Sports & Co-Curricular Activities

Islamic Society Hosts Inspiring Annual 'Qirat and Naat' Competitions

The Islamic Society of Aitchison College, Senior School, successfully hosted the Annual Inter-House ‘Qirat’ and ‘Naat’ Competitions on 4 September 2025. It was a gathering of spiritual reflection and artistic devotion. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students across all seventeen Houses, uniting the student community in a powerful celebration of faith and shared Islamic values.

The 'Qirat' competition was structured into two distinct categories: Junior and Senior. Participants recited the Quran with clarity, emotion, and reverence. The 'Naat' competition was open to all students, offering a moving platform for heartfelt poetic praise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

A panel of esteemed judges, including faculty members and accomplished ‘Qaris’, evaluated each performance on vocal quality, expression, and spiritual impact. Their thoughtful guidance encouraged students to further explore and appreciate the beauty of Islamic art.

More than just a competition, the event served to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and faith across the college. It was a day of immense inspiration, quiet reflection, and collective pride, meticulously organised by the dedicated members of the Islamic Society Senior School. The event underscored Aitchison College's commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also the spiritual and cultural development of its students.

Integrating AI in Teaching & Learning

Mr. Jazib Zahir, Director of the LUMS Center for Entrepreneurship, led an insightful session for Junior and Senior Prep School teachers on 'Integrating AI in Teaching & Learning.' Educators explored the future of teaching as Mr. Zahir demystified current AI trends, focusing on practical tools and strategic planning for the classroom. The discussion empowered attendees to talk about AI with confidence in a strong ethical framework.

Creating engaging classrooms - A Booster Session for Experienced Teachers

During Staff Development Days 2025, our experienced teaching faculty participated in "Creating Engaging Classrooms," a dynamic booster session designed to refine instructional practices. Moving beyond theory, the session equipped educators with practical strategies and conscious management of teacher talk and wait-time to foster deeper student engagement. The core emphasis was on reflective practice and building student resilience and metacognition to intentionally design collaborative, resourceful, and student-centered learning environments.

Teaching at Aitchison: Induction Course

Teachers have embarked on their Aitchison journey by completing our intensive two-day induction course offered by Teaching and Learning Centre. This programme laid a strong foundation in establishing the College’s values and practices through hands-on exploration of active learning strategies, lesson planning and classroom management. This induction marks a confident start to their professional journey at Aitchison. More follow-up sessions are planned throughout the academic year to explore lesson planning and issues around assessment in detail.

Fostering a Culture of Continuous Professional Development for Academic Excellence

The General Staff Meeting on 25^th August welcomed teachers back to school. The GSM theme was "Attitudes that Enhance Teaching & Learning: A Commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Academic Excellence." The Principal emphasized the critical role of continuous professional development, complemented by inspiring contributions from the Heads of the three schools and the Director of TLC. Dr. Kamal Munir, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, was a special guest; he highlighted the need for innovative teaching strategies to engage students, especially in the context of technological advancements and the rise of Artificial Intelligence.

The meeting aimed to reinforce a culture of CPD, introduce professional development pathways, align teaching attitudes with Aitchison’s vision of academic excellence, inspire educators through shared leadership, and announce various CPD interventions offered by TLC.

A Warm Welcome: Orientation Day at Aitchison College, Junior School

The bright and cheerful morning of Saturday, August 30, 2025, was a special day. The halls of the Junior School buzzed with excitement as the New Admissions and their families arrived for the much-anticipated Orientation Day. This special day marked the start of a new chapter in our students’ lives. The Headmistress of the Junior School warmly welcomed the parents, sharing the school’s vision, detailing academic expectations, extracurricular programs, and the various support systems in place to help students succeed. The school campus came alive as students and their families toured classrooms and met their teachers.

Orientation Day: The First Step towards a Promising Tomorrow

On August 30, 2025, Aitchison College Prep School held its Orientation Day to welcome the New Entrants and their families. The event featured warm addresses by the esteemed Principal, Dr S.M. Turab Hussain, and the worthy Headmaster, Raja Ashfaq Ahmad. The Headmaster welcomed the parents and provided valuable insights into the school’s academic structure, policies, and expectations. He also discussed the school's vision for developing well-rounded individuals, highlighting our high academic standards, diverse extracurricular activities, and strong support systems to help each child succeed. He underscored the vital role of parent-school collaboration in supporting each student’s growth and success. After the address, the students took a tour of the school, exploring sunlit classrooms, spacious grounds, the library, and canteens.

The day set a positive and encouraging tone for the academic year ahead, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for our newest students.

Unfolding a New Chapter of Life

The first day of the 2025 Session at Junior School buzzed with excitement, curiosity, and the promise of new beginnings. Students arrived with bright smiles and eager hearts, ready to step into their new journey at Aitchison College.

To help the New Entrants settle in, the day unfolded with a variety of engaging activities. It began with a guided tour of the school buildings, where they explored their future classrooms, the library, science labs, and the sports grounds—spaces that will soon become part of their daily lives.

One of the most cherished moments was the photo booth, where each child had his first-day portrait captured—a keepsake to treasure for years to come. The day concluded with a scenic bus tour across the sprawling campus. It gave the New Entrants their first glimpse of Aitchison’s majestic architecture and lush green grounds.

It was a day filled with discovery, joy, and memories that marked the beginning of a very special chapter in their lives.

Aitchisonian Makes History with National Junior Squash Championship Title

We are proud to share that Abdur Rehman Riaz of the E-2 class has brought honour to Aitchison College with a remarkable achievement at the CAS National Junior Squash Championship 2025 held in Peshawar. Competing in the U-11 category, Abdur Rehman displayed exceptional skill, discipline, and determination to secure the championship title. In a gripping final, he overcame Pakistan’s No. 1 player, Anas Rafay, with an impressive 3–1 victory. This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and immense promise as a rising star of squash. The tournament was graced by squash legend Mr Jansher Khan, who presented medals and trophies to the young champions.

Decoding the DNA of a True Leader

Aitchison College, Senior School, successfully organised a transformative Leadership Camp meticulously designed to instill leadership skills and qualities in our students. Many useful sessions were arranged, during which inspirational leadership topics were discussed, such as:

Leaders, the Difference Makers:

The leadership camp commenced with a dynamic session led by the Headmistress of Senior School, Ms. Amina Kamran. She guided the students through a conflict resolution scenario. It broadened their perspectives. The activities were instrumental in developing problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.

Qualities of a Leader: Sportsman Spirit:

Mr. Ahmad Nawaz Sukera, an Old Boy of the College, former minister, and Civil Servant, conducted a session on "Qualities of a Leader: Sportsman Spirit". He candidly shared his professional experiences and family stories. His reflections on leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship were motivating, while light-hearted remarks kept the session engaging. Recalling his own time at Aitchison made the talk especially meaningful, leaving the boys with a lasting impression on leadership and the spirit of sports.

Value of Traditions in Life:

A memorable session, titled "The Value of Traditions in Life," was hosted by distinguished Old Boys, Mr. Ali Noumani and Dr. Omar Hayat. They spoke about the bond of friendship formed during their years at Aitchison and how it has strengthened beyond graduation. Reflecting on their careers and life journeys, they emphasised the role of traditions in shaping values and character. Their openness in sharing personal experiences made the session warm and engaging, leaving the audience humbled and inspired by the enduring impact of Aitchison’s traditions and friendships.

Actions Define Leaders, Not Words:

The Deputy Headmaster, Dr. M. Kamran, lucidly spoke about the theme “Actions Define Leaders, Not Words”. The boys were divided into groups of three. They were assigned leadership-related topics such as empathy, intelligence, emotional intelligence, and altruism. They collaborated to research, prepare, and present their ideas on the final day. The exercise fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity, while drawing inspiration from great leaders in history. The message was that true leadership is demonstrated through actions, not mere lip service.

Activity by Mr. Faiq Rizwan:

Our students attended a creative session in the Physics Lab with an Old Boy and former President of the Arts and Media Society, Mr. Faiq Rizwan. Working with clay, our students crafted shapes and models, turning the lab into a space of imagination and artistic expression. The interactive activity offered a refreshing change of pace, balancing relaxation with creativity.

Visit to the Archive Department:

Mr. Muhammad Tariq and Mr. Khalid Saifullah took the students to the College Archive Department for the exploration of rare photographs, documents, and memorabilia. The tour offered a deeper understanding of the College’s rich history. It was an educational and inspiring experience that connected the boys with Aitchison’s rich legacy and traditions.

Policy Update by Ms. Khadija:

Ms. Khadija, a promising researcher at the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC), conducted the College Policy update session for Prefects, Captains, and Presidents. She outlined how student leaders should handle difficult situations in accordance with College Rules. Leaders should set good examples, providing clarity and consistency on how to address challenges fairly and effectively.

Digital Footprints, Real Consequences:

An engaging session on "Digital Footprints, Real Consequences" was led by Computer Science teacher Ms. Nida. Students participated in activities that demonstrated how internet history, social media use, and online behavior create lasting digital footprints. The session highlighted how these can affect future careers and personal lives, positively or negatively.

Qualities of a Gentleman, Panel Discussion:

A special panel discussion on “Qualities of a Gentleman” was held in the Auditorium, featuring distinguished Old Boys — Mr. Momin Malik, Mr. Abeer Mustafa, and Mr. Sadiq Soofi. Each had served as Head Boy under different Principals and shared how those experiences shaped their understanding of leadership and character. Speaking with presence and grace, they embodied the very qualities they described. The interactive discussion, enriched with personal stories from their Aitchison years, offered inspiring and relatable lessons on respect, resilience, and integrity.

From Heat to Harmony: A Leader’s Role in Conflict:

In the Auditorium, Ms. Tosheeba Sarwar delivered a talk on “From Heat to Harmony: A Leader’s Role in Conflict”. She emphasised conflict resolution as a vital leadership skill, outlining ways to manage disagreements with patience and empathy. Thought-provoking yet engaging, her session offered valuable lessons in self-improvement and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on the boys.

Iqbal and Leadership:

A memorable session with Mr. Salahuddin, grandson of Allama Iqbal, was held. His warmth and happiness at being back at the college after so long were evident throughout. He shared powerful stories about Allama Iqbal, including his deep respect for Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Mr. Salahuddin also recited Iqbal’s timeless poetry, making the session deeply moving. Speaking with sincerity, he highlighted the enduring relevance of Iqbal’s philosophy and the importance of the Persian language in understanding Iqbal's vision. The session left students inspired and grateful for such a rare opportunity.

Flag Hoisting Ceremony:

On the 14th of August, the college community, teaching faculty, staff, Senior School Prefects, and students of Campus Boys and Girls Schools, attended the Flag Hoisting Ceremony to commemorate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. After the flag hoisting, the Principal of Aitchison College, Dr. S.M. Turab Hussain, delivered an inspirational speech for the guidance of our students.

Fuelled by Passion, Guided by Principles:

Mr. Azam Jamil has worn many hats in life, ranging from a professional tennis player to an actor, a corporate coach, and now a leader in the hospitality industry, sharing his remarkable journey with us. His talk reminded us that true success comes when passion drives us forward, but principles keep us grounded. What made the session even more memorable were his light-hearted comments, humour, and relatable stories that kept everyone entertained while learning profound lessons. Students walked away motivated, entertained, and grateful for what many described as one of the most enjoyable and impactful sessions they had experienced.

Tea Party:

In the evening of the 14th of August, the Senior School hosted a Tea Party for the families of the Leadership Body to acknowledge the accomplishments of their sons. The event was part of the 78th Independence Day celebration of Pakistan. The college societies graced the gathering with speeches, Quizzes, and other interesting activities.

On the whole, the camp was a transformative experience for our students.

Cultivating Champions: Summer Sports Camp

From July 16th to August 16th, the Sports Department held a comprehensive Summer Sports Camp for students of Senior, Prep, and Junior Schools. A wide range of sports was offered, including Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Hockey, Squash, Swimming, Riding, Tennis, and Rugby.

More than 300 students enthusiastically participated in the camp, demonstrating their passion and dedication. National and local coaches of Cricket, Football, and Swimming trained the boys. Their tireless efforts and expertise helped our students in overall fitness, stamina, endurance, muscle strength, and techniques. Many participants are expected to represent Aitchison in the college teams. The camp will help improve their skills and fitness levels. Morning sessions focused on all sports, while Football and Cricket sessions were held exclusively in the evening to maximise time and facilities. Such camps are the breeding ground for future champions.

None of this would have been possible without the superb organisation of the Sports Management team. Our sincere thanks also go to the Principal, Dr. S. M. Turab Hussain, and the Bursar for their unwavering support.

From Lahore to Beijing: A Journey of AI Olympiad Glory

Earlier this year, Aitchison College gained accreditation from the International Board for the International Olympiad of Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). It designates the college as the national selection body for the Olympiad, positioning it as the only institution in Pakistan to win this unique honour.

The International Science Olympiads (ISO) are a series of annual global competitions in various fields of the formal sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences. The competitions are intended for the 4-6 top high school students from each participating country. The goals of each ISO are to promote careers in science and to challenge the brightest students worldwide. The International Olympiad of Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) is an international science Olympiad specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Aitchison hosted the Pakistan Olympiad of Artificial Intelligence (POAI) in March 2025 as the national selection process, which assessed students’ knowledge of AI topics such as computer vision. The four highest-scoring students from POAI were chosen, all from different schools and participated in four training camps in the months leading up to the Olympiad. These camps, co-hosted with Skills2Success, offered training in natural language processing, deep learning, computer vision, and machine learning.

From 2nd to 9th August 2025, IOAI was held in Beijing, China. Under the able guidance of Deputy Headmaster, Senior School, Dr. Muhammad Kamran, the four-member team represented Pakistan, facing elite competitors from over sixty countries and territories. The students competed in a two-day gruelling individual contest, solving six difficult AI problems.

The only Aitchisonian in Team Pakistan, Ayan Bin Rafaih, received an “Honourable Mention” — the first time in Pakistan’s history — and was also the highest scorer from the national team at IOAI. This marks the first time since 2015, over ten years ago, that an Aitchisonian has won at an ISO. We extend our heartiest congratulations to Ayan and the teaching staff with the optimism that they will achieve more in their future endeavours at IOAI 2026.