We at Iqra Academy aim to provide a brief overview of information including the opportunities and guidelines that make Iqra Academy an enriching and outstanding environment in which to teach and learn. Iqra ensures that all pupils are provided with a safe, satisfying, and an academically rigorous environment in which they can succeed and flourish.

What you do with the opportunities you have been offered at Iqra is up to you. The staff is dedicated to helping each individual succeed, but success depends on commitment, self-discipline, and focus. Use your time here wisely and accept nothing less than the best of yourself. Daily attendance and the desire to succeed are probably the most important factors in determining Makhtab success. Optimum learning and high achievement begin with a can-do-attitude.

We are an establishment that are working hard to set up the highest standard of Education right here in Edinburgh and we are still working hard to achieve this. To Achieve this, it is very important that

Students – Teachers – Parents have an excellent working Relationship, we know that you will join the committed pupils, parents, and community members in continuing to support us in every way

 

ADMISSIONS

The Academy do annual admissions and new pupils are taken all year round. The minimum age for admissions is according to the child’s admission into mainstream school.

To register your child successfully there are a number of procedures which must be first completed

 

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Iqra encourages academic achievement, innovation, diversity, and personal expression in a safe and supportive environment for both pupils and staff. Our mission at Iqra is to educate all pupils to be knowledgeable self-directed learners, effective communicators, and creative thinkers. We hope to motivate pupils to fulfil their personal lives and to contribute responsibly to society.

 

 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

Academy pupils are expected to conduct themselves at all times in the manner of responsible, courteous and considerate young adults, following the rules and procedures necessary and to advance the best interests of a large and diverse school population. This philosophy of pupil conduct assumes that;

  • The vast majority of pupils are capable of exercising all necessary self-discipline in their conduct and fulfilment of policies.
  • Steps to be taken in changing unacceptable behaviour or breaking of policies should represent a team effort of the pupil, parent, and school staff.
  • Pupils are expected to be responsible citizens and make a positive contribution to the learning environment.

 

AIMS OF THE ACADEMY

While Islamic education should and, in most cases, does begin at home, it is formally and systematically conducted through the Academy. Thus, the Academy plays a major role in developing the Islamic identity of our children.

At the Academy we aim to:

  • Teach the correct recitation of the Qur’an
  • Deliver the highest quality of academic and Islamic education
  • Present a realistic and balanced Islamic education within the framework of the Qur’an and Sunnah which is of paramount importance in order to help our future generations developing a strong personal and Islamic identity.
  • Give the best quality of education within a safe and non-hostile environment stemming from Islamic moral teachings.
  • Strengthen the children’s identity and to enable them to participate fully in the culturally diverse modern age. A high level of priority will be given to self-discipline in and out of Academy, in terms of respect, responsible citizenship and good behaviour towards Muslims and non-Muslims.

 

THE CURRENT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Trustees

Principal

Teachers

 

THE ACADEMIC STAFF

 All aspects of the Academy syllabus and teaching issues are dealt by the Principal with full consultation. We at all times seek to improve our syllabus by consulting our elders and other Islamic education establishments.

Our staff and volunteers are our key asset. They are all qualified in Islamic Religious studies or are education professionals.

In addition, the Academy is hoping to organise visits by people and Ulama from this country and abroad providing opportunities for conferences and specialised events which pupils, parents and the general public can benefit from.

 

TEACHING AND LEARNING

 Our staff have received training on current teaching and learning methods. We ensure that approaches used reflect the needs of the pupils and appropriate resources are used to provide the best learning possible. Strategies employed by teachers include use of visual aids, collaborative learning and self and peer assessment.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The academy has a range of policies and procedures in place to ensure a high standard of practice and services are provided. Policies include child protection, teaching and learning, homework, health and safety and admissions. Some of these will be detailed in this handbook. Other policies can be provided on request from the Principal.

 

CONTRIBUTIONS

The education we provide is healthily subsidised, so that Islamic education is accessible to all. What parents pay is known as a ‘contribution’. Hence parents who cannot afford to pay this are given a waiver as per their individual circumstances.

The contribution is typically 50% of the actual cost of involved per cost child. The remainder is raised through donations, fundraising events and support from parents and the general public.

Fees per month:

£25 per month per child

 

ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCE

The timings of the classes are currently:

Monday – Thursday 4.30 – 6.30pm and Fridays 3pm – 4.30pm

Attendance is mandatory. Pupils are not allowed to take days/ time off for reasons such as parties, clubs etc. Also, if you do intend to be going on holiday make it in the holidays of the institute.

Please note:

  • Absence during Mosque class time really hampers the progress of the pupils. It is unfair on staff and pupils whose teaching and learning is disrupted due to catch up time.
  • If your child is going to be absent it is vital that parents provide written notification of dates and length of absence.
  • In the case of an emergency an absence a note should be brought in the next day.
  • If your child is absent without prior notification or for more than 5 consecutive classes you must see the head teacher before your child returns to class.

 

PUNCTUALITY

We at this institute take regularity and punctuality very seriously. It is our belief that for a pupil to be successful in his/her studies he/she must attend and be punctual. Also, we want our pupils to have the best chance of success. So, we require all parents to take this seriously.

Please note:

  1. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure that their child attends

regularly and on time.

  1. All pupils have to be in class before starting time.
  2. Entering late is considered breaking of rules.
  3. A pupil with a note from parent should hand that into the teacher.

 

 DRESS CODE

Dress code is an important part of the Academy’s as well as Islam’s ethics. We take pride in the uniform of our Academy and give it great importance. Therefore, all pupils must wear the uniform at all times. We ask parents to give attention to this.

Pupils are expected to dress appropriately for school. Clothing that is against Islamic law & against school’s rules is not allowed.

The uniform for males is:

  • A cap
  • White jubbah.

The uniform for females is:

  • A scarf
  • A black jilbaab.

 A referral will be made by any staff of the school concerning a pupil’s not adhering to uniform rules. Above expectations apply to all pupils regardless of class or academic achievement. Parent will be required to take these referrals seriously and act according to steps issued by academy.

 

BOOKS AND RESOURCES

 All pupils are required to bring all necessary books to class. These include:

  • Dua book
  • Qaidah / Quran
  • Islamic Studies book
  • Homework diary

As well as books pupils are required to bring basic stationary including a pen, pencil, rubber, ruler and sharpener. This will reduce the need for disturbance of class time where resources would have to be distributed.

 

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR

The Academy expects a high level of behaviour from pupils. This ensures that we can provide the highest level of teaching possible. Each teacher will use a variety of behaviour management techniques including praise and positive language communication.

Pupils are reminded that different teachers have different classroom rules, which supplement school-wide conduct policies. Therefore, it is each pupil’s responsibility to become aware of what each teacher expects in terms of work and behaviour and to conform to those standards. Our pupils are expected to behave in a mature, responsible manner in and out of class. We expect children to listen carefully to instructions in lessons. If they do not do so, we ask them either to move to a place nearer the teacher, or to sit on their own. We expect children to try their best in all activities. If they do not do so, we ask them to redo a task. If a child is disruptive in class, the teacher reprimands him or her. If a child misbehaves repeatedly, we isolate the child from the rest of the class until s/he calms down, and is in a position to work sensibly again with others.

The safety of the children is paramount in all situations. If a child’s behaviour endangers the safety of others, the class teacher stops the activity and prevents the child from taking part for the rest of the session. If a child threatens, hurts or bullies another pupil, the class teacher reports the incident to the head teacher. If a child repeatedly acts in a way that disrupts or upsets others, the school contacts the child’s parents and seeks an appointment in order to discuss the situation, with a view to improving the behaviour of the child.

The school does not tolerate bullying of any kind. If we discover that an act of bullying or intimidation has taken place, we act immediately to stop any further occurrences of such behaviour. While it is very difficult to eradicate bullying, we do everything in our power to ensure that all children attend school free from fear.

 A referral will be made by any employee of the school concerning a pupil’s inappropriate behaviour or disrespectful attitude. Behavioural expectations apply to all pupils regardless of class or academic achievement.

 Typical reasons for referrals may include:

  • Defiance-failure to obey request of school employee.
  • Classroom Misconduct-violation of any classroom conduct rule and lacking academic books and materials. Throwing-any object in class or other areas.
  • Littering-discarding refuse or trash in places other than designated containers.
  • Offensive language & behaviour

Disrespecting any adult or employee of the staff.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is a very important part of a child’s education and can add much to a child’s development. We recognise that the time and resources available limit the educational experience that any school itself can provide; children benefit greatly therefore from the mutual support of the parents and teachers in encouraging them to learn both at home and at school. We see homework as an important way of establishing a successful dialogue between teachers and parents.

One of the aims of our school is for children to develop as independent learners. We believe that homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.

Parents have a vital role in their child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process. We ask parents to

  • Encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set.
  • To help their children as they feel necessary and provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best.
  • Discuss with their child the work that they are doing.
  • Check the home/school diary at least once a week and to sign and comment in it as requested.
  • Contact the child’s class teacher if they have any questions or queries. If their questions are of a more general nature, they should contact the Principal.
  • Implement all the practical education taught to their children at home. This is essential for the knowledge to be of benefit to their child.

Finally, if parents wish to make a complaint about any school homework policy or the way it is implemented, parents should contact the principal.

Pupils are also asked to have responsibility when doing homework. This includes:

  • Completion of all types of homework, whether it be written, reading or memorisation.
  • Homework should be done in an acceptable and accurate manner.
  • Homework should be completed and submitted on time.

 A homework referral may be issued by staff of the school concerning a pupil’s completion of homework or not fulfilling the requirements of homework. Above expectations apply to all pupils regardless of class or academic achievement. Parent will be required to take these referrals seriously and act according to steps issued by academy.

 

THE ROLE OF THE TEACHER

  • The class teacher will ensure that the school rules are being followed in class and that the class behave in a responsible manner during lesson time.
  • The class teacher treats each child fairly, with understanding and enforces the classroom code consistently.
  • Ensure engagement in effective planning, teaching and assessment.
  • If a child misbehaves repeatedly in class, the class teacher keeps a record of all such incidents. In the first instance, the class teacher deals with incidents him/herself in the normal manner. However, if misbehaviour continues, the class teacher seeks help and advice from the Principal.
  • Report to parents about the progress of each child in their class, in line with the school policy on assessment and reporting.
  • Contact a parent if there are concerns about the behaviour, welfare or any other concern of a child.

 

THE ROLE OF THE PARENTS

  • Work collaboratively with the Academy, so children receive consistent messages about how to behave and attain standards at home and at school.
  • Support their child’s learning, and to co-operate with the school.
  • If the Academy has to use reasonable sanctions to punish a child, parents should support the actions of the school. If parents have any concern about the way that their child has been treated, they should contact the management.
  • Parents will at no time contact teachers about any incident or query without prior appointment through the Principal. We believe that teachers should be given the opportunity to work and teach without any distractions or intimidation.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

Parents are pivotal in the success of their children in acquiring Islamic education and putting it to practice.  They can instil and reinforce the importance of Islamic education, encouraged and promoted by the Academy. Their level of expectation and interest in their child’s Academy work is easily sensed by their child.

The parent’s responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring that their child attends Academy regularly and on time.
  • Notifying the Academy in case of a prolonged (two weeks or more) absence, and making arrangements to make up for missed classes.
  • Ensuring that their child and they themselves are appropriately dressed for the Academy.
  • Teaching and reinforcing the importance of respecting teachers and peers, paying attention, and observing Academy rules and regulations.
  • Encouraging and leading the child to develop proper study habits at home.
  • Reviewing with their child materials taught each week and ensuring that all homework assignments are completed on time.
  • Participating meaningfully in parent-teacher events to discuss their child’s progress and areas that need improvement.
  • Discussing the report with their child and jointly striving for improvement.

Parents are most welcome to make an appointment through the Principal at any time, to see the teachers to discuss their child’s progress. Formal teacher-parent meetings however, will be scheduled after exams. The purpose of these events would be to help parents:

  • Understand the areas to be covered in each course and the ways in which they could work cooperatively with the teachers.
  • Learn about their child’s academic progress, work habits, social relationships with other pupils and with the Academy staff.
  • Homework is important for the pupils to fulfil their true potential. Parents will be expected to assist and encourage their children with as much as possible.

 

 RESPONSIBILITY OF PUPILS

  1. Attend school regularly and be on time and attend all classes.
  2. Be respectful always and follow staff instructions.
  3. Respect all other pupils.
  4. Bring all required materials to class each day and in an appropriate bag.
  5. Complete class work and homework on time.
  6. Dress according to school and Islamic rules.
  7. To abide by all Islamic laws.
  8. To have an Islamic outer appearance.
  9. Take pride in the school; help keep the classes free of litter and respect school property and the learning environment.
  10. Use appropriate language
  11. To have no type of contact or association with an Academy pupil of the opposite gender.
  12. To bring in no type of electronic devises or un-Islamic material.
  13. To fulfil the requirements of all policies.

Our Academy is a partnership between parents, teachers and pupils.

It is only this triangular approach that helps us progress and make the education and service we provide a success.

SYLLABUS

Qur’an, Tajweed and implementation of syllabus

The Academy is trying its best to set a high standard of Tajweed (reciting with correct pronunciation). We must acknowledge that finishing the Quraan in a few years without Tajweed is not an objective and in reality, would be a sinful act. For us to teach less but with full recognition and adherence of Tajweed would be an act of reward.

The whole Academy syllabus over many years of experience is based on the capability of an average pupil in that particular age group. The syllabus continues to be monitored by qualified Quraas. (People who have mastered the art of Tajweed)

If you would like more information or you would like enrol your child please contact the masjid on 0131 667 7474