, the govt wishes to introduce 30 "model textbooks" to be used at all schools from madrassahs to public and private schools. Several subjects will be taught in Urdu, the rest in English.

I must say that the "thought process" behind the SNC is very noble: to end the "education apartheid", as our PM puts it, and create equal opportunities for ALL children. It sounds amazing on paper, or atop a container! But anyone with a basic understanding of education knows that you CANNOT CREATE QUALITY with a curriculum document, otherwise all schools would be amazing...because we could simply COPY/PASTE the globally acclaimed Finland approach/curriculum in Pakistan. IT IS THE TEACHERS & THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF TEACHING & LEARNING, CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, FOCUS ON STUDENT WELLBEING, SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT & INFRASTRUCTURE, and an understanding of "how children learn" that separates good schools from not-so-good ones. Sadly, a curriculum document cannot accomplish any of that. The harsh reality is that a common curriculum document is NOT going to uplift schools (in public or private sectors) that are otherwise not performing.

I was amused (and a little perplexed) to learn recently that some people had expressed the view that "private schools are scared because government schools are going to catch up." As a Pakistani, I wish to reassure you that nothing would make me happier! But, as I have explained, the so-called "education apartheid" is not about a curriculum document -- in fact, we already have a national curriculum from 2006! It is, at its core, about teachers. McKinsey says that "The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers." But even if they didn't say that, WE ALL KNOW THAT.

Let me know your thoughts on the SNC, so that we may pass them on to the "powers that be". Or, if you wish, please email them directly at [email protected] (Punjab govt) or [email protected] (Federal Minister Shafqat Mahmood) and [email protected] (Federal Education Ministry). And do forward this message to other parents and educators so that they are better informed.

LASTLY, this is not about "school fees", so kindly press the 'pause button' on your critique for 5 mins. This is about the future of your children and mine....and therefore the future of this country we all call home.

KK

Delighted to visit my birthtown and childhood haunt Faisalabad today to inaugurate the new Beaconhouse College Programme (A Level Campus), already Faisalabad’s leading A Level programme (by leaps and bounds) despite attempts by ‘certain schools’ to poach our students 😬😬 Also in Faisalabad: visited the FIRST of the new Beaconhouse International College (BIC) network spearheaded by Nassir Kasuri. Honoured to meet teachers & administrators like Ms Lalarukh who have been with Beaconhouse for 30 years. Like I said in my rambling speech, without all of you, we’d just be a bunch of empty buildings! Architect for both buildings (empty or otherwise): ADIL YUSAF + Associates.

Visited the new Beaconhouse PECHS KG 3 campus on Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi, with Ali Ahmed Khan, Chief Operating Officer, and Ammar Haider, Cluster Director South. Hopefully one day after Covid, it will resound with the pitter-patter of little feet!

Visited DISCOVERY EARLY YEARS earlier today in Karachi with Cluster Director South Ammar Haider, Discovery Cluster Convener Nazia Adeel & School Head Bushra Awais -- great school, great vibe, great team -- all looking forward to welcoming students back tomorrow -- amidst tight Covid protocols!

Beaconhouse School System [Official]
Discovery Centre - A Beaconhouse School

So I’m just wondering how you all feel about schools reopening on 15, 22, and 30 September for O/A Levels, Middle School, and Primary/Early Years respectively. Confident? Apprehensive? Confused? Happy to hear *constructive* thoughts that will further this discussion.

My best wishes and undying gratitude to all teachers today on World Teachers’ Day - 5 October. You are the backbone of Beaconhouse and indeed all schools. As noted by UNESCO and others, an education system is only as good as its teachers (and a nation is only as good as its education system). Teaching is indeed a labour of love, a ‘calling’ rather than a ‘job’... Please keep doing what you do best in nurturing the future generations of our nation. Today I salute your efforts and thank you for your unwavering commitment.
Kasim Kasuri (on behalf of all the alumni and students of Beaconhouse)

Our official statement on the engineered social media attack on Beaconhouse:

I hope everyone has settled into the new school year. I saw this on some of my friends' pages and wanted to share it here. Please take a moment to reflect...

As we begin a new school year, take a minute to say a little prayer for the kids that don't fit in. The kids that come home in tears, because they sit on the 'buddy bench' at recess--and even then no one will play with them. The kids that are “different” at school. Pray they know they are loved; pray they know they are special; pray they find their tribe of friends. And pray they find the strength to do it alone if that is what life has dealt them.

Teach your kids to be kind to everyone. Copy, paste and share the love.

Celebrating an Icon
On the occasion of International Women's Day, Beaconhouse today announced the Asma Jahangir Scholarship to be awarded annually to an outstanding A Level student who demonstrates (just a glimpse?) of the values and attributes embodied by Ms Jahangir. The selection committee will comprise Mrs Salima Hashmi, Mrs Nazish Ataullah, Mrs Khawar Mumtaz, and a member of the Jahangir family. This was announced by the Chairperson of Beaconhouse, Mrs Nasreen Kasuri, at an event celebrating the life of the iconic Asma Jahangir - aptly hosted by the All-Girls Beaconhouse 'Liberty' Campus in Lahore...

With over 27,335 alumni registered on our website (and counting), Beaconhouse has one of the largest alumni networks in the world. I was privileged to have attended earlier tonight the first official BOSS (Beaconhouse Old Students Society) Alumni Dinner in Karachi, followed by a concert by 'Kashmir' - which features a Beaconite!