Fragrance of Taqwa and presence of the Baraqah of the 12th Imam (AS)
Some words of wisdom remain with one forever, and when trying to establish the progress of the services offered by Madressa, the following words of a mentor come to mind: “When you feel the fragrance of Taqwa and the presence of the Baraqah of the 12th Imam (AS), then take this as an indication that the work is moving forward, Alhamdulillah”. And so, when taking a step back and pondering over the environment within which we are operating, the above two special feelings can be vigorously sensed.
Whilst the above are the main parameters for measuring the advancement, figures and statistics also play an important role in evaluating our growth. Looking at the exam results from 2006, it can be established that the work and efforts put in by teachers, parents, and students bear fruit. Furthermore, the turn of the year saw a new record intake of students into the fold of Madressa, taking the current total up to the ever high of nearly 750 students, Mashallah.
Whilst maintenance of the traditional and core services remain the focal point of our mission – to provide the basic and fundamental Islamic knowledge – new services are proactively being looked into and introduced on an ongoing basis.
In parallel with concentrating on what services are offered, it is also vital to take into consideration how it is provided. This includes continuous development of our teaching skills as well as management, importance of which is underlined within our institution. In addition, it is becoming all more important to provide our teachers and children with the right equipment and environment of teaching and learning and we at SIM are continuously working towards enhancing the atmosphere, conducive towards more efficient and effective learning, on-site as well as off-site. However, perhaps the greatest challenge currently faced is the physical space and resource at our disposal. The progress of our community as a whole and the education in particular will be greatly dependent on how this issue is addressed.
At the time of writing this, we are approaching the first term tests, and as always received, we are requesting the full support from the parents in their preparations. In relation to this, it is important to remember that these assessments are not only about trying to score the highest marks, but it gives the teachers, parents, and the students the opportunity to identify the existing gaps and subsequently work on filling these jointly.
Finally, as always, the parents’ support and involvement is essential for our work and we are looking forward to your cooperation, so that we together can work towards a prosperous and successful 2007, Inshallah.
S&D
SIM Principal
SIM Qur’an Recitation Scheme
In 2006 a Madressa-wide (class 5-11) Quran assessment took place to measure each child’s Quran recitation ability. The results found that 57% of boys and 48% of girls were reciting at a standard which would require improvement for the child to be classified as a ‘fluent’ reciter.
The focus of the Madressa Syllabus in class 5-11 is on the understanding and appreciation of the Holy Book. One of the main reasons behind this concentration is the limited time resource at our disposal. However, in order to address the recitation skills issue, the above assessment was put into place to gauge the various levels amongst the students. Following the outcome, we have this year initiated a programme to assist the children on their way to improve their recitation skills and to aim for the percentages above to be reduced.
Class 7 A (girls) & B (boys) have been selected to undergo a Quran recitation pilot scheme, which commenced from January 2007. For a period of 3-6 months the Quran lessons will focus on recitation only, tailored to the individual’s grade. The rest of the year the Class will be taught the normal syllabus (appreciation of the Holy Qur’an). At the end of this pilot period, an evaluation will be conducted, followed by appropriate plans of action to be put in place to further develop and enhance this scheme.
In addition to the recitation scheme, we also introduced the the Quran Chart Scheme last year. This was initiated on the same basis as the Salaat Chart Scheme and this exercise continues this year as well. Alhamdulillah, the comments and feedback we have received from parents is positive and we remind all parents that these are now printed and part of the manuals.
A fluent standard can only really be achieved by action taken during the week at home, as one day a week at Madressa is insufficient time to develop the student’s Quran recitation skills to a strong level. The best ways to learn Quran are regular personalised tutoring, and frequent individual recitation. Hence, as part of the scheme, Madressa is also looking at a number of options to promote and develop the learning of Quran at home.
SIM Quran Department
Madressa Presentation Day - Friday 19th January 2007
Ahamdulillah, well over 500 students and parents gathered for the annual Presentation Day of the Shia Ithna-asheri Madressa on Friday 19th January 2007 at Hujjat Imambara, Stanmore. The programme commenced with recitation from the Holy Quran and the Hadise Kisa, recited by Madressa students. This was followed by a sumptuous meal with a choice of pizza or meat curry. This year, the Presentation Day included an Islamic version of 'The Weakest Link' - with a fantastic prize of a Sony PSP for the winner.
Alhamdulillah, the atmosphere was wonderful - and the crowd was inspired by the performance of the young students. A generous private donor tripled the virtual money banked in the boys' competition - and made the funds available to a charity of the winner's choice. The winner, together with the SIM admin team decided that the funds (GBP1,050) should go towards the ZCSS Higher Education Muharram drive. In addition to 'The Weakest Link', the Madressa organised a written quiz for all students to participate in. The winners of this quiz received prizes including an X Box games console, a Gameboy Advance and a remote-controlled car.
The principal of the Madressa delivered a short speech highlighting the achievements of the students, and encouraging greater parental involvement in their education. He also thanked the tireless contributions of the teachers and administration team.
The evening concluded with the presentation ceremony, where trophies were awarded to the students who excelled in their assessments, as well as those who have been outstanding in keeping up Salaat regularly.
Before leaving, all were treated to ice cream - a refreshing end to a memorable celebration of student achievement!
Launch of Bab-ul-Ilm Iran
For the fourth year running, the Education Committee of CoEJ and the Islamic Education Board of the World Federation - in conjunction with Shia Ithna-asheri Madressa of Stanmore - is organising a cultural and religious trip to
The 'Bab al-Ilm' course is offered to both boys and girls (separate camps) aged14-17 years old. The courses offer both an academic programme that involves lessons in the Hawza in
Trip Dates: 22 July - 12 August 2007
Dates for your Diary
Tests for classes 5-11 will be held on Sunday 22nd (Fiqh/Akhlaq) & 29th April (Tareekh/Quran).
Tests for classes 1-4 will be held between 15th April and 6th May 2007.
Parents Day is scheduled for 13th May 2007.
The Madressa Sports Day and BBQ has been moved from the 15th July 2007 to Sunday 22nd July 2007