AKG Programme (L1)

The AKG Primary School Programme (Level 1) was launched in 2018 by the Alternatív Közgazdasági Gimnázium (AKG), a private (tuition fee-paying) school that had offered 6+1 years secondary school education (years 7-13) based on an alternative curriculum since 1990. In the first four years, the curriculum is designed to nurture the essential foundations of entrepreneurship competence. The focus is on holistic development, encouraging curiosity, initiative, and collaboration, rather than traditional subject-based instruction. Entrepreneurship is not separated as a distinct subject but is embedded in all learning experiences, ensuring that even the youngest students begin developing the skills, attitudes, and mindset needed for lifelong entrepreneurial learning.

Key Activities and Student Experience

Students are immersed in an environment that prioritises active participation. From the very beginning, they are encouraged to take initiative, propose their own ideas, and become involved in classroom decision-making, which fosters a genuine sense of ownership. Group learning is a hallmark of AKG, with mixed-age and vertical student class groupings that create a collaborative atmosphere. Students learn from and with each other, building teamwork and leadership skills as they interact across age groups. Experiential projects are central to the learning process, as children regularly engage in hands-on activities that require planning, execution, and reflection. The school’s culture supports safe risk-taking, allowing students to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from both successes and failures. Assessment is narrative and qualitative, providing detailed feedback that encourages self-reflection and intrinsic motivation, rather than relying on traditional grading.

Program Features and Pedagogical Principles

AKG’s curriculum is competence-based and interdisciplinary, structured around developing communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy. It is tailored to support each student’s individual learning path, with teachers offering personalised guidance and support. The school places a strong emphasis on community and social engagement, connecting students with peers, teachers, and the wider community to foster civic awareness and social responsibility. The pedagogical approach is inclusive, drawing on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences model to ensure that every child’s unique strengths - whether logical, interpersonal, or creative - are recognised and nurtured.

Methodology and Structure The daily structure emphasises morning sessions focused on core skills such as Hungarian, Maths, Digital competence, Health, and English. These are complemented by interdisciplinary learning experiences that integrate knowledge across subjects, connecting classroom learning to real-world contexts. Learning is inherently active and experiential, with frequent opportunities for students to initiate and manage their own projects. Collaborative group work in mixed-age teams mirrors real-world entrepreneurial settings, promoting adaptability and leadership. Assessment is continuous, descriptive, and growth-oriented, supporting self-awareness and the development of entrepreneurial attitudes. By blending formal instruction with non-formal and informal learning, AKG ensures that entrepreneurship competence is cultivated from the earliest years in a supportive, dynamic environment.