Today s children, tomorrow s leaders PARENT HANDBOOK 2017-2018
Introduction Dear Parents Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullah. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Future Leaders Academy. This handbook contains relevant information for the academic year 2017-2018. We require a commitment from parents to support our vision and ethos and help us achieve our aims. We strongly encourage parents to ensure that their children: attend classes regularly and on time are dressed in correct uniform bring their bags and all correct equipment/books to FLA every day respect staff, pupils and their classrooms regularly review learning at home complete all homework recorded in their homework diaries on time Please take time to read through the Handbook carefully. Parent-School and Child-School Agreements should be signed on the first day back. Jazak Allah khayr! Contact Us Future Leaders Academy 34 Bellfield Street Dundee DD1 5HZ 07341265307 info@flacademy.org.uk facebook.com/fla.info 1
As a parent/carer I will: Home-School Agreement Make sure that my child arrives on time at 4:00pm every day. Any regular and planned late arrivals should be discussed beforehand with the FLA Co-ordinator. Make sure my child attends every day unless there is an authorised reason for absence. Let the FLA Co-ordinator know if this is the case. Make sure that my child is wearing the correct uniform. Endeavour to provide a safe, secure and happy environment at home for my child, acknowledging that they learn at home. Support the Islamic ethos of the school by taking an interest in what my child is learning and practising it at home with the rest of the family as much as possible. Encourage a positive attitude towards my child s Islamic, social, emotional and physical development. Use my skills as a parent and experiences as an adult to enhance my child s learning at home. My child will benefit greatly from what I can show them, discuss with them and teach them. Let the FLA Co-ordinator know of any concerns or worries that may be affecting my child s learning and/or behaviour. Discuss any concerns I may have with the appropriate person at FLA in an open and amiable manner as it is much healthier to work out solutions and move on. Attend meetings with my child s teacher and other staff, aiming to be positive and productive, working towards moving my child on in their learning. Support and work with FLA to ensure that the behaviour management policies are maintained in relation to my child. Read all information sent home (on paper as well as via emails and texts) as this gives me important details of relevant policies, meetings, activities and events; check for messages on WhatApp group or email. Support FLA and the parent network when fundraising and organising activities for the benefit of FLA and other charitable causes. Make sure that homework tasks are completed and returned on time. Homework is set to help consolidate and extend what is learnt at FLA so that my child will receive a comprehensive education. Name of Child: Parent Signature: FLA Co-ordinator: Date: 2
Child-School Agreement By coming to Future Leaders Academy, I agree to: 1. Respect Allah Allah is watching me all the time. He hears and sees everything so I will think before I speak and do any action. I will take my time when praying salah and when reciting the Qur an. I will learn and recite the daily Du as and remember Allah often. I will try hard to learn Arabic so I can understand the Qur an better. I will take lessons from the Qur an and follow the Sunnah. I will read Qur an at home, practice using Arabic phrases and make Islam a part of my life. 2. Respect Myself I won t swear, backbite, gossip, lie or fight. I will speak politely, give my opinions with respect and respect other people s opinions. I will attend FLA every day on time. 3. Respect Others I won t hurt others, call them names, backbite, swear and/or fight. I will listen when others are speaking, follow instructions and put my hands up. I will be friendly with everyone, love for others what I love for myself and won t make other people feel left out. I won t tell-tales, accuse others and argue over small things and I will solve problems in a peaceful and friendly way. I will try and learn good things from people and teach them good things too. 4. Respect my Environment I will keep the classroom and the FLA environment tidy and pick up litter. I will not write on furniture, books or walls. I will look after school equipment, use paper and resources sensibly and only use equipment with permission. Name of Child: Parent Signature: FLA Co-ordinator: Date: 3
Future Leaders Academy Timetable* 2017-2018 Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 4.00-4.55 4.55-5.00 5.00-5.55 Stage 1 Arabic Stage 2 Arabic Stage 3 Arabic Stage 4 Arabic Stage 5 Arabic Stage 1 IS Stage 2 IS Stage 3 Quran Stage 4 Quran Stage 5 Quran Stage 1 Arabic Stage 2 Arabic Stage 3 Arabic Stage 4 IS Stage 5 IS Stage 6 IS Break Break Break Break Stage 1 Quran Stage 2 Quran Stage 3 IS** Stage 4 Arabic Stage 5 Arabic * Timetable may be modified ** Islamic Studies Stage 1 Quran Stage 2 Quran Stage 3 Quran Stage 4 Quran Stage 5 Quran Stage 1 Quran Stage 2 Quran Stage 3 IS Stage 4 IS Stage 5 IS Stage 6 IS Stage 1 IS Stage 2 IS Stage 3 Quran Stage 4 Quran Stage 5 Quran Stage 1 Quran Stage 2 Quran Stage 3 Quran Stage 4 Quran Stage 5 Quran Life Skills Snacks and Break Time FLA is open from 3.45pm. Pupils should bring their own snacks, we encourage parents to provide children with healthy snacks instead of sweets, sugary drinks and crisps. Snacks should be eaten before classes begin at 4.00pm. Break time is very short and pupils should avoid eating during this time. Pupils can bring a water bottle for break. Fizzy drinks are not permitted. 4
Future Leaders Academy School Calendar 2017-18 School closes Summer Holiday Friday 23 rd July 2017 Staff INSET Monday 14 th August 2017 School re-opens Tuesday 15 th August 2017 October Holiday Monday 9 th Oct - Friday 20 th October 2017 (2 weeks) School re-opens Monday 23 rd October 2017 In-service days Thursday 16 th and Friday 17 th November 2017 Winter Holidays Monday 25 th December 2017 - Friday 5 th January 2018 (2 weeks) School Re-opens Monday 8 th January 2018 In-service day Thursday 15 th February 2018 Mid-term break Fr 16 th February Mo 19 th February School re-opens Tuesday 14 th February 2018 Spring Holiday Monday 2 nd April - Friday 13 th April (2 weeks) School Re-opens Monday 16 th April 2018 May Day Monday 7 st May 2018 In-service day Friday 25 th May 2018 Victoria day Monday 28 th May 2018 School Closes Friday 29 th June 2018 5
Curriculum Overview Qur an Pupils are taught the Arabic alphabet phonetically to learn the sounds of the Arabic speech and its pronunciation. This is extended to different vowels and continues with letter formation. This traditional method from phonetics-vowels-letter formation helps early years and beginners to get a solid grasp of the language. Pupils move on to learn the rules of Tajweed during letter and sentence formation so that they can recite the Qur an using the correct pronunciation. They complete both the recitation and memorisation of various Suwar during the process of learning Tajweed as well as gain an understanding of the Qur an through the study of Tafseer. Arabic Phonetics is used as a starting point to introduce letters in the Arabic language. The letters are introduced by drawing examples from everyday speech and common use so pupils will learn to construct basic to complex sentences using common words. Grammatical rules are taught alongside letter formation and pronunciation at varying levels so that pupils develop a comprehensive understanding of the language. Pupils are encouraged to adopt the Arabic language outside of FLA, at home and amongst their family and friends and eventually apply some of it to understand the Qur an. Islamic Studies The subject is split into five sub-topics similar to the Tasheel curriculum: 1. Aqeedah - Pupils learn about the Pillars of Islam and Imaan and how these beliefs and acts of worship govern a Muslim s way of life. There is a particular emphasis on Tauheed and building a close relationship with Allah by knowing His 99 Names and Attributes. Pupils are given practical steps on building a strong bond with both the Qur an and the Sunnah. 2. Fiqh - Pupils learn about taharah, wudhu and salah using step-by-step and practical demonstrations. Topics such as Hajj, Ramadhan and puberty are also included in Fiqh. 3. Duas - Pupils learn various daily duas from the Qur an and Sunnah. They will be encouraged to use these in everyday situations at home and in public. 4. Seerah - Pupils learn about the life of the Prophet (S) from his birth to some of the major battles in Islam drawing lessons from both his character and historical events and implementing these in everyday life. They will also learn about the lives of the great companions. 5. Akhlaq & Adaab - Pupils learn the very basic but fundamental etiquettes of a Muslim from etiquette towards Allah and the Prophet (S) to parent, elders, neighbours and the poor. Lessons are delivered in a practical way to integrate these fundamental manners and morals into pupil character development. 6
Life Skills Life Skills is a dynamic initiative that combines both Islamic learning with practical and active development. The curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop lifelong knowledge and skills and strongly supports the four capacities of the Curriculum for Excellence: successful learners, confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. This knowledge will be integrated into a project either on a national or global level so that pupils are taking direct lessons from the Qur an and Sunnah and implementing them to make a positive impact on society. Pupils will develop invaluable personal skills including communication, building effective interpersonal relationships, making positive community contributions, planning and organizing as well as skills in leadership. All of these skills are highly valued in education, jobs and large scale social enterprises. There will be an integrated sports programme that will run throughout the year and give pupils an opportunity to engage in physical activity and develop an awareness of a healthy lifestyle. 7
Future Leaders Academy Uniform Policy Daily Uniform Boys: Arabic Thobe Girls : Abaya and a headscarf Sports Uniform Pupils will be required to dress appropriately during sporting activities and will be expected to adhere to the rules of modesty. Swimming: Boys: Knee length swimming shorts Cap and goggles (optional) Girls: Modest swim wear covering some or all of the arms and the legs to the shin or ankle. Or a tight-fitted t-shirt and leggings/footless tights under a regular swimming costume made out of appropriate fabric such as nylon, polyester or lycra Cap and goggles (optional) Multi-Sport: Boys: Joggers/knee length shorts Top/t-shirt Suitable footwear Girls: Loose fitting top that is at least thigh length with long sleeves Loose trousers/bottoms/joggers Appropriate one-piece headscarf for all girls from Stage 5 on (no pins/loose ends) for outdoor sports Suitable footwear Trips Pupils will be required to dress appropriately during external visits and trips A one-piece head scarf with no pins or ties. All girls should come dressed modestly. Jeans/leggings should be worn with a knee length top/dress. 8
General Guidelines No make-up or nail varnish to be worn in FLA. No jewellery No extreme haircuts are permitted that could serve as a distraction to other children. Clothes should be clean, not have any indecent images or writing on them and must not be tight fitting. Pupils who come inappropriately dressed will be asked to wear a spare uniform and be reprimanded. 9
Future Leaders Academy Attendance and Punctuality Policy Attendance FLA is open 4:00-6:00pm Monday-Friday. All 5 days are compulsory to attend. Punctuality Classes start at 4:00pm Monday-Friday. Pupils should arrive promptly and lateness will not be accepted. Classes finish a 6:00pm. Parents should ensure they arrive on time to collect their children. Any planned lateness for the start or end of the day should be discussed with the FLA Coordinator beforehand. Absences Pupils should not be absent without good reason. If however, a child is sick, has an appointment or there are issues with transport, parents should call the office before 4:30pm or send a text message to inform us. Absences for school events, school sport activities and other academic activities should be agreed beforehand with the FLA Co-ordinator. An authorised family holiday is allowed up to 2 weeks of term time but must be agreed with the FLA Co-ordinator beforehand. A Holiday Request Form should be filled out in this case. Pupils going abroad will be expected to complete homework. Pupils will receive an unauthorised absence if parents fail to inform us of any absence. Regular unauthorised absence will be a cause for concern. 10
Future Leaders Academy Rewards and Sanctions Policy Rewards Policy Rewards are a significant motivating factor for many pupils. Our main reward system includes the Merit and Table Point system. We also have a Star of the Month for each stage. We remind pupils that good behaviour is part of being a Muslim and a sensible member of the FLA community and wider society. Sanctions Policy At FLA we believe that effective teaching methods and good teacher-pupil relationships are key to a conducive classroom environment. There may be times however, where a pupil may need to be reprimanded for a specific behaviour. Warnings, de-merits as well as break ban and detention are part of our sanctions procedure. For more serious cases, pupils can be placed on reports to monitor and record their behaviour over several weeks. A report will remain on a pupil s record for a minimum of two years. 11
FLA FEES 2017-2018 The fees for the entire academic year 2017-18 is 408. You can pay the fees through the following methods: 1) As a one off payment at the beginning of term in August 408 or, 2) You can spread payment over four semesters: Aug-Oct = 102 Oct-Dec= 102 Jan-March= 102 April-June= 102 Please set up direct debits to Yusuf Youth Initiative with reference (FLA and your child name). Bank details are as follows: Beneficiary s Bank: Bank of Scotland Account number: 06023379 Sort Code: 807331 Please ensure that payments are made promptly at the start of each term if paying termly. If there are two or more siblings attending FLA, a 10% discount is available for each additional child. In the beginning of the year there may be an extra amount to be paid for the year s workbooks.
Contact Us Future Leaders Academy 34 Bellfield Street Dundee DD1 5HZ 07341265307 info@flacademy.org.uk facebook.com/fla.info 1