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THE CURRICULUM
At Azhar Academy Girls School, we believe that our curriculum should
allow equal opportunity of all facets of personal development to
flourish, whether they be, linguistic, literary, mathematical,
scientific, moral, physical, spiritual, creative, social and/or
technological. To this end, our teachers use a range of teaching
methods, skills and experience to help each pupil achieve their
fullest potential.
Each pupil will follow a curriculum which:
• Is broad-based, balanced and designed to emphasise the relevance
of the knowledge, skills and understanding, through learning
programmes and experiences.
• Provides continuity of coherent learning experiences as well as
progression through the year groups.
• Offers challenge leading to the highest standards of personal
achievement, through recognition of individual needs according to
ability and aptitude.
• Assesses the progress and attainment of each pupil.
• Records the progress and attainment of each pupil and reports to
parents in a way that demonstrates the outcomes of the national
curriculum and other accredited assessments. Records experiences and
achievements, where relevant in all subjects.
The subjects taught at Key Stage 3 and those offered at Key stage 4
in line with the National Curriculum are detailed in the table
below.
|
Key
Stage 3 |
Key
Stage 4 |
English
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Information Communication Technology
Geography
History
Arabic
Religious education
Citizenship
Personal and Social Health Education
Art
Physical Education |
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Information Communication Technology
Geography
History
Arabic
Religious Studies
Citizenship
Personal and Social Health Education
Physical Education |
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ISLAMIC STUDIES AND
THE AALIMAH COURSE
Islamic Studies or the Aalimah Course are taught
alongside the above subjects to pupils in all years. The subjects in
each course are tabled below.
The Aalimah Course runs for five years for those literate in Urdu,
and for six years for pupils who are not literate in Urdu, subject
to their passing yearly exams. The additional year allows those
unfamiliar with Urdu to achieve proficiency in reading and writing
the language, as their set texts and lessons will be in Urdu and
Arabic.
Pupils are generally instructed in the following areas during the
course:
• Tajweed & Quran
• Arabic Grammar
• History of the Prophets
• Seerah of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and his Companions
• Hadith
• Fiqh
• Translation of the Quran
• Tafseer
It is important to note that two exams are set each year. A
certificate of recognition is awarded to each pupil who completes
the course successfully. Pupils at AAGS are given a choice of
attending the Islamic Studies Course or the Aalimah Course, both of
which take place in the afternoon. Parents/Guardians need to state
their chosen course when they first register their daughter.
Islamic Studies course includes the following, albeit at a lesser level
than the Aalimah Course:
Quran and Tajweed
Seerah of the Prophet
Etiquettes
Hadith
Fiqh
Duas
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PAST RESULTS
Alhumdulillah, as
you can see from the tables below, the school has obtained
considerably higher percentages of pupils achieving levels five plus
and has made progress across all three subjects. This is due to the
hard work and dedication of all our staff and pupils. SATs
examinations are based on the knowledge gained by pupils over the
entire Key Stage Three. Inshallah, with continued hard work and
du'as, we hope to build upon this success in the years to come.
|
ENGLISH |
|
Academic Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Average in Newham Level
5+* |
56 |
55 |
63 |
67 |
64 |
To be published |
|
Azhar Academy Girls School |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
84 |
86 |
95 |
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MATHEMATICS |
|
Academic Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Average in Newham
Level 5+* |
53 |
60 |
62 |
66 |
68 |
To be published |
|
Azhar Academy Girls
School |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
70 |
72 |
86 |
|
SCIENCE |
|
Academic Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
|
Average in Newham
Level 5+* |
50 |
53 |
53 |
56 |
58 |
To be published |
|
Azhar Academy Girls
School |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
64 |
72 |
89 |
* Statistical
Source:
http://www.newham.gov.uk/content/Education/
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ADMISSION POLICY
The school has currently a two form entry for Year
groups 7, 8 and 9 and one each for Year Groups 10 and 11. Admission
to Year 7 is open to all girls aged between 10 – 11 years. However
priority will be given to:
• Year 6 girls attending Islamic primary schools
• Siblings of girls enrolled with Azhar Academy Girls School
• Daughters/sisters of staff working at Azhar Academy/Azhar Academy
Girls School
All pupils seeking admission to Year 7 will sit an entrance test for
English, Maths and Islamic Studies. Sample test papers for this test
can be obtained from the School Office at a small cost. The
first entrance tests are conducted in February/March and another opportunity to
sit the entrance test is given in May/June. This allows late applicants a
chance to sit the test and an opportunity for some pupils to take
re-sits. The first entrance test for enrolments in September 2008
is scheduled for Friday, 28th March.
NB. There is a test fee of £20 which needs to be handed in with
the application form.
All applicants will be notified of their results by post. Entry to
Year 7 will be based on their performance in the tests undertaken.
In the area of Islamic studies, all prospective students will be
expected to:
• Be familiar with the recitation of the Qur'an
• Know the method of performing Wudhu and praying Salah
• Possess knowledge of the basic Seerah (life history) of the
Prophet (SAW)
• Know the last ten Surahs of the Qur’an
At the time of submitting the admission application form, please
ensure that you have with you the following documents:
• The original copy of your daughter’s birth certificate.
• A form of ID such as your bank statement/driving license/or
utility bill which confirms your permanent address.
• Your daughter’s most recent school report from the school she last
attended.
The school also accepts applicants for Years 8, 9 and 10. However as
the maximum intake per class is 28, pupils will be admitted as
spaces permit. Your daughter will be taught for 26 hours & 15
minutes per week, excluding the time taken for assemblies,
registration, breaks and lunchtime.
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SCHOOL FEES
At present at AAGS we have two Year 7 classes, two
Year 8 classes, two Year 9 classes, one Year 10 class, one Year 11
class and two class for A-level students.
The school fee from September 2008 will be £2200 per annum, which is subject to
change in future. This will include the tuition fees, Aalimah
Course/Islamic Studies fees, physical education venue hire fees and
the initial purchase of exercise books. It can be paid in a choice of options listed below. In the first year there is a
registration fee of £500 payable to “AZHAR ACADEMY”. This
registration fee is to be paid in total upon acceptance of a place
and is non-returnable if the child completes one term or equal to
one term with the school. There is also an annual re-registration fee of
£100, which is to be paid to “AZHAR ACADEMY” towards the
end of each academic year
in the month of July.
Parents/guardians who wish to pay by direct debit must ensure that
this is set up before the first payment is due. All completed direct
debit forms must be handed to the School Office by the 15th August
2007. No forms will be accepted after that date. The right to make
payments by direct debit will be forfeited if during the year a
payment is missed or the direct debit cancelled. In all such cases
payment of fees will be accepted in cash only thereafter.
Payments made by cheque are subject to certain conditions:
parents/guardians need to ensure that there are sufficient funds in
the payee’s account to prevent cheques from bouncing and that
payment by cheques are not stopped for any reason. In cases where
these conditions are not met the payee will be liable for the
relevant bank
charges. In addition, in cases where two cheques for a
certain student are stopped or bounce, the school will only accept payments in
cash for all outstanding and future fees.
Further information regarding payment of fees and a setting up
direct debits can be obtained from the School Office between 8.00am
to 12.00pm, Monday to Friday. All payment of fees must be made by an
adult and during the above allocated times only.
*All cheques for school fees are payable to “AZHAR ACADEMY GIRLS
SCHOOL”.
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Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Option 4 |
|
£2200* - Payment to be
made in full at the beginning of the academic year. |
£773* - Payment to be made
in three instalments in September, January and April. |
£220* - Payment to be made
in ten monthly instalments from September to June by
Cash/Cheque |
£220* - Payment to be made
in ten monthly instalments from September to June by
Direct Debit/Standing Order. |
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THE SCHOOL DAY
School (Years 7
- 11) Timetable:
|
AAGS Hours |
Pupils undertaking
Islamic Studies |
Pupils undertaking the
Aalimah Course |
|
Mondays - Thursdays |
8:30 am - 3:45 pm |
7:30 am - 3:45 pm |
|
Fridays |
7:45 am
- 11:55 am |
The normal school day timetable for Monday to
Thursday is as follows:
|
Aalimah
Classes* |
7:30 am - 10:00 am |
|
Islamic
Studies Classes* |
8:30 am - 10:00 am |
|
Assembly |
10:00 am - 10:15 am |
|
Lesson
1 |
10:15 am - 11:00 am |
|
Break |
11:00 am - 11:15 am |
|
Lessons
2 & 3 |
11:15 am - 12:45 pm |
|
Lunch & Salah |
12:45 pm - 1:30 pm |
|
Lessons
4 - 6 |
1:30 pm - 3:45 pm |
*The School beginning
time for students undertaking Aalimah classes is one hour earlier
than those taking Islamic Studies classes.
The normal school day timetable for Friday is as follows:
|
Assembly |
7:45 am - 8:00 am |
|
Lessons
1 - 4 |
8:00 am - 11:00 am |
|
Break |
11:00 am - 11:15 am |
|
Tutor
Time |
11:15 am - 11:55 am |
Sixth Form
(Years 12 & 13) Timetable:
|
Mondays - Thursdays |
Fridays |
|
9:00 am - 3:30 pm |
8:00 am - 1:00 pm |
The normal day timetable for Monday to
Thursday is as follows:
|
Lesson
1 |
9:00 am - 10:45 am |
|
Break |
10:45 am - 11:15 am |
|
Lesson
2 |
11:15 am - 1:15 pm |
|
Lunch &
Salah |
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm |
|
Lesson
3 |
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm |
The normal day timetable for Friday is as follows:
|
Lesson
1 |
8:00 am - 10:00 am |
|
Break |
10:00 am - 10:20 am |
|
Lesson
2 |
10:20 am - 12:20 pm |
|
Tutor
Time |
12:20 pm - 1:00 pm |
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SCHOOL DINNERS
Pupils may bring their own pack lunches or choose to
have school dinners. School dinners are available at the school as
long as there is sufficient demand for this service. Lunches are
provided on Mondays to Thursdays at a cost of £6.40 (subject to
change), which is payable a week in advance on Fridays. These
lunches are not prepared on site but are provided by a Muslim
catering company.
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SCHOOL UNIFORM
All pupils have to wear the following uniform
prescribed by the School:
Navy Blue abaya with school logo (available from the school)
Light Blue pashmina
scarves
Black low heeled shoes
Black socks
Please click here for a
picture of our uniform.
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PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
For Physical Education lessons pupils are expected to
wear the following items:
Navy blue loose jogging bottoms
White full sleeve, knee length Kameez (non-transparent)
White trainers with no logo
Navy blue scarf
At AAGS our pupils attend Durning Hall on Earlham Grove for their
Physical Education lessons and Atherton Leisure Centre for their
swimming lessons. All pupils have to pay a sum of £12 (payable per
term) to cover the cost of hiring out both facilities.
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BOOKS AND
STATIONERY
Textbooks are provided by the School to individual
pupils and remain the property of the School. Textbooks which are
lost or damaged will incur a cost for replacement. Occasionally
pupils may also be asked to purchase work books or Islamic studies
books if the School deems it necessary. Exercise books must be
bought by pupils and are sold at the School Office. All pupils are
expected to bring appropriate stationary with them to school .
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HOMEWORK
At AAGS, we believe that homework is a necessary part
of a pupil’s learning experience for the following reasons:
• It allows practice and consolidation of work done in class.
• It allows assessment of pupil’s progress.
• It encourages pupils to develop good study habits and to plan and
organise their study time.
• It provides opportunities for individualised work.
• It encourages ownership and responsibility for learning.
All pupils receive homework in three subjects daily. Pupils are
issued with homework diaries in which all set work is recorded.
Subject teachers and the form tutor monitor the diaries carefully.
Students who are absent when homework is set are expected to consult
their peer’s homework diaries or ask their subject teachers so that
they fulfill their homework requirements straight away and do not
fall behind the rest of the class. Homework is set according to the
age and ability of the pupil. The type and length of homework varies
according to the age and ability of the pupil and the subject, but
at all times the homework forms a coherent part of a particular
subject.
Homework takes a variety of forms which include:
• Learning homework
• Research assignments
• Practical assignments
• Coursework (for GCSE pupils)
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THE
ROLE OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss homework
with their children and to help them plan its completion on time.
They are also asked to sign the homework diary once a week, and a
space is provided for any comments that they wish to make. Wherever
possible, parents/guardians are encouraged to provide a suitable
location, away from any distractions for their daughter to complete
her homework. It is best, on most occasions, that homework is
completed at a desk or table. Parents or Guardians may support what
is being learnt by:
• Testing their daughter’s knowledge in preparation for a test
• Checking homework for neatness of presentation
• Directing their child to suitable reference books or other
information
• If a student experiences genuine difficulty in completing her
homework, parents/ guardians may provide some guidance sufficient to
allow the child to solve the problem themselves, rather than giving
her the direct answer.
We also encourage and strongly recommend that pupils fulfill all
their religious obligations
at home, e.g. Salah, Islamic clothing etc.
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BEHAVIOURAL POLICY
MANAGING INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR
The school has a structured and well-defined
disciplinary procedure for incidences in which pupils breach school
rules/guidelines. Pupils displaying inappropriate behaviour are
initially given either a verbal explanation or warning by their
subject teacher. This is followed by a written referral to their
Form Tutor and Islamic co-coordinator, who also discuss their
behaviour with them. Following three referrals a pupil is given a
detention. If there is no subsequent change in their behaviour or
attitude, they are subject to a disciplinary review with the Deputy
Head once the pupil has reached three detentions. Pupils are then
placed on report for one to two weeks during which time their
conduct in school is closely monitored by members of staff. The
school normally contacts their parents at this stage who are invited
in to discuss their daughter’s conduct.
Any subsequent or ongoing misbehaviour will result in further
monitoring of the pupil in the form of another report and then a
suspension from the Academy. Such a step is not usually taken
without prior consultation with the pupil’s parents, as the school
firmly believes in working with both pupils and their parents in
order to promote positive and inclusive outcomes for all its
students.
In instances where pupils continue to or seriously breach either the
school rules or Islamic ethos, this procedure may be overridden on
the discretion of the Headteacher and a pupil may be suspended or on
rare occasions, even expelled in keeping with guidelines from the
DfES. For further details of the school’s behaviour and discipline
policy, please contact the school office.
REWARDING GOOD BEHAVIOUR
Positive behaviour and achievement (academic and
non-academic) in the school is continuously reinforced by teacher
comment, recognition in form time, assembly and the school
newsletter, displays, letters to parents, certificates as well as a
merit system (as detailed further on). The school also has a Prefect
system as well as a Head Girl who is appointed yearly. These
students are encouraged to act as role models for their peers and
also given certain privileges as well as responsibilities.
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STUDENT PROGRESSION WITHIN THE SCHOOL
ASSESSMENT
At Azhar Academy Girls School, assessment is regarded
as an integral part of the teaching and learning process. In
addition it is related to the ethos of our school, in that we value
each child and provide opportunities for all pupils to fulfill their
true potential. For the School, formative and non-formative pupil
assessment a useful tool for finding out in a positive way what
individual pupils know and understand.
Formative assessment is an ongoing process at AAGS. It is conducted
both formally and informally. This assessment gives evidence of a
pupil’s learning. Informal assessment happens on a daily basis,
where response is usually immediate. It takes place when pupils are
working in the classroom or on a one to one basis. Formal assessment
is carried out every half term. This allows teachers to assess
whether key learning aims objectives have been met.
The School maintains records of assessment to ensure the continuity
of the curriculum as the pupil passes from year to year and to
monitor how pupils are progressing within each subject area taking
account of previous experiences, achievements and support given.
This information is passed on every year through record folders,
reports and verbal communication. Each pupil is also given a folder
to in which samples of work, assessment sheets, teacher’s comments
and certificates are recorded. At AAGS, we recognize that all
children have gifts and talents and we aim to foster these using a
variety of techniques so that each pupil is valued.
LEARNING SUPPORT
At AAGS, we believe that children deserve an
education that encourages and motivates them to achieve their full
potential. The curriculum and organisation of the school therefore
aims to allow each pupil to learn at a pace that is appropriate for
them. Less able pupils are able to benefit from differentiated
teaching activities, additional assistance from teachers or
classroom volunteers and a homework support club which is open to
all pupils. Opportunities are also offered to enable the more able
pupils to develop fully their abilities as subsequently detailed.
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Aims
-
To ensure that
concerns are dealt with swiftly by the most appropriate person.
-
To ensure that where parents or
third parties are unhappy with the outcome of the complaint,
this can be looked at again by someone else within the school.
-
To ensure that complaints against
the Headteacher are properly investigated by members of the
Board of Trustees.
-
To ensure that complainants have a
clear explanation of the outcome of their compliant and know
where they can go next if still unhappy with the decision.
Objectives
-
To try to
satisfy and resolve as many concerns as possible so that they do
not become complaints.
-
To learn from
complaints and to modify practices where appropriate.
-
Even if the
complaint does not receive the answer he or she wishes as a
result of following the complaints procedures, that he or she
does feel that the complaint has been fully considered and
understands the reasons why the school has made the decision it
has.
Procedure
The arrangements
for dealing with complaints about the school curriculum are quite
tightly defined and it may well be best for us to consider them
informally first (following these procedures) before you may decide
to request a formal complaint.
1. If
any concern arises parents are asked to raise it with a member of
staff responsible in the first instance. The school undertakes to
respond initially on any such concern to person to the person who
raised the matter within 5 working days.
2. Concern
about a pupil’s progress or any pastoral matters should be raised in
the first instance with the form Tutor. Concerns about individual
subject should be raised with the subject teacher. It is expected
that in almost all cases this will lead to an agreement or
understanding being reached between the various parties. You can
request an appointment with the subject teacher, in order to try and
resolve the compliant at this informal stage.
3. Formal
complaint regarding the curriculum, a pupil’s special educational
needs, religious education, exclusions and admissions should be made
to the Headteacher. All such complaints should be made in writing
and addressed to the school.
4. If
you feel that you would like to make this complaint to the
Headteacher, you should contact the School Office to make an
appointment. If relevant the Headteacher will also ask staff
members who are involved for their comments. We will ensure that
you are clear what action or monitoring of the situation, if any,
has been agreed. This will be confirmed in writing to you. Moist
complaints can be resolved by talking to the Headteacher.
5. If
you feel that you wish to make a formal complaint to the Headteacher,
you should contact the school to make an appointment and provide a
written statement of your complaint outlining the details involved.
The Headteacher will investigate your compliant and ask any relevant
staff members for their written comments. You may be asked to
attend another meeting in order to gain additional information. The
school will reply to your complaints within 10 working days, however
if this is not possible, we will write to you to explain the delay
and give you a target date for a response.
6. To
make a formal complaint to the Board of Trustee must be made in
writing.
The three trustees
of Azhar Academy are:
-
Mr Ismail
Gangat
-
Mr Faisal Bobat
-
Mr Ismail Amla
All the above can
be contacted using the address and telephone details below:
Azhar Academy
235a Romford Road
London E7 9HL
Tel: 0208 555 5959
Fax: 0208 534 5960
Email:
contact@azharacademy.org
If you are not
still satisfied the school will arrange for your complaint to go
before a panel hearing as part of the investigation. This will be
made up of the three Board of Trustee members and Mr Yunis Dudhwala
who is an independent member of the panel and not connected to the
running of the school. Parents are welcomed to attend this hearing
and can be accompanied by one other person. Acknowledgment of the
complaint and the date(s) of the meetings will be sent to the
complainant. If you wish to attend the panel hearing you must
inform the panel on receiving written confirmation of the proposed
dates. All statements and records are kept confidential and details
of individual accounts are not discussed with any third parties.
The panel has the
authority to make findings and recommendations. At the end of the
investigation the panel will provide a copy of findings and
recommendations to the complainant, proprietors, the Headteacher and
the person complained about. We would normally aim to respond in
full within 14 working days. If the complaint is of a complicated
nature or has many individuals or parties involved it may take
longer to resolve. In such as case an explanation explaining the
delay and possible target date for dealing with the complaint will
be giving to the complainant. The decision made by the panel is
final.
7. If the
complaint concerns the Headteacher than parents should refer
directly to the Trustees. In such cases a meeting with the
Headteacher will be held to discuss the complaint and all its
history. The outcome of that meeting will be given in writing to
the complainant within 20 working days. If the complaint is of a
complicated nature or has many individuals or parties involved it
may take longer to resolve. In such a case an explanation
explaining the delay and a possible time scale for dealing with the
complaint will be given in writing to the complainant and the
procedure explained above will be followed.
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