Welcome to AFIFAH HIGH SCHOOL
From Head Teacher: Mr Hamid Chunara
Dear Parents
There are at present two million Muslims of various nationalities in Britain. By the Grace of Allah they have been able to establish many mosques and Islamic centres.
However, despite this achievement not until recently have they been able to establish credible educational institutions capable of producing the kind of future Muslim adults, who safeguard the Muslim community and who will play an important role in the future of this country.
Meanwhile, we are greatly concerned about the present lack of awareness of spiritual teachings of Islam, which leads to the breakdown of morality and Muslim family values.
We are also concerned about the secular nature of state schools in general and result in under achievement of Muslim children who attend them.
In 2001, Afifah High School was established following requests and an overwhelming desire from the local Muslim community.
It gives me immense pleasure to provide you with the details about Afifah High School.
A Recent OFSTED inspection has now registered Afifah High School as a secondary school. Alhamdulillah this is a great achievement for the community as a whole and a blessing.
Islamic Education is an important part of the school curriculum which all pupils have to take part in, along with other subjects of the national curriculum.
In our school we aim to provide a happy and stimulating environment in which children enjoy learning and are encouraged to do their best. We aim to educate the child, to foster social skills and an understanding of other people’s needs. We acknowledge that all children have individual differences and we value these. We believe that we can only achieve the best for your child by building a ‘working partnership’ with parents. This active partnership has to be based firstly on mutual trust and understanding between home and school. By being informed and involved you will gain an increased understanding of the learning experiences of your child. This means that you can be supportive of your child, in a practical way.
We are proud of our school and the high standard that our children are able to achieve in all curriculum areas. We have an excellent, conscientious staff who have very caring attitudes and high expectations of themselves as well as the pupils in their charge. We all hope that during your child’s time at school there will be time to talk, to listen, to share problems and , hopefully, to laugh together.
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AIMS
We aim to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual growth of Muslim children with the hope of producing confident, competent individuals who can go out into the British society and contribute positively without compromising their Islamic beliefs and/or practices.
• Afifah High School students are assisted in developing Islamic skills and qualities according to the Quran and Sunnah and have a right to a school system, which help them to understand a multi cultural society in which we live.
• Afifah High School motivates students to gain appropriate qualifications within an Islamic environment which they can carry into their chosen career for further / higher education.
• Afifah High School takes responsibility for its students by trying to give each student balanced high standard of Islamic and secular education and the chance to reach their own personal best by giving each pupil the right to a balanced curriculum.
• Afifah High School develops a balanced growth of personality in students through training of the spirit, the intellect and rational self. Faith is to be infused in the pupil to create an emotional attachment to Islam
• Afifah High School offers chances to every pupil to learn about personal qualities and then expects every pupil to take personal responsibility for their own behaviour, through hard work, honesty, punctuality and politeness.
• Afifah High School prepares the students for their chosen field and encourages pupils to use their leisure time Islamically to promote creativeness by understanding the laws of nature and not by coming into conflict with them.
• All people at Afifah High School accept the responsibility to carefully look after all school property.
• Afifah High School instils piety and encourages self – discipline and foster certain values that will be needed for being a true Muslim such as understanding, knowledge, religious thinking, kindness and wisdom.
Why An Islamic School?
• Islamic school helps in preserving Islamic identity for the community at large, and for the children more specifically.
• It provides an environment where the students can practice their religion freely and receive feedback to improve their understanding of Islam.
• It helps our children achieve the best of both the worlds in a secular environment.
• It focuses on Islamic Skills and Qualities according to the Quran and Sunnah in a multi-cultural Society.
• Children excel in all aspects of their life when they grow up in such safe and nurturing environment.
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ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE
Afifah High School works with parents and primary schools to make the application and transition phase as smooth as possible.
Admission forms are available in the school office from Monday to Friday 9.00am to 2.30pm.
Admission form should be filled in and submitted to the head teacher either by person or by post.
Admissions to Year 7 are granted on the basis of Entrance Examination Results
Entrance exams will be conducted in Maths and English for students seeking admission to Year 7.
The subject teachers mark papers and the head teacher sends a letter to all the students who appeared the examination giving them the results.
Head teacher and coordinator will participate in the primary liaison process.
Admission to Year 8, 9, 10 and 11 are based on report of Attendance, Behaviour and Assessment from the previously attended school.
The Head teacher and the coordinator will carefully monitor the admission numbers each year.
The Head teacher will monitor the number and content of parental contact during the applications phase.
Admission Fees: £150.00
Annual School Fees: Subject to change – Information available from school office
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CURRICULUM
Afifah High School offers a balanced curriculum that meets with the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Due to the greater curriculum flexibility offered in order to better match the curriculum needs of the students; students will complete Key stage 3 over a period of three years. (Yr 7, Yr 8, Yr 9) and Key stage 4 (GCSE) will be completed in a period of two years.
In Key stage 3 and Key stage 4 students will follow the National Curriculum subjects.
I.T. is utilised throughout the curriculum.
· English
· Mathematics
· Science
· History
· Geography
· Religious Education
· Physical Education
· Information Technology
· Arabic
· Tajweed
· Urdu
· Art
· Citizenship
· P.E
· PSHE
EXTRA – CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There are various Extra - Curricular Activities at Afifah High School
o Teachers’ Assembly
Every Monday before Lunch Break
o Students’ Assembly
Every Wednesday before Lunch Break
o Booster Classes
Yr 9, Yr 10 and Yr 11 in core subjects – Mathematics, Science and English
o Mathematics Week
A series of activities like – Mental Maths, Quiz Competition, Mathematical Games, Mathematical Practical learning, Preparation of Teaching/ Learning Aids are conducted during the week.
o Science Week
Science Quiz, Displays of Working Models and Projects, Plant competition, Various Experiments, Debate
o English Week
Elocution Competition, Speeches, Debates, Handwriting completion, Essay competition.
o Modern Foreign Language Week
Urdu and Arabic events throughout the week.
o Quran Competition
Recitation of the Quran taking into consideration Tajweed. Questions and Answers.
o Annual Quiz Competition
Inter School Quiz Competition on General Knowledge.
o Annual Sports Competition
Inter School Sports competition at the end of the academic year.
o Ramadhan Quiz
This takes place in the month of Ramadan during lunch break.
o Educational School Trips Yr 7 to Yr 11
Arranged and when necessary in accordance with subject matter or mainly educational purpose.
o Work Experience
Giving students the experience in the world of work.
o Tuck Days
Tuck shops are held every 6 weeks by every form class to encourage children in taking part for charitable purposes.
o Fund Raising Events
Fund raising event are held once a year involving the community. The funds collected go towards the purchasing of essential resources for the students and equipment for the school.
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MONITORING PROGRESS
Assessment of pupils’ progress is done throughout the year.
Formal Assessments are held as following
o Mid - Term examinations for Yr 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Mock Examination for Yr 11 in the month of December/January. Mock examination for Key stage 3 (SATS).
o Annual Examination for Yr 7, 8, 9 and 10 in the month of May/June
Parents’ Evenings are held for the whole school after Mid - Term Examinations and after Annual Examinations. Parents are given a copy of report as well on this day.
In addition to this a Parent’s Day is organised for Yr 11 in the beginning of the year.
Please Note: Information on student progress is available to the parents on request anytime during the year.
Afifah High School encourages parental involvement to create partnership.
Parental support is essential in the success of the school.
Raising Achievements
Importance is placed on constantly raising the pupil’s expectations and thus raising academic standards. The subject teachers’ tutors and Head teachers are involved in regular monitoring pupil’s educational and social progress.
There are weekly staff meetings where the Head teacher and staff will consult on how to help and encourage pupils in all aspects of school life. If there are any further concerns, parents will be contacted in order to obtain their support. Parents are asked to participate in the education process throughout their daughter’s school life.
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SCHOOL DAY AT AFIFAH HIGH
Students must be in school by 8.20 every morning
There are 6 lessons form Monday to Friday.
Monday to Friday
Report to Form Room 8.20 to 8.30
Registration/Dua 8.30 to 8.45
Lesson 1 8.45 to 9.35
Lesson 2 9.35 to 10.25
Short Break 10.25 to 10.40
Lesson 3 10.40 to 11.30
Lesson 4 11.30 to 12.20
Lunch break 12.20 to 13.05
Lesson 5 13.05 to 13.55
Lesson 6 13.55 to 14.45
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SCHOOL RULES
- Full correct school uniform is to be worn
- Please be punctual for school and lessons.
- If you arrive late to school, after 8.40am please report to the school office.
- Please bring a note to explain your absence signed by your parents.
- If your absence is due to illness and more than five consecutive days then a doctor’s note is essential.
- Doctor appointments or Dentist Appointments should not to be made during school hours.
- School bag must contain all the note books and text books necessary for the day and pen, pencil, eraser, sharpener, homework diary, Salah diary, maths set and ruler.
- Homework must be written in your diary at the end of each lesson.
- Large amount of money or valuables must be handed in the admin office for safekeeping.
- Mobile phones, Laptop Computers and Portable Music players should not be brought into school.
- Do not bring any illegal, dangerous or expensive articles to school.
- Chewing gums and Fizzy Drinks are not permitted in school at any time.
- Do not leave the school premises without the permission of the Head teacher or Deputy Head.
- Do not enter the Staff room without permission.
- You are responsible for your belongings and any books or equipments loaned to you by the school.
- No make - up should be worn in school.
- Bullying will not be tolerated in our school. Any pupil who is bullied must report to a member of staff.
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ATTENDANCE
All Students are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance.
When a student is absent the school should be informed immediately on the school telephone number – 0161 8721516 advising the reason for absence and the expected date of the student returning to school.
Should the illness progress more than five consecutive days, a doctors note should be sent to school.
Absence for a reason other than illness is permitted only rarely.
Parents are particularly asked not to arrange medical and dental appointments during school house.
Students taking Annual Holidays with their families during term time are required to fill in a Holiday Form, two weeks in advance which can be collected from the school office.
Such holidays are strongly discouraged by the DfES and should not be more than two weeks school days.
Parents and students should be aware that holidays taken during term time incur a great deal of extra work for the student on returning to school.
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CODE OF CONDUCT
To reach the highest standards we believe and expect our students to:
Behave with Courtesy and consideration at all times.
Treat staff, students and school environment with respect.
Arrive on time for lessons and settle to work immediately.
Come to school properly equipped.
Wear correct school uniform.
Listen to and follow instructions.
(More information is available and distributed to students)
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REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
At Afifah High School we value being able to reward our students, praise their efforts and acknowledge their achievements however small.
Few ways of rewarding:
o Student achievements will be announced in assemblies and the Annual school Jalsa.
o House points
o Awards for Extra Curricular Activities
o Annual Sports day awards
o Annual Quiz Competition Awards
o Annual Attendance Awards
o Annual Award for Outstanding Student
o Student of the Year Award
Occasionally, however, sanctions must be used as a part of guidance of students.
All parents should be aware of these and accept them fully before committing their children to a future at Afifah High School.
Any Sanctions implemented should serve as means of betterment for the students life through moralistic and corrective punishment.
Sanctions may include:
o Reprimand
o One to one counselling
o Repeating work or homework
o Extra work – lines
o Detention
o Suspension
In cases where a child remains unchanged and unwilling to co-operate, parents will be notified.
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CAREERS & GUIDANCE
All teachers have responsibility for curricular and pastoral guidance. It is vital that they know their students have an understanding of how these students learn.
Working with students to ensure that they learn how to make decisions and how to take control of their own learning is the basic function of guidance.
Guidance is an integral part of every teacher's role.
Connexions Manchester undertakes all careers interviews from Year 9 through to Year 11. The careers advisor sets up both individual and group appointments with each pupil to discuss their career objective. This provides the students with an understanding of the career options available to them.
The Careers Service works with the staff to provide support for all students. Students receive support in the lead up to subject choice and also as preparation for leaving school. Students and parents may request individual interviews with career officers.
Each pupil will complete two weeks Work Experience placement in a selected area of employment which his organised by the school.
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HOMEWORK
Homework is regarded an essential part of a students programme of study at
Afifah High School
All students from Year 7 to Year 11 will have home study/homework in every subject.
Pupils will have to buy a Homework Diary from school in the beginning of the academic year.
We would ask parents to check and sign diaries each week as is also an important method of communication between the school and home. Form tutors will inspect their students diaries during the week and deal with any comments that require action. We would ask all parents to keep a regular check on the quality of work produced.
Should there be a good reason for a pupil not ding homework, a note should be sent to the members of staff by whom the work was given or to the form tutor.
In addtion to this every student will be issued a Salaat Diary in which they have to keep the records of the Salaat. Parents are expected to sign this book on weekly basis. This will be inspected by the form tutor every week .
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Complaints Procedure for parents
The following complaint procedure must be followed by the parents in case of any complaint arises.
1. Speak to the Head teacher who should resolve the complaint immediately.
2. Not satisfied - Write to Head teacher who should be able to resolve the matter within five working days.
3. Still unsatisfied- Write to Trustees and he will arrange a panel hearing. The matter should be resolved within twenty-eight days.
Note: The panel will include three people who have not been involved in the matters detailed in the complaint and one of them will be independent of the management and running of the school.
Parents can bring a relative or a friend for panel hearing.
4. The panel can make recommendations and copies of the finding should be provided to the Complainant, Trustees, Head teacher and where appropriate to the person complained about.
All the correspondence, statements and records of the complaints will be kept confidential.
Written records of all complaints will be kept stating whether they were resolved at the preliminary stage or proceeded to a panel hearing. _________________________________________________________
STATEMENT ON BULLYING
Afifah High School rejects bullying in all its forms. The school respects and supports every individual.
We believe it is the responsibility of every member of the school to prevent bullying.
Students are encouraged to report buying to any member of the staff particularly their form tutor. The anti buying officer will investigate the matter and keep the records.
Bullying will not be tolerated in the school and the offender will be punished and the parents will be informed. Repeat offenders may be suspended or even expelled from school.
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AFIFAH HIGH
Independent Muslim School Since 2001
Address: 86 Clifton Street
Old Trafford
Manchester
England,
M16 7PU
Tel: 0161 8721516
Fax: 0161 8721516
Email: afifah_high@hotmail.com
