Childrens Maktab Project

AIMS & OBJECTIVES                                      

Dār al-Arqam Children’s Maktab (DACM) provides children with basic Islamic education.  It does not only focus on the traditional Islaamic sciences like Hifz and Tafseer but also aims to address factors that impede the development of the Muslim character such as heretical beliefs like the evolution of man or a misunderstanding of right & wrong, and social vices.  DACM hopes to expand the relationship between itself and the student beyond the classroom by way of future projects which will not only benefit the child but also his/her family. This is because the development of the Muslim character is an effort that must be undertaken by not only a teacher but also by the parent. Thus, it is hoped, the children will be mentored to lead an Islaamic way of life.

METHOD AND CONTENT OF TEACHING

DACM works for an inspiring and challenging learning environment. The learning environment will have a strong emphasis on social and active means of teaching and an emphasis will be made on setting role models for students to aspire to be like. Children will be encouraged to organise presentations and talks, and participate in practical demonstrations and group discussions. The maktab discourages any sort of disciplinary actions, which hinder self-esteem. DACM will be initiating, by the Permission of Allaah (I), projects that cultivate and nurture a strong partnership with parents/guardians in which the children’s education and mentoring will be of prime focus.

The school’s curriculum covers the following areas over a three year period: 

DACM strives to teach children to recite the Qur’aan correctly, and memorise portions of it. Children are taught about various aspects of Islaam. Contemporary affairs (as mentioned above) is in reference to modern day phenomena’s which are in contradiction to Islaam like the evolution of man, a misunderstanding of right and wrong, ridiculing of faith, etc.

It is hoped that after the three year curriculum, the children can further their studies at the more advanced circles which will be provided at Dār al-Arqam.

RESOURCES

Curriculum mushafs, textbooks and notepads will be made available at a minimal fee to the students.  The maktab has its own growing library and holds a number of titles suitable for children to borrow. 

HOMEWORK

At DACM homework is integral to the curriculum. All parents are expected to spend at least 15 minutes every week talking to their children about the maktab, and the work which they are doing.

Homework is marked and commented on by the teachers, and then returned to children. The homework will have a clear purpose and children will not merely be asked to duplicate or copy from books.  The homework will be in line with what was taught in class and supplement their learning.

If a child fails to produce homework for 2 consecutive weeks, it will be discussed with the child, and a meeting with the parent is organised at the earliest opportunity.

ASSESSMENT

Teachers assess children through observation, completion of tasks and oral examinations. At the end of the year children have an assessment which is used to decide whether individuals are ready to move to the next level. 

HEALTH & SAFTEY

DACM will take precautions to ensure that the learning environment is safe.  The teacher in-charge or teaching assistant will carry out risk assessments of all areas to ensure that all reasonable measures are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children.

The parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that the personal details of the child are provided as this information is essential. Parents are responsible for informing the maktab of their children’s medical conditions or any changes.

Significant accidents will be reported to the parents by way of a note sent home with the child, or in serious cases, a phone call will be made to the parents or next contact on the child’s record sheet at the earliest opportunity.

UNIFORM

DACM has a uniform policy. All boys are expected to wear white thawbs or panjaabis and girls to wear black jilbabs and a hijaab (or niqaab).  If in-class activities involve paint or anything of that nature, parents will be informed to bring in their children wearing the appropriate clothing.

CONTRIBUTION, FEE

DACM is a non-profit making organisation which runs on financial contributions from individual donors, and therefore does not charge for the education. We are looking for donors who will support the maktab to subsidise much of the costs.  

TERM DATES AND TIMES, attendance and punctuality

At present, the maktab only runs once a week. The maktab starts at 09:00 am and ends at 10:30 am. Children are not allowed to leave the school premises without supervision. The academic year begins on Sunday 9^th October and ends in July.  The term dates are often in-line with mainstream schools in Tower Hamlets but excludes the half-terms. Any half-terms and semester breaks will be notified to the parents.

The maktab has a strict policy on regular attendance and punctuality.

If a child is unable to attend school, the maktab is to be notified by email, telephone or in person on the first day of absence. On return, the child should bring a note, to be handed to the teacher in-charge, explaining the reason of absence. Children are not authorised to miss school for minor illnesses or other trivial reasons. During absence the parent should ensure the child has not fallen behind and therefore should enquire about the material and homework given during his/her absence.

Parents need to apply to the teacher in-charge for extended absence or holiday in advance.

DACM may take disciplinary actions if attendance or punctuality is lacking.

ADMISSIONS

Children are admitted by selection and organised based on academic ability. Applicants must be between 8-10 years. Applicants are invited to an interview for screening. Unsuccessful applicants may re-apply the following year. The maktab does not operate a waiting list.

DACM apply the following admission criteria when selecting pupils with little flexibility:

·       children of the right age group for which places are available

·       children whose needs can be met by the maktab

·       children who live close to the maktab are given priority

*Currently, the maktab is open to boys only aged between 8-10 years old. DACM hopes to expand in the following years to facilitate for other age groups and also for girls.