www.islamiaprimary.org
Issue: Summer 2015 Mrs Zahida Shaheem, Headteacher, said: “The Ofsted grading of the school as 'good' in all areas last year has been further confirmed by a 'no notice' inspection held two weeks ago. The school continues to flourish and focus on preparing pupils positively for life in modern Britain through its broad and balanced curriculum.”
SATs Results Success Well done to Year 2 and Year 6 pupils and teachers who worked really hard throughout the year and were rewarded with fantastic SATs results. Year 2 pupils achieved 97% Level 2+ in Reading, 97% Level 2+ in Writing and 97% Level 2+ in Maths with 37% achieving Level 3 in Reading, 28% Level 3 in Writing and 30% Level 3 in Maths. Progress from the beginning of Reception to the end of KS1 (Year 2) is Outstanding. In Year 6, pupils achieved 90% Level 4+ in Reading, 90% Level 4+ in Writing, 90% Level 4+ in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling and 92% Level 4+ in Maths. 58% achieved Level 5+ in Reading, 46% Level 5 in Writing, 64% Level 5 in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling, and 51% Level 5 in Maths. In addition, we were pleased that 16 Level 6s were achieved (8 in Maths, 3 in Writing and 5 in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling). Once again the school has achieved above LA and national averages.
1. Ofsted Praises Islamia Primary School After Unannounced ‘No Notice’ Inspection On 10th & 11th September 2014, only a week after the school re-opened for the new academic year, Ofsted carried out an unannounced ‘no notice’ section 8 inspection of Islamia Primary School. After a rigorous two day inspection, Ofsted concluded that ‘the school’s safeguarding arrangements meet requirements’. Ofsted also highlighted many positive aspects of the school.
Dr Ahsan Mirza, Chair of Governors, said: “I am immensely proud for Islamia Primary school to have been successful in its recent unannounced section 8 Ofsted inspection. We already knew the school was in a really good place but it is rewarding to know that the hard work and energy put into the school has been recognised officially. I would like to thank the staff, parents, pupils, volunteers and the whole Governing Body for all of their dedication to this wonderful school.” Mrs Nur Enver, Chair of the PSA, said: “The Ofsted outcome came as no surprise. As parents, we can see that our school has been taking safeguarding more seriously in the recent years and this is reflected in our children’s overall wellbeing and happiness.”
2. Headteachers’ Training
At the start of the year the school hosted a two day School Improvement Programme for over 30 school leaders from other faith schools in London. The programme covered core areas including safeguarding, school development, improving teaching and learning and using data to drive improvement. Our senior leadership team (incl. school governor) were able to share good practice and support other schools.
3. Visit by Sami Yusuf
International award winning nasheed artist, Sami Yusuf, visited the school during his tour of London to promote his new album and to promote his humanitarian work on behalf of the United Nations. During an assembly, the audience of over 500 pupils and staff were treated to a special LIVE performance from Sami Yusuf. The school choir was given the opportunity to sing along with Sami Yusuf which was also filmed and aired on the Islam Channel. It was a special time for everyone.
decorated their classroom doors and also dressed in beautiful traditional clothing for a special Eid assembly with lots of laughter, singing and prizes. Pupils ended the week with Eid parties. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time for all.
5. Curriculum Meetings for Parents
At the start of the year, all teachers held introduction meetings with parents where they went through the curriculum as well as the home-school partnership agreement. For the first time, the RS Department held an Arabic, Qur’an and Religious Studies whole school parent meeting to go through curriculum plans for Arabic, Qur’an and Islamic Studies. Parents were also introduced to the assessment methods to be used as well as new and engaging resources to be used in lessons. Parents had an opportunity to ask questions ad meet all staff.
6. Black History Month
4. Hajj Week During Hajj Week, pupils learnt about the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) in most lessons and in assemblies. Pupils
The school marked Black History Month (BHM) again this year In October 2014, in order to promote knowledge of black history, culture and heritage and to highlight positive black contributions to British society. Pupils learnt about key black figures in both contemporary Western and Islamic history.
Keep up to date at www.islamiaprimary.org 2
7. Islamia Choir Amazes Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg
event involved a number of Muslim schools from across London who showcased their talent with a focus on the Qur’an. Pupils performed plays, recited poetry, delivered speeches, recited Qur’an and much more. Pupils from Years 3 – 6 took part on the day. The event was attended by local dignitaries including Father Laurence from the Interfaith centre and governors.
9. Safeguarding training for parents
In Octover 2014, the Islamia Primary School Choir was invited to perform at a reception hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to celebrate Eid ul Adha with community leaders at the Admiralty House, in Whitehall, London. The choir performed stunning vocal versions of 70s classics originally sung by the school’s founder, Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam), including ‘Silent Sunlight’, ‘Morning Has Broken’ and ‘Be what you must’. The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and his guests who included former Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Simon Hughes, were amazed by the talented choir who also responded to questions posed by the guests. Mr Abdesselam Bassou, Music teacher, said: “It is with pridethat I watch the children mature and develop as the years go on; they acquire valuable skills from singing which help them to be more confident and happy, more aware of themselves and most importantly, more appreciative of a world beyond the confines of the standard curriculum.”
In December 2014, the school organised a very important workshop about safeguarding children / child protection for parents which was delivered by an externally accredited organisation. In addition to training all staff, the school decided to go one step further and ensure that parents received safeguarding / child protection training to help the school ensure that all children at Islamia Primary School are safe.
10. KS2 Pupils learn about Christian Churches and Festivals
Mrs Zahida Shaheem, Headteacher, said: “Through our broad and balanced curriculum we are preparing the next generation of model British Muslim citizens to be part of a cohesive society.”
8. Qur’an Celebration Day
As part of the school’s religious studies curriculum and ethos of developing an understanding and tolerance of other faiths, all 240 key stage 2 pupils visited St Anne’s and St Andrew’s Church (which is situated next door to the school) in December 2014 to take a tour of the church, understand the main beliefs of Christianity, explore the festival of Christmas and its traditions. All 240 pupils visited the church again in April 2015 to learn about the Festival of Easter. The visits were led by Father Laurence and Mother Christine who provided a very warm welcome to all pupils and staff. Once again the school hosted the annual Qur’an Celebration Day on Wednesday 10th December 2014. The inter-school
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and parents to develop their love for the best of creations, the mercy to mankind, the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The focus was on the Prophet’s (SAW) character. Each year group was allocated a different attribute, including Mercy, Patience, Courage, Truthfulness and Generosity. Activities included themed lessons, daily quizzes, special assemblies, storytelling, charity (food bank), poetry, art competitions, lots of prizes and an exhibition of pupils’ work.
13. Visit from Turkish Teachers 11. Year 6 Girls Mosaic Mentoring Programme
We were visited by another delegation of teachers from Istanbul, Turkey. They were taken on a tour of all classrooms and commented very positively about the warmth they felt from teachers and pupils.
14. Islamia Food Bank Some of our Year 6 girls and their mothers took part in a 10 week mentoring programme delivered by MOSAIC to increase their confidence, raise their aspirations and encourage them to engage in their long-term education. The programme ran for ten weeks, with a weekly hour-long session where girls covered themes such as confidence, communication, and role models, whilst mothers looked at themes such as citizenship and understanding the British education system. To complement the sessions, mothers and daughters were provided with resource booklets which they referred to throughout the course and beyond. Included in the programme was a special university visit to provide exposure to further education. Hosted by student ambassadors, mothers and daughters attended a prominent university to participate in workshops, a tour of the campus and a presentation on university life.
12. Seerah Week We held our annual ‘Seerah Week’ in Jan 2015, full of exciting themed activities which aimed to encourage pupils, staff
This year we launched the Islamia Food Bank which aims to provide food to needy families in the local area. Masha’Allah, the food bank has been really successful and has been run by volunteer parents who have been collecting food items every Friday and then providing food bags on a weekly basis to our neighbours as well as parents from other local schools.
15. E-Safety Week and parent workshop In February 2015, we held an E-Safety week to remind pupils
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about being safe when using internet technologies. We organised workshops for all Year 5 and 6 pupils and also organised an important E-Safety workshop for Parents. We now plan to launch an online e-safety forum for parents to share experiences and exchange tips on how to keep their children safe online.
16. Launch of Boys Football Team
19. Bike IT Breakfast
This year saw the launch of the new Islamia Boys Football Team including a brand new kit. The team consists of both Year 5 and 6 boys who were selected after a series of rigorous try outs. The team has since played a number of friendly matches with other teams from local mainstream schools and other faith schools around London. Next year the team will enter the local league and will be competing against some of the best teams in the borough
17. i7 Football Tournament
The Islamia Boys Football Team took part in the i7 Football Tournament with other schools from around London and achieved 2nd place. They played really well and demonstrated excellent team work and sportsmanship.
18. Year 1 Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral As part of the RS curriculum, Year 1 pupils were taken on a guided tour of St' Paul's Cathedral in Central London. During the tour they visited memorials of historical figures, examined some of the Cathedral’s religious artefacts and looked at the paintings in the dome that tell the story of St. Paul's life as well as famous mosaics in the Quire.
The school hosted another ‘BIKE IT’ Breakfast where pupils were encouraged to travel to school on bike / scooter and then took part in a big breakfast in the canteen. The Bike IT breakfast was a huge success with lots of pupils and their parents taking part.
20. Smoothie Bike
As part of the school’s drive to promote the use of bicycles, pupils took part in making delicious smoothies using a Smoothie bike. A Smoothie bike is a stationary bike that has a fruit blender fitted to the front of the bike which spins as you pedal. Pupils filled the blender with fresh fruits, creating a delicious smoothie which they were able to drink.
21. Launch of Girls Football Team This summer saw the launch of the first ever Islamia Girls Football Team. The team consists of both Year 5 and 6 girls who were selected after a series of rigorous try outs. The team took part in a 5-a-side Girls football tournament hosted by the
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Well done to Team Islamia who took part in the Inter School Sports Competition in May 2015 at the Mile End Stadium and came 1st place winning GOLD. The competition included a number of other Muslim faith schools from across London. Our team of 26 girls and boys wowed the crowds by achieving GOLD in most field and track events. This result demonstrates the rising standards of physical education at Islamia provided by our specialist coaches. A great achievement, masha’Allah!
24. Radicalisation Seminar school. After playing magnificently the girls came second in the tournament. The team trains every week and hopes to take part in more matches with other schools.
22. Swimming
Year 3 and 4 pupils continue to attend weekly swimming sessions at the Jubilee Pool at the Jubilee Sports Centre. Boys and girls swim separately (half hour each). Each year group has one term of lessons delivered by qualified coaches. Pupils receive certificates at the end of their term.
23. Islamia Win Interschool Sports Competition
We organised a very important parent seminar at the school on Friday 8th May 2015 entitled “Protecting Your Child Against Radicalisation and Extremism”. The turnout was very good with parents engaging very well and asking some very important questions. One of the key aims of our school is to nurture our pupils into becoming balanced, tolerant and pro-active members of society upon the example of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) who is a mercy to the whole of mankind. We have significant challenges in ensuring that our children are not exposed to Radical and Extreme ideas that are not only alien to Islam but are despised and condemned by the great majority of Ulema (Islamic scholars), which is why the school organised a very important parent seminar with the following aims: • To understand the Islamic viewpoint on radicalisation and extremism. • To create awareness about the real threat of radicalisation and extremism to the safety of your child and those around them. • To understand the legal responsibility of schools and parents to safeguard children against radicalisation and extremism. • To understand what the school is doing to safeguard your child against exposure to radicalisation and extremism. • To learn how parents can work together with the school to safeguard your child against exposure to radicalisation and extremism. We organised a panel of speakers including Zafar Ali (Chair of Governors at Iqra VA Primary School, Slough), Ustadh Shaqur Rahman (RS Coordinator, Islamia Primary School), Dr. Ahsan Mirza (Chair of Governors, Islamia Primary School), Zahida Shaheem (Headteacher, Islamia Primary School), chaired by Babar Mirza (Deputy Headteacher, Islamia Primary School).
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25. Educate Every Child
which lasted 2 minutes and 46 seconds as viewed off the coast of the Faroe Islands.
27. World Book Day & Book Week
The school held its annual ‘Book Week’ in March 2015. The whole week was packed with fun activities promoting the love of Reading. We held a Book Fair in the canteen for the whole week. World Book Day also took place during Book Week, where children and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters and took part in a special assembly. During the week, there were also story writing competitions, design a bookmark competition, and a story-telling competition.
28. Red Nose Day Comic Relief The school focused some of its fundraising this year on the ‘Help Build a New School’ campaign which was organised by READ Foundation. The campaign involved helping to raise funds to build a brand new school for orphans in Kashmir. Our regular fundraising during non-school uniform days helped to raise £2,500 to educate children and to change the lives of whole communities. We hope to support more school projects in other parts of the world and to link with these schools through the British Council.
26. Eclipse Prayer
On Friday 13th March, the school took part in RED NOSE DAY by encouraging pupils and staff to come into school dressed in RED. Every child brought in £1 which went towards the great work carried out by Comic Relief.
29. Science Week
On Friday 20th March 2015, the school observed the Eclipse prayer (Salat ul-Kusuf) during a partial eclipse which occurred across the far Northern regions of Europe and the Artic. Earlier on in the week, the Science behind solar and lunar Eclipses was explained along with the health risks of looking at an Eclipse with the naked eye. Before the Eclipse prayer, pupils were taught about the occurrence of Eclipses during the time of the Prophet (SAW) and learnt about some of the superstitious misconceptions that existed at that time which were clarified by the Prophet (SAW). Pupils then watched amazing LIVE footage of the eclipse on a big screen
The school’s Science Week took place during the National Science and Engineering Week (13th – 22nd March 2015). Pupils took part in special Science assemblies which, as in previous years, provided a lot of excitement, laughter and Science learning for all pupils. An emphasis was placed on the benefit of Science and engineering on helping people and making their lives better.
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30. Year 1 learn about Christian prayer
32. School Photos
All Year 1 pupils visited St. Anne’s Church to learn about the different ways that Christians pray. Mother Christine Cargill, the Vicar of Saint Anne's, provided an excellent presentation which involved praying when glorifying and praising God, praying for forgiveness and praying when in need. Pupils discovered that many of the reasons why Christians pray are the same for Muslims. The presentation helped pupils to understand the concept of prayer and the reasons why we pray much better.
We invited Tempest Photographers for a day to take individual, sibling and class photos of all pupils in the school. Although it was a big challenge to organise, the school’s PSA helped to ensure that the whole day went as smoothly as possible.
33. Nepal Earthquake Disaster Appeal
31. 100% Attendance Assembly
The school raised over £1000 for those affected by the earthquake disaster in Nepal. Pupils also used the opportunity to learn about Nepal and how earthquakes occur. This year we launched the 100% Attendance Assemblies to celebrate the efforts of pupils who ensure that they are at school every day. Pupils with 100% attendance were given medals and certificates. Over 108 pupils achieved the 100%
attendance award. This has contributed towards an improvement in overall attendance in the school.
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34. Team London Young Ambassadors
KS2 pupils took part in an assembly delivered by a young, motivated and talented Team London Young Ambassador who talked to pupils about making a difference in their school or local community by taking action in order for them to grow into active citizens.
35. Visit by Malaysian Teachers
37. New Lunches
We were visited by a delegation of teachers from Malaysia. They were taken on a tour of all classrooms and commented very positively about the warmth they felt from teachers and pupils.
One of the greatest achievements this year was to introduce new school lunches. After a considerable amount of work and
36. Healthy Smiles
research conducted by the PSA, the school signed a three year contract with ISS Catering Services to provide a high quality
As part of the school’s drive to promote Healthy lifestyles, the PSA invited an NHS Dental Team to check the teeth of all KS1 pupils. On 14th May, the dentists applied fluoride varnutritious menu for the school. Feedback from pupils, staff and parents has been exceptional with lunch times completely transformed.
nish to help protect pupils’ teeth against tooth decay. Applying fluoride varnish is recommended by the Department of Health as good practice. We also held an assembly to help pupils improve dental health of all children at our school.
38. Class Charts Reward Store The school purchased new behaviour monitoring software called ‘Class Charts’ which allowed all teachers to give points
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for positive behaviour and take away points for negative behaviour. Pupils then used these points to purchase items from
grown to 30 clubs per week. There are a range of clubs that cater for different pupils with a broad range of interests. The school has now appointed a part time Club’s Coordinator who looks after all the clubs, club leaders and ensures that all clubs are running smoothly.
41. “Behaviour of Pupils in Islamia is Outstanding” the Class Charts Reward Store. Prizes range from pens and rubbers to games and early lunch (with a friend) passes. This new system of monitoring behaviour has had a huge impact on behaviour throughout the school.
39. Yoga Bugs
YogaBugs classes were introduced this year to Year 1 and 2 pupils in order to promote exercise, creativity and confidence. The weekly sessions bring stories to life through specially developed moves inspired by yoga. Combining fun with exercise, children go on wild adventures where they may roar like a lion, fly like a bird or blast into outer space! Children are encouraged to be vocal during a session and express their emotions physically. Through creative visualisation techniques we help children believe they are unique and special.
40. School Clubs
This year’s lunch time and after school clubs provision has
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As part of the school’s drive to make continuous improvements, we invited a team from the Behaviour Inclusion Support, Children and Young People Inclusion and Alternative Education Service, Brent Council, to review the schools’ behaviour management procedures. Although the review was not an Ofsted inspection, it was just as thorough as any inspection. The team of three consultants spent the whole day (from 7:30am – 3:30pm) meeting senior leaders and a school governor, observed punctuality to school, conducted lesson observations and learning walks, observed behaviour in playground and corridors, interviewed pupils and staff, observed lunchtime, playground, dining hall and clubs, interviewed lunch supervisors and parents, scrutinised behaviour records and policies and finally observed pupils leaving school at home time. We are pleased to announce that the review team unanimously agreed that “Behaviour of pupils in Islamia is Outstanding.” The leader said: “It is clear that a great deal of work has been done on behaviour that has had an impact.” He also said that “the school is orderly – the new systems that have been put in place have paid dividends.” This is a magnificent achievement for Islamia Primary School. We wish to thank all parents for their continued support as we continue on our journey for the school to become Outstanding in all areas, insha’Allah.
42. Sports Days
We were blessed with great weather this summer so we were able to hold all sports days in Queen’s Park. The sports days were delivered by PlaySport who did a magnificent job in providing the coaches and organising the carousel of events, including 50m sprint, Handball, Touch Rugby, Quick Cricket, Relays, Javelin - distance throws, Dodgeball, Tug of War, Crazy Water race - water transport game and Mini Football. The PSA provided refreshments and fruit.
travellers in anticipation of their transition to secondary school. The presentation covered all appropriate modes of transport and focussed on developing respect, responsibility and awareness in young travellers. The presentation covered a variety of areas including: Getting help; Showing respect for members of staff and other passengers; What to do in an emergency; Awareness of possible dangers and personal safety; Journey planning; Active travel choices (such as cycling, walking); Ticketing (including the Zip Oyster photocards).
43. Capoeira Performance
During Sports Week, pupils were treated to a Capoeira performance in the playground organised by our PSA. Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, ac-
45. Achievement assemblies
We had four special achievement assemblies this year, where pupils were awarded achievement medals and certificates for outstanding achievement in Literacy, Numeracy, Science, Qur’an, Arabic, Deen, Humanities, Computing, Art/DT, PE, Attendance, Behaviour, Masjid Behaviour and Overall Improvement. The award ceremonies were attended by school governors and parents.
46. Staff Vs Year 6 Football Match
robatics and music. It was developed in Brazil mainly by West African descendants with native Brazilian influences, probably beginning in the 16th century. It is known for quick and complex moves, using mainly power, speed, and leverage for a wide variety of kicks, spins, and highly mobile techniques. Amongst the performers were two of our Reception class and Year 4 pupils who performed magnificently.
44. Year 6 Travel Safety As part of the school’s transition curriculum, we invited members of the Transport Police to deliver a presentation about Travel Safety. Pupils were given the opportunity to ask questions and build their confidence about becoming independent
The long awaited Staff Vs Year 6 football match took place during Sports Week. The match is always a highlight of the year watched by the whole school on the school’s football pitch. Players on both teams were cheered on by a very lively crowd. Year 6 played extremely well scoring a number of early goals, but were eventually defeated by a zealous staff team who were determined to win.
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47. Child Mental Health Awareness Day
49. Choir Performs at Small Kindness Charity Dinner
We held our own ‘Child Mental Health Awareness Day’ at Islamia which included a parent seminar. We were honoured to have as guest speakers Dr. Benjamin Keene and Nurse Paula Stammers from Brent Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) along with two parents Sr. Ouafa and Sr. Carmen. The seminar provided a fascinating and eye opening insight into ADHD. Parents were able to ask questions and speak to other parents who had experiences of ADHD.
The Islamia choir performed nasheeds at the Brondesbury College Annual Charity Dinner supporting orphans in Indonesia through Small Kindness. The event was attended by the CEO of Islam Channel, Mohamed Ali and the Ambassador of Indonesia H.E. Teuku Mohammad Hamzah Thayeb.
50. 800 Years of Magna Carta
48. The Beit Project
Pupils commemorated the 800 years anniversary of the Magna Carta. Pupils were taught about the significance of the Magna Carta in underpinning the rights, freedoms and liberties of our lives and societies today. The history and influence of the Magna Carta were highlighted and how it has evolved and formed some of our most important historical and current philosophy, charters and legislation today.
51. Maths Week
Our Year 5 and 6 pupils took part in a new urban and social interfaith project initiative involving London's local schools called The Beit Project supported by the European Union. Launched in Paris in 2011, the project has been held in Barcelona, Roma, Brussels, Berlin. The programme centred on the Cable Street mural using it to trigger reflection and discussion about past and on-going totalitarian threats. The goal of the project is to encourage students to discover local identities following all the different historical layers that can be appreciated through the sites and their meanings. The students were encouraged to work through the values of autonomy and interdependency, freedom and responsibility, democracy and participation, as a complement to traditional curricula.
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The theme for this year's Maths Week was “GAME ON!” .The challenge for the week was for children to create their own Maths board game. The aim was for children to improve their reasoning and thinking in Maths. Pupils were encouraged to bring a Maths game or puzzle to school to share with children in class, play a range of maths board games and use them to identify the structure/feature of a board game.
52. Muslim History Walks
Year 6 pupils took part in a special Muslim Tour of Central London. Pupils learnt about an untold history of the Muslim contribution to British history. Included in the trip was a walk through Parliament Square, Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square as well as Regent’s Park & Islamic Cultural Centre (Mosque). It was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational trip for all.
53. School Trips
Pupils visited different theme parks this year. Year 3 and 6 went to GoApe, Year 4 went to Legoland, Year 1 and 2 went to Gulliver's Land, and Year 5 and 6 went to Thorpe Park.
54. Kingswood Residential Trip
55. Art Week
The theme for this year’s Art Week was COLOUR. Each year group was given one colour to work with. Pupils used a variety of artistic techniques and by the end of Art week; each year group had a space on the ‘wheel display’ in the main corridor to display their work. Teacher Ahmed used all Arabic lessons that week to teach all KS2 pupils how to produce Arabic calligraphy and by the end of the week they produced beautiful calligraphy.
56. Shared Values
Each month, pupils focussed on a different value including Unity, Tolerance, Kindness and Respect. We emphasised to pupils that these values are shared not just amongst the Muslim community but also amongst those of other faiths and communities and that core British values are no different to Islamic values.
57. Qur’an Competition 2015
Year 6 pupils and teachers took part in a three day residential trip to Kingswood Outdoor Activity Centre in Ashford, Kent. Pupils had a packed programme full of exciting activities including Team Challenge, Aeroball, Team Tech, 3G Swing, Aerial Runway, Marble Motion, Indoor Climb, Outdoor Lazer and Problem Solving. For many it was their first time away from home, so making their bed and clearing up after themselves were valuable lessons that they will take forward. As always, the trip was thoroughly enjoyable and provided an opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves by pushing themselves to their limits.
Over 150 pupils entered this year’s Qur’an competition. The competition was expanded to include ten categories with the
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top four categories being: Juzz Amma, Juzz Tabarak, Surah Al-Kahf and Surah Al-Baqarah. Pupils were judged by the
Qur’an department and the finalists (top three) were invited to the Qur’an competition ceremony to perform and achieved
by two officers from the Department for Education (DfE). Inspectors visited lessons including observing registration, break and lunchtime and the collective prayers session. They held meetings with the headteacher, governors, staff, parents and groups of pupils. Inspectors observed the school’s work and looked at a range of documentation, including pupils’ written work, planning, the religious education (RE) and Islamic studies curriculum, the school’s self-evaluation documents and the school’s RE development plan. The inspection team looked in detail at the RE curriculum; the progress pupils make in RE; the quality of teaching in RE; Leadership and management for RE; Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, including collective worship. The inspectors concluded that "the quality of religious education provided at the school is good". Inspectors also stated that "The extent of pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding". This is a real accolade for the school and demonstrates the tremendous amount of work that has gone into improving RE provision in the school. The full inspection report can be viewed on the school's website.
59. End of Year Staff Dinner
1st, 2nd or 3rd place. First prize winners receiving new bicycles and other finalists received medals, scooters and games. The competition ceremony was well attended by parents and helped to promote learning of the Qur’an in the school.
All staff were treated to a special pre-Ramadan dinner paid for by the PSA and cooked onsite by our very own Master Chefs (group of staff). The afternoon was an opportunity for teachers to unwind and reflect (light heartedly) on the year gone. This was also a time to thank all staff for their tremendous efforts that have enabled the school to achieve the wonderful accolades it has achieved whether from Ofsted, the Local Authority or other external bodies.
60. Welcoming Ramadan
58. Section 48 Ofsted Inspection On 15th June 2015, the school was inspected by AMS UK (on behalf of Ofsted) under Section 48 with a focus on the Religious Education offered by the school. This inspection was carried out by three inspectors. The inspection was observed
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The school joined the rest of the Muslim community cross the globe in welcoming the Month of Ramadan. During this blessed month, Pupils have been immersed in the remembrance of Allah and have been taken through a spiritual journey which has hopefully had an impact on their relationship with Allah (SWT), the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and many of the other Prophets, the Sahaba (the companions) and the Qur’an. Pupils have taken part in a range of activities which have been fun and engaging, including competitions and quizzes. To help parents and families, the school has organised a late opening (10:00am) and a slightly later pick up
63. Year 6 Leavers Assembly
(3:45pm) which has proven very popular among parents. We pray that our fasting and prayers ae accepted during this blessed month.
61. Ramadan Assembly at Salusbury Primary School
During the Year 6 Leavers assembly, pupils delivered speeches, recited poetry and performed spoken word as a way of expressing their appreciation to their teachers and the school for helping them to grow and be happy at school. All Year 6 pupils were awarded an engraved shield from the teachers, a “memories of Islamia” booklet from the PSA to collect comments and signatures, and a copy of the translated meaning of the Qur’an from Ustadh Shaqur on behalf of the Qur’an department.We pray that Allah always guides and protects the Year 6 leavers.
64. Masjid Monitor
Ustadh Shaqur, RS Coordinator, delivered two assemblies about “What Ramadan means to Muslims” at neighbouring Salusbury Primary School. One assembly was delivered to 270 KS1 pupils followed by another assembly to 360 KS2 pupils. Pupils at the school were given an opportunity to ask questions.
62. Reception Class Induction Masjid Monitors were launched this year to promote pupils self regulating their own behaviour in the school. What better place to start than the masjid (prayer hall). One boy and one girl were selected from each KS2 class (16 in total) to ensure that the lines were straight during prayers and to ensure that pupils were not doing anything that they shouldn't be doing whilst in the masjid. All masjid monitors received training from Ustadh Shaqur prior to going on duty. New masjid monitors are selected every term to give 48 pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. We had a full house of new reception parents who attended the Reception class induction. The Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and EYFS Leader all provided important information to the parents on how they can support their child’s transition into school. Parents were each given an information pack and reception class teachers then took the parents on a tour of the Reception classes and answered any questions that the parents had.
Keep up to date at www.islamiaprimary.org 15
For more information visit www.islamiaprimary.org
Islamia Primary School Address Telephone Fax Email
: 129 Salusbury Road London NW6 6PE, U.K. : + 44 (0) 20 7372 2532 : + 44 (0) 20 7372 2425 : admin@islamia.brent.sch.uk