Teaching and Learning

Nyagatare Secondary School's students are keen learners, committed to working to their potential, constantly striving to better their best. Students recognise that they are ready to learn when they are punctual, calm and organised, and learn best when they show respect and listen to one another, and ask questions when they do not understand. Students are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their learning.

Nyagatare Secondary School builds on students' prior learning and their acquisition of key skills in literacy and numeracy from their primary education, supporting their transition to Ordinary Level studies. In Senior One, Two and Three, students study English, Kinyarwanda, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, History, Geography and Entrepreneurship. Further to this, students also study Political Science, Creative Performance and Agriculture as non-examinable subjects. Many students continue at Nyagatare Secondary School to study at Advanced Level, focussing their studies on either Biology-Chemistry-Maths or Maths-Physics-Chemistry options. Students have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and actively engage with their science subjects through practical experience in the school's unique laboratory facilities. The computer laboratory allows students to extend their understanding of information communication technology in an interactive way, whilst the school's internet access encourages students' global awareness and access to online educational resources.

Students are able to further their study and engage in independent learning, by accessing the school's extensive library. As well as textbooks relating to their classroom learning, there are also a range of texts available to increase their general knowledge and skills in literacy. The library also catalogues copies of national exams and Rwanda's national newspapers to support their acquisition of the curriculum.

Nyagatare Secondary School offers a diverse and vibrant range of extra-curricular activities to students, which provide opportunities for furthering experience in cultural, sporting and arts activities. The school encourages inter-class football, basketball and volleyball matches, as well as competing with neighbouring secondary schools and at district level. After-school clubs meet on a weekly basis, and include science, anti-AIDS, unity and reconciliation, school magazine, debate, drama, gender and human rights. The school also has a Global School Partnership with another secondary school in the United Kingdom, through which students are involved in joint-curriculum activities. In the past students have also have taken part in an exchange programme with the United State of America.

Teaching is monitored and evaluated both within the school and through external inspection by the Ministry of Education. Teachers assess students informally during lessons, and formally through monthly tests and at the end of each term, to gain an accurate understanding of students' learning and areas of weakness. Nyagatare Secondary School teachers promote and value diversity and equality in their classrooms, challenging students to be responsible and thoughtful citizens.

Parents are actively involved in the development of the school through the Parents' and Teachers' Association. This provides a forum for parents to share their views and further their involvement in the day to day running of the school. A representative from this group also sits on the school discipline committee.