BRIEF SUMMARY ON GCSE Islam COURSE

BRIEF SUMMARY ON GCSE Islam COURSE 1. HISTORY OF AL-NOOR SCHOOL IN A NUTSHELL Al-Noor The Light Aberdeen Mosque School was established in 1984 to cater and fulfil the need of the Muslim children in Aberdeen. The school has been run and assisted by a group of committed sisters and brothers in providing a good foundation of Islamic education to the children and is not in any way a profitable or commercial entity. Throughout the time Al-Noor School had gone through several phases of development and upon careful consideration and considering the increasing demand to fill in the gap when the students completed the foundation level; this GCSE Islam course was introduced. Alhamdulillah, it can be concluded that Al-Noor School, with the grace of Allah SWT; is running well and hopefully it will continue to progress Insha Allah. 2. GCSE ISLAM (RELIGIOUS STUDIES) COURSE In session 2007/2008 Al-Noor school had started an extended study programme for the students who are over 14 years old. The Department of Religious Studies was initiated for this purpose. The programme was opened for everyone. Background on the establishment of the course The reference to GCSE Islam was made due to the absence of similar qualifications offered in Scotland. The GCSE Islam Course was run based on the syllabus issued and monitored by Edexcel. Who and what is Edexcel? Based from Edexcel website, http://www.edexcel.com/aboutus/pages/aboutus.aspx, Edexcel is a Pearson company (the world s largest education business and the owner of the FT and Penguin) and it is the UK's largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally. Since the course is offered via Edexcel, the link to Edexcel must be initiated and it was duly established in 2007. Edexcel has laid down its specific requirements to be conformed for eligible candidates to sit for its examinations; amongst others is to be registered with an examination centre accredited and fulfil Edexcel specifications. Due to the fact that the course is based on the standard examination offered in England and not in Scotland, further it is a specific course on 'Islam' paper, there is no examination centre in the North East of Scotland that can provide their examination facilities to accommodate this requirements. BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 1

Numerous educational institutions were approached (such as the schools throughout the Aberdeen City and Shire the academies, the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen College, a private school in Ellon etc) but none was able to provide the service. With the assistance from GREC, a special arrangement finally was successfully agreed with Aberdeen College to enable the first batch of students to sit for their internally assessed GCSE Islam examination. This was made possible with tremendous help and cooperation from Mrs Ruqaiyyah Maqsood, the pioneer and the examiner of this GCSE Islam course as well as the author of the textbooks. The Aberdeen International Centre successfully appointed as the accredited Examination centre in 2010 and this enabled the candidates to sit their exam at the centre. The successful stories on previous sessions The course started with 17 students in 2007/08 and all accomplished very good results with all candidates who passed the exam and 3 with A*; and the rest with As and Bs and a few Cs. Due to shortage of manpower and uncertainties of the examination centre, there is no intake or classes being held for 2008/09 session. For year 2009/10 Session, GCSE Islam course recommenced on 19th.October 2009 with 20 students (5 male students and 15 female students). The result of the examination for the candidates in 2011 was also excellent with more A* achievements and again no failures. For the year 2012/13 Session, GCSE Islam course recommenced in August 2011 with only 8 students. Regretfully, the management had to put on hold for the course to continue since the small number of students affected the smooth running of the lessons. It was agreed that for a better and effective use of resources, it requires at least 20 students. The course was then re-advertised and promoted. Alhamdulillah, the course was recommenced in January 2013 with 21 students. These students attended the exam in May/June 2014 with flying colours result! The students passed the exam with excellent result ~ 11 A*, 7 As and 3 Bs. 3. THE COURSE CONTENT & SPECIFICATION New Specification imposed and implemented on GCSE 2009 beginning in September 2009 A new syllabus with a revamped specification was imposed and implemented by Edexcel in September 2009. With this new development, the earlier preparation and carried out for 2007/08 session was deemed obsolete. The tutors were faced with a challenge to ensure that these specifications are met. BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 2

Classes held and completed for 2009/2010 Session - GCSE Islam (Unit 11) The Department of Religious Studies under Al-Noor school managed to conduct the classes with the commitment of 6 dedicated tutors.topics covered under Unit 11 are divided under 4 main sections as briefly enumerated below. The coverage of each section; must be observed closely and can be concluded that it covers a wide spectrum of concepts and practical issues under Shari'ah. In delivering the lessons, the tutors have the basic duties as Muslims to ensure that the contents are in accordance with the Qur'an and Sunnah. Obviously, in pursuing this, thorough and meticulous efforts and integrity are poured into the work; which is reflected in the quality of the presentations delivered. This would not be able to be accomplished without the commitment of the dedicated tutors 'sacrificing' their valuable time and energy contributing to the success of this course. The topics and discussions for this Unit 11 can be summarised as follows: Section 1: Beliefs & Values Under this Section 1, the topics covered include belief in Tawhid & sin of shirk, belief in creativity, the mercy & compassion of Allah, belief in Islamic teaching on khalifah, Al-Qadr & human freedom, on Angels and Belief in Risalah, Holy books Tawrat, Zabur & Injil, Revelation of the Qur an and also on Akhirah & the effects of this beliefs on the lives of Muslims. Section 2: Community & Tradition Under this Section 2, the topics covered include belief in Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets, belief in the Qur an as supreme authority for Muslims, understanding the respect for Qur an by Muslims, understanding the nature & importance of Shari ah and also understanding the importance & effects of the ummah on the lives of Muslims. The coverage under this Section 2 is very challenging since it also required depth understanding of the concept of community in Islam and therefore it also includes the topics such as understanding the main features of a mosque & the reasons for them, the role of Imam in a mosque and the importance of mosque for local Muslim community. Not only that, the candidates / students are also expected to know and understand the issues and topics on Sunni & Shi ah communities why and what the differences between them, the influence of Muslim sects (mazhab) in British mosques and also the different attitudes to Sufi forms of worship (Sufism) Section 3: Worship & Celebration Under this Section 3, the topics covered require proper understanding on the acts of worship and celebration of the Muslims. In this context, the candidates / students must be able not only to understand but also to explain the meaning & significance of Shahadah, the practice & significance of Salah, the practice & BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 3

significance of Zakah, the relationship of Zakah & ummah, the practice & significance of Sawm in Ramadhan, Reasons for & benefits of fasting / sawm, together with the meaning & significance of Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. It is also covered under this Section 3, the topic on Hajj and that the candidates / students must understand the meaning & significance of hajj in Makkah, at Arafat, at Mina as well as the meaning & significance of Eid-ul-Adha celebration Section 4: Living the Muslim Life Under this Section 4, the topics covered are geared more towards the common issues, problems and dilemmas faced in the Western world and how the Muslims, with their strong understanding on the teachings of Shari'ah behold and persevere in living their life as practising Muslims. Undoubtedly, this Section 4 though it requires deep understanding on the common problems it also provides a good exposure to the students the position under Shari'ah and how a Muslim is to lead his/her life in the Western culture. The topics covered here includes the meaning & significance the concept of halal & haram concept, the concept of jihad lesser & greater jihad & effects on Muslims s life, understanding the meaning & significance of Islamic birth & death rituals and good understanding on contemporary issues such as on drugs and alcohol, the Muslim law (Shari'ah) and dress, food, riba and gambling. To make it more colourful, this Section 4 further requires the students to also learn and understand the concept of social and community cohesion and the Muslims involvement via specific channel/organisations in eliminating poverty and sufferings. Previously, the Management managed to hold special arrangement where the students attended a programmed conducted by AMINA (Muslim Women Resource Centre) and the Grampian Police that encompassed the practical approached regarding social and community cohesion. We can proudly state that the students are provided with valuable opportunity in getting connected to the real scenario. 4. PREPARATION & DELIVERANCE OF THE LESSONS The tutors are expected to provide a comprehensive guide to each topic they are responsible to deliver. They are also required to prepare lecture notes and handouts to be distributed to the students. The lessons were delivered using powerpoint presentations complemented with notes/handouts. In order to synchronize the deliverance of the lessons and for the lessons to be conducted professionally, Mrs Noor was responsible to edit the notes and also to prepare the PowerPoint presentations (as and when required) as well as for the handouts to be ready and printed for distribution for the students and all tutors. A series of 3-hourly sessions of 33 to 35 lessons (based on the topics mentioned earlier under Sections 1,2,3 and 4) were successfully delivered with 33 handouts (of not less than 4-5 page each!) provided over the period of 30 weeks. BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 4

5. ASSESSMENT Internal Assessments There were 4 separate tests conducted upon completion of each section of this module and one Mock Test was carried out culminating all topics and sections completed at the end of the session. The students were supported with discussion sessions after each lesson and they were also further provided with revision time prior to each test. Students' performance is reflected in the results of the written tests. Though the basis of their achievements is not solely based from the lessons conducted, it may provide a general perspective on the quality and ability of the students. A general observation by the tutors linked with the expectation of the course specification laid down by Edexcel, the course would be recommended for candidates who are over 16. It must be noted that there exist quite a considerable level of ability and competency amongst the students. The tutors shall undertake further tasks in assisting the students who are struggling in their understanding and in particular to improve the answering techniques. External Assessment For the new intake in September 2015, the students / candidates are to sit for the national examinations in 2017. Inherent dilemma and obstacles i. Where to conduct the lessons? This has been one of the greatest hurdles faced in planning and implementing the objective in conducting the course. The rates for hiring the venues are increasing rapidly almost everywhere and to find a suitable time in the evening during term time for a block of 6-months is a huge challenge. ii. Money matters It must be stated that the running of this course in 2010/11 has also relied heavily on the financial support provided from AMIC in covering the venue hire costs. The course that was carried out at Linksfield Academy with the estimated total amount of 982 had been fully funded by AMIC. In 2013 AMIC kindly provided us the venue of Mosque house 166 to use for our classes and took the responsibilities of other expenses. We also bought chairs, tables and projector to run the classed effectively and smoothly. Al Noor School once again express deepest appreciation on the support provided by AMIC Executive Committee Members in approving the funding; without which the course would not be possible to be carried out. BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 5

Again, since this course was conducted on the basis to provide continuous further education to the Muslim community younger generation and to any interested adult and not in any way a profit generating project. The income for this course that is only from the payment of fees barely covers basic expenses, and the small allowances to the tutors do not commensurate the time and effort contributed. [The fees for this course set at 200 are reasonably cheap. Considering an estimate of more than 30 meetings (lesson, revision discussions, preparing and marking tests) x 3-hours weekly class, each student is paying less than 3/hour.] iii. Examination Centre The Aberdeen International Centre has agreed to be the Examination Centre for the candidates from Al-Noor. They had undergone a long process before being approved by Edexcel in becoming an Examination Centre. The Course management team shall liaise with the Aberdeen International Centre for further arrangement for the continuous use of their premises as the Examination Centre. 6 PROBLEMS & OBSTACLES As mentioned above, the running of this course relied heavily on the intake of adequate numbers of students to cover the cost for the hire of the classrooms and examination process (exam hall and invigilators). It is also a challenge to get the classroom booked or reserves when there is not enough funds available. Accordingly, the main obstacles are mainly to keep the sufficient number of students attending the course and that the arrangement and booking of the classrooms are maintained. 2. CONCLUSION The GCSE Course will be held outside the Mosque but the Mosque - Masjid is the house of Allah and the mosque school is part of it. Our children are our future generation. Through Mosque and Mosque school we strive to educate the children and to enable them to learn the Deen and the best Islamic education and the importance of praying in Jama ah. This is the place to learn the practical Islam and since its establishment; Al Noor Mosque School was, is and will be in the mosque for the benefit of the children and the community as a whole; Insha Allah. Compiled and completed by: Farida Amin & Noor Mahmudah Updated: September 2015 BRIEF SUMMARY on GCSE Islam Course since inception in 2007 6