Teachers’ Professional Training Program

This term, teachers participated in professional development workshops conducted by experienced external trainers. The training sessions focused on modern teaching techniques, classroom management, and innovative learning strategies. These workshops were informative and motivating, equipping teachers with practical tools to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement. The program reinforced the school’s commitment to continuous professional growth and academic excellence.

Annual Drama Festival – Confluence of Cultures

The Annual Drama Festival was a grand school-wide celebration showcasing the creativity and talent of students. Based on the theme “Confluence of Cultures,” the festival highlighted cultural diversity through engaging performances. A special tribute to Allama Iqbal reflected his inspiring vision and message for the youth. The event provided students with a platform for self-expression, confidence building, and collaboration, while fostering cultural awareness and unity.

Sports Week 2025

Sports Week was organized to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students. The event featured a variety of competitive matches across different sports, with enthusiastic participation from all students. Throughout the week, students demonstrated discipline, determination, and team spirit. Certificates were awarded to winners in recognition of their achievements. The event successfully encouraged healthy competition and a positive sporting culture within the school.

Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: A Vision That Still Guides Us

“With faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve.”

Every year, as 25th December approaches, Pakistan pauses. Streets carry flags, schools hold assemblies, speeches echo familiar words, and portraits of Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah look down on us with quiet resolve. Yet beyond the ceremonial remembrance lies a deeper responsibility—one that asks us not only to remember him, but to understand him.

At Schola Nova, we believe that remembering the Father of the Nation Pakistan is not limited to recounting history. It is about revisiting a vision—one that continues to guide how we educate, how we lead, and how we shape the minds of the next generation.

Quaid e Azam did not inherit certainty. He built it. He did not walk an easy path. He carved one, guided by clarity of thought, moral courage, and an unshakeable belief in justice. Pakistan was not merely born out of political negotiations; it emerged from conviction, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to principle.

More Than a Date: The Meaning of 25th December

Quaid e Azam’s birthday is not just a national holiday. It is a moment of reflection.

It reminds us that nations are not sustained by slogans alone, but by values practiced consistently over time. As educators, parents, and students, this day urges us to ask whether we are nurturing minds that value integrity over convenience, unity over division, and responsibility over entitlement.

At Schola Nova, Quaid e Azam Birthday on 25 December is observed as a day to reconnect with purpose—to revisit why education, character, and leadership matter, and how they are inseparably linked to the future of Pakistan.

A Leader Defined by Principle, Not Power

What truly sets Quaid e Azam apart is not only the magnitude of what he achieved, but the manner in which he achieved it.

In an era marked by uncertainty and compromise, Jinnah stood firm. He believed in the rule of law, constitutional processes, and dialogue rooted in dignity. His leadership was never impulsive or theatrical. It was calm, deliberate, and grounded in moral consistency.

For today’s students, growing up in a fast-paced world of instant opinions and fleeting influence, his life offers a powerful lesson: leadership does not begin with authority; it begins with character.

He showed us that true strength lies not in loudness, but in clarity. Not in dominance, but in discipline. His example reminds young minds that greatness is built through patience, resilience, and ethical resolve.

Faith, Discipline, and Duty: Values That Transcend Time

Quaid e Azam’s philosophy was anchored in three simple yet profound values—faith, discipline, and selfless devotion to duty. These were not abstract ideals; they were lived principles that shaped every aspect of his life.

Faith, for him, meant belief in justice, in human dignity, and in the collective future of a people striving for self-determination. Discipline defined his personal and professional conduct, from punctuality to principle. And his devotion to duty reflected a life dedicated to service, often at great personal cost.

At Schola Nova, these values resonate deeply. Education, in our view, is not only about academic excellence. It is about cultivating disciplined thinkers, ethically grounded individuals, and socially responsible citizens—exactly the kind of youth Quaid e Azam envisioned for Pakistan.

Education: The Cornerstone of Quaid e Azam’s Vision

Few leaders have emphasised education as strongly as Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He believed that the strength of a nation lies in the education of its youth—not merely in literacy, but in critical thinking, moral reasoning, and civic responsibility.

He envisioned a Pakistan where young people would rise above fear and prejudice, guided by knowledge and a strong sense of duty toward society. Education, for him, was not a privilege; it was a national necessity.

This belief forms the heart of Schola Nova’s educational mission. We strive to create learning environments where students are encouraged to question, reflect, and grow—not only academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

We believe that education must prepare children not just for examinations, but for life. It must empower them to navigate complexity with empathy, to face challenges with resilience, and to lead with integrity.

The Jinnah Vision for Pakistan: Still Relevant, Still Needed

The Quaid e Azam legacy is not confined to history books. His vision for Pakistan was forward-looking—one rooted in equality, justice, and respect for diversity.

He spoke of a nation where citizens would be judged not by religion or background, but by their contribution and character. A nation where law would protect all, and where unity would rise above differences.

Today, this vision remains as relevant as ever. For students growing up in an interconnected yet divided world, understanding Jinnah’s vision for Pakistan is essential. It teaches them that national identity is strengthened through shared values, not fractured by differences.

At Schola Nova, we aim to nurture this understanding by fostering inclusive learning spaces where respect, fairness, and empathy are lived experiences—not just ideals discussed in classrooms.

Learning Leadership Through Example

Quaid e Azam’s leadership style offers invaluable lessons for young learners. He led not through force, but through conviction. Not through popularity, but through principle.

In a time when leadership is often associated with visibility and influence, his life teaches students that true leadership is rooted in responsibility, humility, and service.

At Schola Nova, leadership development begins early—through responsibility, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. Students are encouraged to lead with compassion, to listen with respect, and to act with integrity.

These are the qualities that build not only successful individuals, but strong societies.

A Living Legacy Reflected in Everyday Choices

Quaid e Azam’s legacy lives not only in monuments and speeches, but in everyday actions. It lives in choosing honesty over shortcuts, fairness over favouritism, and unity over division.

For educators, it lives in teaching with sincerity.
For parents, in guiding with values.
For students, in learning with purpose.

At Schola Nova, we believe that every classroom interaction, every lesson taught with care, and every effort toward excellence becomes part of a larger national story—one that continues Quaid e Azam’s vision in meaningful ways.

Schola Nova’s Tribute and Commitment

On this 25th December, Schola Nova pays heartfelt tribute to Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Father of the Nation.

We recommit ourselves to the values he stood for—faith in purpose, discipline in action, and selfless devotion to duty. We pledge to nurture future citizens who are not only knowledgeable, but ethical, compassionate, and courageous.

May we remain worthy of the freedom he secured.
May we continue building the Pakistan he envisioned.
May his vision guide our classrooms, our choices, and our collective future.

Happy Birthday, Quaid e Azam.
Your vision lives on—in us, and in the generations we nurture.

Alumni Spotlight: Mohammad Farrae — Leading Global Change in Sustainable Food Systems

Schola Nova takes immense pride in celebrating alumni whose journeys continue to inspire our students and uplift communities around the world. Today, we spotlight Mohammad Farrae, a development professional, sustainability advocate, and global food systems specialist whose work stands at the forefront of climate action and community resilience. His trajectory reflects perseverance, vision, and the transformative power of purpose-driven education.

Driving Global Change Through Sustainable Food Systems

Mohammad currently serves as the Scientific Director of the AIM for Scale Secretariat, a global platform dedicated to advancing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable food systems, and resilience for vulnerable populations. In this leadership role, he helps shape policies, partnerships, and scientific pathways that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and environmental sustainability.
His work is not only technical; it is deeply human-centered. Through global collaborations and strategic foresight, Mohammad is contributing to a future where agricultural systems are equitable, resilient, and environmentally responsible.

A Global Career Rooted in Purpose and Sustainability

Mohammad’s expertise spans:
• Sustainable development
• Food systems transformation
• Climate-smart agriculture
• Policy innovation and global partnerships

Before joining AIM for Scale, he served as Senior Specialist for Food Systems Partnerships at COP28, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening international commitments toward climate resilience. His contributions supported global initiatives to enhance food security, improve agricultural systems, and build climate-adaptive ecosystems.

Across his career, he has collaborated with world-leading institutions, including:
• FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
• University of Notre Dame
• U.S. Embassy–supported development programmes
• Gates Foundation–supported initiatives in Pakistan

Through these engagements, Mohammad has built a portfolio of work that bridges research, policy, and community-driven solutions.

Academic Excellence: From Islamabad to Notre Dame

Mohammad’s academic journey is as inspiring as his professional one.
He holds a Master of Global Affairs in Sustainable Development from the University of Notre Dame (USA)  one of the world’s top institutions for global policy and development studies.
His academic foundation began with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, which laid the groundwork for his analytical thinking, technical rigor, and systems-based approach to problem-solving.

A Journey That Started at Schola Nova

Mohammad joined Schola Nova in Grade 7, at a time when he had transitioned between multiple schools and faced academic challenges. What followed was a turning point in his life.
At Schola Nova, he found a nurturing environment where individual attention, patient guidance, and personalised learning helped him rediscover his confidence. His teachers recognized his potential long before he did, providing the encouragement and structure he needed to excel.

He completed his O-Levels at Schola Nova and went on to earn a full scholarship for A-Levels at one of Islamabad’s leading institutions. From there, he pursued engineering at NUST, followed by a career that has taken him to global platforms and international leadership roles  culminating in his graduate studies at Notre Dame.
His journey is a powerful reminder that the right school environment can transform a child’s trajectory.

Shaping Global Food Systems and Strengthening Communities

Today, Mohammad’s work revolves around designing and implementing strategies that support climate-resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems worldwide. His efforts directly contribute to improving livelihoods, strengthening agricultural ecosystems, and supporting communities most impacted by climate change.
Through his work, he represents the values that Schola Nova holds dear  integrity, innovation, compassion, and a commitment to meaningful global impact.

A Schola Novian Who Inspires

Mohammad Farrae embodies what it means to be a Schola Novian: a compassionate leader, a lifelong learner, and an individual committed to creating positive change.
His story reassures our students that:
• Struggles are stepping stones
• Potential grows when nurtured
• Purpose can lead you across the world
• Excellence is a journey shaped by resilience and heart

Mohammad continues to inspire the Schola Nova family, reminding us that great futures often begin with small moments of belief — the kind that teachers extend, classrooms nurture, and students eventually live out on the global stage.

When Winter Meets Exams: Holding Space for Learning, Care, and Calm

A Reflection from Schola Nova

On winter mornings, the school feels different.

The corridors are quieter for a few extra minutes. Hands are tucked into sleeves. Conversations are softer, slower, almost thoughtful. Students walk in wrapped not just in sweaters, but in thoughts revision schedules, formulas, essays, and the quiet weight of wanting to do well.

At Schola Nova, we recognise this season instantly. Winter has arrived, and with it, exam season.

This time of year carries a particular emotional texture. It is not loud or dramatic; it is subtle. A little more fatigue in the eyes, a little more silence at breakfast tables, a little more effort required to get moving. And beneath it all, a shared understanding, this matters.

Yet, we believe this season is not only about exams. It is also about how we care for ourselves while meeting challenges.

Exam Season as a Life Skill, Not Just an Academic Phase

Exams are often spoken about in terms of preparation, performance, and results. But at Schola Nova, we view them through a wider lens. Exam season is also a lesson in managing pressure, organising time, and staying grounded when expectations rise.

For students, exams can feel deeply personal. A timetable becomes a countdown. A syllabus becomes a responsibility. And somewhere along the way, confidence can quietly turn into self-doubt.

This is why we consistently remind our students exams assess learning, not identity. A paper reflects understanding at a moment in time; it does not define intelligence, potential, or future success.

When students are allowed to see exams as part of a journey rather than a verdict, something shifts. Fear loosens its grip, and effort takes its rightful place.

Winter, Energy, and the Slower Mind

Winter has its own rhythm, and it rarely aligns with urgency.

Shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and longer nights naturally influence energy levels, mood, and concentration. Students may feel slower, less motivated, or emotionally sensitive. This is not a lack of discipline — it is a human response to seasonal change.

Expecting the same pace as summer during winter often leads to frustration, especially during exam preparation. What winter asks for instead is intentionality  fewer distractions, focused effort, and genuine rest.

At Schola Nova, we encourage families and students to work with the season, not against it.

Studying During Winter Exams: Quality Over Quantity

One of the most common traps during exam season is equating longer hours with better preparation. In reality, winter learning thrives on clarity, structure, and balance.

A warm, quiet study space.
A realistic daily plan.
Time to revise, but also time to pause.

Consistency matters far more than intensity. Studying a few focused hours each day allows information to settle, confidence to grow, and anxiety to reduce. Cramming, on the other hand, often amplifies stress and weakens retention.

We often tell our students: Your brain needs care to perform well. And care looks different in winter.

Physical Wellbeing: The Foundation of Academic Performance

Winter exams often coincide with seasonal illnesses. Fatigue, sore throats, colds, and low immunity are common, especially when stress levels rise. When physical well-being is neglected, learning suffers quietly.

Warm meals, hydration, and proper sleep are not secondary concerns — they are essential supports for focus and memory. A rested body allows the mind to function with clarity. A nourished body supports emotional regulation.

At Schola Nova, we place health above haste. Missing a study session to rest is not falling behind; it is investing in recovery.

Emotional Safety During Exam Season

Perhaps the most important form of care during exams is emotional.

Students may not always articulate their anxiety, but they feel it — in the pause before answering a question, in the silence after school, in the constant mental replay of “what if.”

This is where the role of parents and educators becomes especially powerful.

A calm home environment.
Words that reassure rather than pressure.
Trust instead of constant monitoring.

When students feel emotionally safe, their capacity to learn expands. When mistakes are met with understanding, resilience grows. At Schola Nova, we believe emotional well-being is not separate from education it is central to it.

Rest, Sleep, and the Myth of “Pushing Through”

There is a persistent belief that rest must be postponed until exams are over. In truth, rest is what makes sustained effort possible.

Sleep strengthens memory, supports concentration, and stabilises mood  all essential during exams. Late-night studying may feel productive, but clarity is built through rest, not exhaustion.

Winter naturally invites earlier nights and slower evenings. Allowing students to follow this rhythm supports both mental health and academic performance.

Rest is not a reward. Rest is preparation!

A Note to Our Students

If exam season feels heavy, know this: you are not expected to be perfect.

Feeling nervous means you care. Feeling tired means you are human. And needing reassurance does not mean you are unprepared.

Do your best with honesty and effort. Trust that learning accumulates quietly, even when confidence wavers. And remember, this season will pass. What you are building now is not just academic knowledge, but self-awareness, discipline, and resilience.

A Gentle Reflection for Parents

Your child may forget the details of an exam paper, but they will remember how this season felt at home.

They will remember whether they felt trusted. Whether they felt heard. Whether effort mattered more than outcome.

This winter, let home be a place of warmth emotionally and literally. Let conversations leave space for breath. Let encouragement outweigh expectation.

Beyond Exams, Beyond Winter

Winter eventually softens. The days lengthen. Exam timetables end. What remains is not a grade, but confidence. Not a paper, but perspective. Not a result, but resilience.

At Schola Nova, our vision of education extends beyond academic milestones. We strive to nurture learners who know how to care for themselves, manage pressure, and move through challenges with steadiness and self-belief.

With warmth, trust, and quiet confidence,

Schola Nova
Where learning is guided with care.

 

A Letter from One Heart to Another

Dear Parents,

There comes a quiet moment in every parent’s life when we realize that our children will not always be in front of our eyes. One day, they will step into a world that will not bend for them simply because we love them. That realization is heavy but it is also where our true role as parents begins.

The real world notices who shows up. It notices consistency, effort, and presence. A child who does not show up on time, prepared, or committed slowly loses trust, opportunities, and relationships. Teaching our children to show up is not about pressure; it is about dignity. It is about teaching them that their word matters and that their presence carries weight.

Life will test them in ways we cannot prevent. There will be conflicts, failures, disappointments, and unfair moments. Our children must learn that running away weakens them, but facing problems strengthens them. When they try to resolve issues awkwardly at first, imperfectly always—they discover their own courage. And that courage stays with them long after we are no longer there to intervene.

At some point, every child will get it wrong. What matters then is not the mistake, but what follows it. Owning mistakes and offering a genuine apology teaches integrity. It tells a child, You can fall and still stand tall. This lesson shapes character more than success ever will.

In a world that grows harder and more impatient each day, sensitivity and kindness are not optional they are essential. When children learn to notice the needs and feelings of others, they learn humanity. Kindness does not make them weak; it makes them trusted, respected, and remembered.

Time, too, speaks loudly. Being punctual is a quiet way of saying, I care. Teaching children to value time is teaching them respect for others and for themselves. Alongside this, we must give them grit—the courage to keep going when things fall apart. Grit is what carries them through failure. It is what whispers, Try again, when giving up feels easier. Success is never owned by the talented alone; it belongs to those who refuse to quit.

And finally, we must ask ourselves a difficult question, one that requires honesty more than love: Are we truly raising independent children, or are we slowly creating adults who cannot move without us? When we rush to fix every small problem, we steal their chance to grow. Our job is not to protect them from life, but to prepare them for it.

Let us raise children who can stand on their own feet, yet still carry kindness in their hearts. Children who show up, face challenges, take responsibility, and rise again after failure. This world will not be gentle with them—but with the right values, they will be strong enough to meet it.

With love and faith in the adults our children will become,
Ms. Tahira Sadia
Headmistress, Schola Nova

 

Choosing the Right School: 10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most meaningful decisions you will make as a parent. It is not just about choosing a building—it is about choosing a learning environment, a culture, and a space where your child will grow, explore, question, and discover who they are becoming. For families in the capital searching for the best school in Islamabad, the number of choices can feel overwhelming. Different curricula, philosophies, and school sizes leave parents wondering what truly matters.

At Schola Nova, we believe that parents make the best decisions when they have clarity. When you know what to ask, the right school becomes easier to identify. This guide reflects what we have learned over years of educating children in a nurturing, close-knit, home-based environment located in the heart of F-8—one that emphasizes relationships, academic strength, emotional well-being, and a strong teacher–student connection.

This blog is not merely a checklist. It is a thoughtful exploration of what makes a school feel right for your child.

1. Academic Programs: What Will My Child Be Learning?

Academics form the backbone of a school, but the curriculum is more than a collection of subjects—it is a philosophy of how children learn.

Curriculum Options

Whether a school offers a national board system or an international pathway such as IGCSE, parents must understand how each curriculum shapes skills and competencies.
As an IGCSE school in Islamabad, Schola Nova provides an internationally aligned approach supported by experienced faculty, conceptual clarity, and balanced assessments.

How Student Progress Is Measured

Ask how learning is evaluated:
• Formative assessments
• In-class quizzes
• Individual and group projects
• Analytical assignments
• Oral presentations
• Continuous teacher feedback

Assessment should be meaningful, consistent, and transparent.

Academic Enrichment

Even in a home-based setup, children can thrive academically with well-structured enrichment opportunities such as:
• Reading circles
• Creative writing
• Debate practice
• Math challenges
• STEM-based tasks suitable for small groups
• Research-based assignments

Enrichment is about depth, not grandeur. Smaller setups often allow targeted extensions for high achievers and additional support for students who need reinforcement.

2. Student Support: Does the School Prioritise Every Child?

A strong school is recognised not only by results but by how it supports every learner.

Student–Teacher Ratio

One of the greatest advantages of a home-based school environment is naturally smaller class sizes.
This allows teachers to:
• Notice individual strengths
• Identify areas requiring support
• Provide tailored academic guidance
• Build meaningful bonds with students

Schola Nova’s personalised instruction is a defining feature that parents appreciate.

Support for Different Learning Styles

Every child learns differently. Look for whether the school:
• Uses differentiated instruction
• Offers flexibility in teaching methods
• Supports slow or reluctant learners
• Encourages advanced students with extension tasks
• Has teachers trained in special educational needs awareness

Support is not about facilities—it is about mindset and teacher expertise.

Emotional and Counseling Support

Even without a formal counseling office, the presence of empathetic, trained educators makes a tremendous difference.
Students in smaller learning communities often receive:
• More individual attention
• Emotional reassurance
• Guidance for peer interactions
• Support during transitions
• Regular teacher–parent feedback loops

A nurturing environment matters more than the size of a building.

3. Culture & Discipline: What Values Will Shape My Child?

A school’s culture is not built through structures—it is built through people.

Philosophy of Discipline

Ask how the school handles challenges:
• Is it restorative or punitive?
• Are conversations used to build understanding?
• Are mistakes seen as learning opportunities?

At Schola Nova, discipline is rooted in respect, emotional intelligence, and responsibility rather than fear or punishment.

Inclusivity & Environment

Even in a home-based setting, the climate can be incredibly enriching when it:
• Fosters kindness
• Respects individuality
• Encourages initiative
• Celebrates diversity of abilities
• Promotes confidence and curiosity

Culture is felt in tone, relationships, communication, and daily interactions—not in the size of a campus.

Parent–School Partnership

In intimate learning environments, communication is naturally stronger.
Parents should expect:
• Frequent updates
• Constructive conversations
• A welcoming environment
• Openness to concerns
• Shared decision-making

Strong school–home collaboration leads to stronger children.

4. Facilities & Extracurriculars: What Does the School Offer Within Its Scale?

Parents often assume that only large campuses can provide wholesome learning, but smaller, home-based setups can be equally powerful—sometimes even more.

Realistic Facilities to Look For

Instead of expecting huge halls or elaborate labs, focus on:
• Clean, well-organized learning spaces
• Comfortable classrooms
• Quiet reading and work corners
• Age-appropriate materials
• Safe entry and exit points
• Access to essential learning tools

Meaningful Extracurricular Engagement

Extracurricular activities do not require massive infrastructure—they require intention.
Look for enriching opportunities such as:
• Public speaking
• Creative arts
• Mindfulness activities
• Outdoor sports in nearby accessible grounds
• Group projects
• Debates
• Community engagement
• Thematic activity days

Safety Standards

Safety is vital regardless of school size.
Parents should ask about:
• Visitor access control
• Emergency preparedness
• First-aid training
• Responsible adult supervision
• Safe classrooms and staircases

A home-based school can be exceptionally safe due to its controlled environment.

5. Questions to Ask During a School Visit

 

When visiting any school—especially a home-based setup—look beyond the physical space.
Ask questions that reveal the school’s philosophy:

  1. How do teachers keep students motivated in smaller group settings?

  2. What ongoing training do teachers receive?

  3. How is technology used without over-reliance?

  4. What is the typical class size?

  5. How does the school support different learning paces?

  6. Which extracurriculars are planned annually?

  7. How does the school handle peer conflict?

  8. How do parents stay involved in learning?

  9. How does the school prepare students for higher classes and IGCSE standards?

  10. What makes this school’s approach unique?

These questions help parents see the heart of the school—not just the structure.

6. The Schola Nova Perspective: What Truly Makes a School Great?

Schola Nova’s strength has always been its people, not its walls.

Child-Centered Learning

Every child learns differently, and small environments allow teachers to respond personally and thoughtfully.

Experienced IGCSE Faculty

Despite being home-based, Schola Nova maintains high academic standards supported by trained, qualified, and experienced teachers who prepare students for international benchmarks.

Balanced Education

We blend academics with emotional intelligence, creativity, responsibility, and social values—even without massive facilities.

Connection & Community

Our community thrives because relationships come first—between teachers, students, and parents.

Final Thoughts: Choose a School That Feels Right, Not Just Big

Choosing a school is not a competition of buildings—it is a discovery of values.
A small, well-managed, warm learning environment can often offer:
• More attention
• More care
• More emotional safety
• More meaningful learning
• More genuine teacher involvement
• More confidence-building experiences

At Schola Nova, we welcome parents to visit, observe, and engage with our community to see how a thoughtfully-run home-based environment in F-8 can still stand among the best schools in Islamabad, through heart, quality, and authenticity.

If you’re exploring IGCSE schools in Islamabad or seeking a personalised learning environment where your child is truly seen, Schola Nova is ready to welcome you.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Rameen Farrukh — A Schola Nova Alumna Transforming Global Health

Schola Nova proudly celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of its alumni who continue to create meaningful change in their fields. Among them is Dr. Rameen Farrukh, a dedicated Medical Doctor and a passionate advocate for public health, whose journey reflects excellence, purpose, and a deep commitment to improving lives.
Rameen is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health at King’s College London, where she is exploring the intersection of medicine, economics, public and global health systems. The program equips future leaders with the knowledge needed to understand health challenges at a population level and to develop solutions that transform healthcare delivery around the world.

At King’s, Rameen holds key leadership roles as the MPH Programme Representative, Student Leader, and serves as a member of the Staff–Student Liaison Committee (SSLC). Through these positions, she advocates for her cohort, collaborates closely with the faculty and department, and helps shape a supportive, high quality, enriching academic environment for all MPH students.

A Foundation of Excellence:

Rameen’s achievements are rooted in the strong academic and personal foundation she built at Schola Nova. She graduated from Medical School at the top of her class, earning 2 Gold Medals and 7 distinctions reflecting her dedication, discipline, and passion for serving others.

Her experience working in the clinical environment gave her valuable insight into the world of patient care. At the same time, it helped her recognise an important truth. True and sustainable change in healthcare does not occur only at the bedside. It emerges from the systems, structures, and policies that shape healthcare access and quality for entire communities.
This realisation set the direction for her next chapter.

Shaping the Future of Public Health:

Rameen strengthened her expertise by studying Health Economics and Policy at the London School of Economics, an experience that deepened her understanding of how financing, incentives, and policy structures shape population health. Her interest in public health grew further as she began working across Pakistan’s private and public health sectors, contributing to research, communication, and system strengthening work.

Her exposure in the field, including time spent at the Ministry of National Health, Pakistan, allowed her to observe firsthand how well designed programmes, effective communication, and evidence based decision making can influence national health outcomes.
These experiences motivated her to pursue further training and research so she could work at the intersection of medicine, public health and advocacy, shaping health systems that better serve communities..

Today, at King’s College London, she continues to broaden her understanding of health systems and their impact on communities worldwide.

Health Mosaic: Telling the Story of Pakistan’s Public Health Landscape

Alongside her academic work, Rameen created Health Mosaic: Pakistan’s Journey, a blog dedicated to exploring the realities of public health in Pakistan. Through research, storytelling, and thoughtful analysis, she highlights both the successes and the challenges within the country’s health system.
Her writing captures the stories behind health programs, the communities they serve, and the policies that shape them. It is a platform that encourages dialogue, awareness, and reflection on the future of healthcare in Pakistan.
Her work can be explored at the following link:

Health Mosaic reflects her belief that advocacy begins with understanding, and that storytelling can be a powerful tool for change.

A Schola Novian with Heart, Vision, and Purpose:

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Rameen has embodied the values that Schola Nova upholds. She is curious, compassionate, principled, and driven by the desire to uplift communities. Her long-term goal is to bridge medicine, public health, policy and advocacy so that health systems become not only stronger but also more effective and equitable.

Her path demonstrates how a strong foundation set during school years can shape a future defined by purpose and global impact. She continues to inspire current and future Schola Novians to think beyond boundaries and to pursue excellence with courage and intention.

A Message of Inspiration for Our Students

Dr. Rameen Farrukh’s story is a powerful reminder that the journey from a classroom in Islamabad can lead to leadership roles on the world stage. She encourages every student to dream boldly, work with dedication, and commit themselves to making a meaningful difference in society.
Schola Nova is proud to have been a part of her early academic journey. Her achievements, her voice, and her vision continue to inspire our community and offer a glimpse into what compassionate leadership in healthcare can look like!

Alumni Spotlight: Mariam Naseem, A Schola Nova Star Reaching Beyond the Earth

Schola Nova proudly highlights the achievements of its alumni, and one of the most inspiring journeys is that of Mariam Naseem. Her success reflects the strong academic foundation students receive at Schola Nova, a school known by many parents as the Best School In Islamabad and a leading Cambridge School In Islamabad.

Mariam’s academic brilliance was clear from the beginning. She graduated from Schola Nova with 9 straight As. This outstanding result shows the level of guidance and academic support students receive at one of the Top School In Islamabad. The strong base she built at Schola Nova helped shape the remarkable path she follows today.

Mariam is currently a Polar and Planetary Science Researcher and a Ph.D. student at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on geological processes on icy ocean worlds. She studies extreme places on Earth to understand planets and moons far away. Her work places her at the front line of scientific learning and discovery.

From Schola Nova to Space Science

After excelling at the Best School In Pakistan, Mariam completed her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. Her degree opened doors to many engineering roles. She worked as a field engineer on an oil rig in Russia and later as a manufacturing engineer in Texas. These early experiences helped her gain confidence, problem solving skills, and global exposure.

Her interest in leadership and innovation then pushed her to pursue an MBA from the University of Toronto. This expanded her skills, allowing her to take on roles in major industries. She worked as a technology strategist at one of Canada’s largest banks and later joined a quantum computing startup as a business development manager.

 

A Global Contributor in Space Governance and Advocacy

Before starting her Ph.D., Mariam played a key role in the global space sector. She worked with the Industry Relations team at the Canadian Space Agency, helping companies grow and connect internationally.

Her passion for responsible space activity led her to the Open Lunar Foundation as a Research Fellow. There, she helped design open communication systems for future lunar missions, supporting transparency and shared learning.

She also worked with the ASU Space Governance Lab at Arizona State University, where she studied technologies and policy frameworks for growing space nations. Her contribution continues to support global conversations on fair and sustainable space exploration.

A True Schola Novian

From scoring 9 straight As at Schola Nova to making valuable contributions in planetary science, Mariam represents the excellence that defines Schola Nova. The school’s focus on discipline, curiosity, and academic strength reflects why parents consider it the Best School In Islamabad and one of the Top School In Islamabad for Cambridge education.

Her story is a reminder of how early education shapes future leaders. With the right guidance, passion can turn into a meaningful and impactful career.

A Message of Inspiration

Mariam’s journey encourages every Schola Novian to dream big, stay curious, and work with commitment. Her success shows that with hard work and the right support system, students can rise to incredible heights in any field they choose.

Schola Nova is proud to be part of her academic journey. Her achievements continue to inspire students who are passionate about science, technology, innovation, and space. Mariam’s story proves that a beginning in a single classroom can lead to a future as wide as the universe.

HER PROFILES:

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/mar-nas/