November 12th, 2004                                                                       Ref: ASSET-OLP-2004

 

Dear Members, Colleagues and Friends

 

The definition of Social Studies takes many forms and is often compromised to suit the teaching needs determined by the educational system within a country. This is especially true in our case where the definition of this most vital subject has been reduced, at best, to comprise of geography, history and civics. Compounding the problem of limited scope is the fact that the last decade has seen a marked decline in the level of importance accorded to this subject by our educational system and in particular by teachers and parents; and thus students.

Most of the prevailing text books and other popular reference material on Social Studies, and in particular on the history of Pakistan, continue to provide a blinkered textual path to history and thus strangulate any chance of broader and innovative study and/or research. The repetition of typical and stereotyped questions in quizzes and examinations compound the problem further and encourage the “ratta” culture.

 

Realising the need to introduce a fresh and invigorating approach in the teaching of Pakistan history, ASSET proudly announces its annual Olympiad with the underlying concept embodied in the title “Pakistan: The Journey, 1947 to date”. This Olympiad has been designed to encourage a creative approach for the study of Pakistan history.

 

Participants of this Olympiad will be briefed and facilitated in the preparation of posters (along with accompanying text) focusing on the history of Pakistan since its birth in 1947 to the present day. Participants will then compete in a quiz on the subject. Questions will be asked using the three themes - Achievements, building relationships, and revisiting the vision of Pakistan. This thematic approach is designed to ensure a stimulating experience.

 

Who should/can participate?

The contest is open to all schools and institutions in Karachi.

What is the minimum required academic level for participation?

Each school will be required to select three students from Classes IX or X.

 

Each group of students must be accompanied by one teacher from the school or institution. The role and participation of the accompanying teacher will be described and stipulated at the event.

 

If the heads of the schools are interested to participate in the event they should intimate any member of the ASSET Executive Committee and/or the PTAN Office to confirm their presence in the program.

 

 

What preparations should the participants undertake?

The students selected must primarily possess good comprehension and presentations skills. All groups will be assigned facilitators to guide them in the study of the reference material provided at the start of the event and in the preparation of A3-sized posters.

 

All the thematic questions asked in the quiz competition will be based from the material given at the start of the event and thus the schools can only attempt to prepare the students by revisiting Pakistan history with the thematic approach described earlier.

 

All necessary stationary and work materials will be provided and the groups will have the option to select the material/medium they deem most appropriate for the development of the posters and supporting text.

 

A panel of judges will evaluate the group outputs and decide the winners. The decision of the panel will be final and undisputed.

 

Registration

The ASSET Olympiad will be held at The Aga Khan University - Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) Karachi Campus on December 18, 2004 starting at 9:00 am sharp. Participants will be required to be seated latest by 8:30 am. Attendance and material distribution formalities will be completed by 8:55 am to ensure that the event starts on time at 9:00 am. The event will end at about 2:00pm.

Last date of registration

Schools and institutions are requested to send in the dully completed registration form (attached) latest by November 26, 2004. The registration form must be completed in all respects and the names of the students nominated by the schools must be clearly spelled and presented in CAPITAL letters. The forms must be submitted to Mr. Farhan Jiwani at PTAN Office.

Registration fee

A token of rupees Eight hundred (Rs.800/-) is payable as registration fee and must be attached to the registration form either in Cash or in the form of a crossed cheque in the name of IED-AKU.

 

We urge all of you to take part in this novel event and contribute to its success. Please feel free to contact the undersigned or the PTAN Office if you have any query or require clarifications.

 

Looking forward to your continued support and cooperation

 

 

Yours truly,

 

 

 

 

Sadiq Merchant

Event Coordinator, ASSET

ASSET OLYMPIAD – December 18, 2004

 

Pakistan: “The Journey, 1947 to date”

 

REGISTRATION FORM

 

1

Name of school or institution

 

 

 

2

Name of Principal

 

3

Complete address and contact information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone number(s)

 

 

E-mail address

 

4

Select one category that best describes your institution

(1) Government, (2) Semi-government, (3) Community operated, (4) Private

5

Is your organisation a member of ASSET?

Yes:

 

No: Not a member

 

If not a member, would you like to become a member of ASSET?  ( Yes / No)

6

Name of the teacher accompanying the students

Mr./Mrs./Ms.:

7

Names of the three students nominated as the contestants in the Olympiad

 

Gender

Class

FULL NAME

A

M/F

 

 

B

M/F

 

 

c

M/F

 

 

8

Registration fee

Paid in cash / Cheque (crossed to “AKU-IED”)