Introduction The Abu Bakr Trust was formed in 1998 under the stewardship of Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Luqman at 156 Wednesbury Road, Walsall. The Abu Bakr Trust runs: Abu Bakr Nursery Established in 2011, children from 6 months to 4 years Abu Bakr Primary Established in 2009, Children from 5 years to 8 years Abu Bakr Girls School Established in 2000, girls from 11 years to 16 years Abu Bakr Boys School Established in 2006, boys from 11 years to 16 years Madrassah 2000 pupils, children from 5 years to 16 years Abu Bakr Masjid Providing Salah facilities for over 1500 worshippers, adult classes and alima classes as well as a range of services for the community The Abu Bakr Primary School prospectus is a brief and informative guide to our organisation, staff and services. Established in September 2009, Abu Bakr Primary School is a school with almost 100 pupils on roll, and is increasing in numbers each year. So much so, we have a considerable waiting list. We hope by reading through our prospectus you will consider registering your son / daughter at the school and join our growing community.
Welcome to Abu Bakr Primary School Assalamua alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu On the Day of Qiyamah, a crown of such brilliance will be placed on the heads of the parents of one who learnt the Qur an and practised on its laws, that it s glitter will outshine the brilliance of the sun which penetrates your houses. What then do you think will the position of the one who himself learnt the Qur an and acted in accordance with it? Abu Dawud These are very exciting times for our school. We are continuing to improve and move forward at pace. At our school, our aim is to ensure a well ordered atmosphere where the focus of all our activities is on the quality of learning and teaching in a strong Islamic environment. May Allah SWT guide our pupils, staff and school community to prosperity and success. Aameen. At our school, our philosophy is that everyone matters. We are committed to raising standards of achievement and ensuring a culture of high expectations and success for every pupil. This success comes not only in the form of academic achievement but development of character as guided by the teachings of the Qur an and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Wasallam Moulana M. Ramzan Head teacher Mrs H. Varachia Head teacher Our view was confirmed during our BSI inspection in March 2011, which judged our school to be good. Our aim now insha Allah is to become an outstanding school. We want everyone to be proud to be a part of our community. We want our pupils to feel safe and that they belong. We also want to support them in becoming independent learners. We expect our pupils to achieve the very best results they can, as well as becoming rounded and responsible young muslimah. Abu Bakr Primary School Page 3
Aims and Objectives All praise is due to Allah SWT who is our Creator and Sustainer. It is Allah alone who deserves all praise. Almighty Allah is unique in all His attributes and His power evades everywhere and all time. May peace and blessings be upon our final and beloved Prophet Muhammad salallahu alaihi sallam. The following Qur anic ayah shows the high place that education has in Islam. Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge and Allah is Well Acquainted with what you do. Surah Al Mujadilah: 11 Whilst the benefits of being in the path of knowledge are truly immense; He who issues forth in search of knowledge is busy in the cause of Allah until he returns from his quest. Tirmidhi If you educate a man, you educate an individual. If you educate a woman, you educate a nation. African proverb Mission Statement It is only through gaining knowledge can we advance as a society. At Abu Bakr Girls School our aim is to provide a strong Islamic environment in which our pupils achieve their full potential and go on to become outstanding ambassadors for Islam. We are committed to creating a culture of learning in which pupils will strive and flourish Insha Allah. Our school is based on a foundation of the teachings Islam and we endeavour to provide a journey that fosters true Iman and love for Islam in the hearts and minds of our pupils, staff, and parents. We aim to: 1. Encourage our pupils to grow and develop an Islamic personality based upon the teachings of the holy Qur an and the teachings of our beloved prophet Muhammad salallahu alaihi sallam. 2. Provide a safe, welcoming environment in which pupils feel confident and secure. 3. Value each pupil as an individual ensuring they reach their full potential academically and spiritually. 4. Encourage good behaviour, respect and the value of working together. 5. Provide pupils the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. 6. Enhance a sense of belonging and strengthen commitment to society so that our pupils become aspiring, effective and productive members of our society. Management of School Our school is headed by the Abu Bakr Trust, who is concerned with the running of the school, its policies and finances. Chairman- Moulana. M. Luqman C/O- 154-160, Wednesbury Road, Walsall. WS1-4JJ. Page 4 Abu Bakr Primary School
School Staff Our team of teaching staff are fully committed to giving their best and are qualified with good experience in their respective subjects. Admissions All parents need to complete an application form and send it to the school together with an administration fee of 100 and a copy of your child s birth certificate and most recent report, if applicable. Please note the administration fee is non-refundable and is not part of the school annual fee. On receipt of the application, a reference request will be made to your child s existing school. On receipt of a satisfactory reference a confirmation letter of your child s place at the school will be sent. Should it be felt that an interview is needed, parents and pupils will be invited to the school. A decision for admission will follow this interview and a formal letter will be sent to parents. This decision will be made at the discretion of the head teacher and is final. If it is felt that an application cannot be accepted a letter regarding this decision will be sent to parents as soon as possible. All parents will be expected to support the schools Islamic ethos and to nurture and encourage Islamic values at home. All parents/guardians of year new pupils are expected to attend an induction evening in June of the year of entry. Parents are advised to apply as early as possible, as places are filled quickly. Preferences are given to siblings of the school. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all documents and information have been received. Abu Bakr Primary School Page 5
School Uniform GIRLS White scarf- No pins Grey sleeveless pinafore dress White long sleeved blouse Grey school trousers Burgundy Cardigan with logo Grey socks Plain black Juba to be worn to and from school only, removed in school. Juba is optional for reception, years 1 and 2. Black/ Navy blue coat Black school shoes Plain flat black boots are permitted during cold and wet weather. Pupils must change into normal shoes once they arrive in school P.E.Uniform - Girls & Boys Black jogging bottoms Burgundy polo top - No logo White sports socks Black OR white trainers Black fleece Jacket No logo Stationery Pupils from year 2 are required to bring to school a pencil case compramising of the following items. 2x HB Pencils sharpener Pack of 12 coloured pencils pack of 12 felt tips 1 Rubber 1 glue stick 15cm + 30cm ruler Oxford Maths Set BOYS Plain black topi Grey school trousers Dark plain grey knee length kurta o knee length kurta or o Kurta above the ankle with an 8 slit Burgundy Jumper with logo Grey socks Black/ Navy blue coat Black school shoes Uniform supplier Clemmy s, 57 King Street, Darlaston, West Midlands, WS10 8DE Tel: 0121 526 3992 Page 6 Abu Bakr Primary School
Food and Drink Break: 9.40am -10.00am Lunch time: 11.30am -12.30pm At our school it is our policy to encourage healthy eating and to promote a healthy lifestyle for our pupils. During break, children can choose to eat the snack provided by the school and drink milk. After snack, children go out into the playground for free play. Pupils from years 3-6 may opt to purchase from the lunch menu offered for three days during the week. For all other days, pupils need to bring in a packed lunch to school. School Day Regular and punctual attendance is essential for good progress at school. Punctuality is a discipline of life and it is an important lesson for children to be taught. Parents play an important role in this respect and as such should ensure that all school times are strictly adhered to. Gates open: 8.15am Pre-school club is open for all children from 8.15am Parents need to accompany children to the dining hall and register children. There is no charge for this facility. For children not attending the pre-school club, parents must wait with their child in the playground until school begins. Sweets, chocolates and fizzy drinks are not allowed in school. We recommend fruit and vegetables, crackers, cheese, yoghurts, sandwiches, rice and pasta. For health and safety reasons we cannot provide food warming facilities so parents are asked to buy thermal storage containers for children who prefer warm food. Parents are asked to supply a napkin in the lunchbox. Please ensure you only provide your child with lunch that they will eat as dinner supervisors spend a considerable amount of time encouraging children to eat foods that parents would like children to eat, but which they clearly dislike! Parents are also asked to send a bottle of water, clearly labelled with their child each day. It would be much appreciated if parents would ensure their child is collected promptly at the end of the school day. Monday - Friday Reception Years 1-6 Registration 8.35-8.55 8.35-8.55 Lesson 1 8.55-9.35 8.55-9.35 Break 9.35-10.00 9.35-10.00 Lesson 2 10.00-10.45 10.00-10.45 Lesson 3 10.45-11.30 10.45-11.30 Lunch 11.30-12.30 11.30-12.30 Lesson 4 12.30-1.30 12.30-1.15 Zuhr Salah (Years 2-6) 1.15-1.30 Lesson 5 1.30-2.30 1.30-2.15 Lesson 6 2.15-2.50 Outside Play 2.30-2.50 Dua Time 2.50-3.05 2.50-3.05 Abu Bakr Primary School Page 7
Attendance and Punctuality Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child attends school regularly & punctually. If your child is prevented for any reason from attending school, parent should notify the school as soon as possible on the first day of absence by telephone (01922 626829). If a pupil is ill before or during school and they car share parents must ensure that alternative provison have been made for the arrival and collection of their own child. We cannot approve pupils to be absent or leave early due to care sharing issues. Parents must try to keep all medical or dental appointments for pupils outside school hours. If pupils need to leave school during the day to attend medical appointments, they must bring with them a medical letter before the appointment day. They must be collected by an authorised person and must be signed out. On return to school, your child must be signed back in. The school may, at its discretion dismiss any pupil for persistent irregular attendance or lateness. Extended Leave Extended visits to the country of family origin provides important opportunities to reaffirm family, linguistic and cultural identities. As such they can be positive personal and educational experiences. At the same time there is evidence to indicate that visits resulting in significant absence from school during term time can have a negative impact on attainment. The law states that families do not have the right to take children out of school during term time. Term time Holidays - In each key stage pupils will be granted a maximum time of two weeks holiday but this only to countries in which family and close relatives reside. 10 days of leave is granted for Umrah during Ramadhan only Parents must contact the head teacher and make an appointment to discuss the visit. A Holiday Absence Form will also need to be completed. For such leave a minimum period of six week notice is required. Hajj - Where parents are performing Hajj and pupils are also travelling or will need to move town to live with other family members during parental absence, a maximum period of four weeks will be granted. For such leave a period of six week notice is required. This leave is given only once during their primary phase. Should pupils not return to school after this period pupils will be removed from school roll, unless the pupil is unwell on return, for which a medical note from a GP will be required. If there have been airline errors which cause a delay for return, official documentation will be required, e.g a letter from the airline. For all absences, pupils are expected to catch up work missed. This may require attendance to lessons outside school time and parental support will be expected. Where school is not informed of any extended leave undertaken, or where leave is taken without approval, pupils will be removed from school roll. No requests for appeal will be considered. All decisions for leave are made by the head teacher and are final. Page 8 Abu Bakr Primary School
Code of Conduct 1. Self Respect 3. Respect for Learning Take care to present yourself, especially concerning uniform, punctuality and good behaviour. Take care of your belongings. Work hard to do class work and homework on time. Be proud of your achievements Be co-operative and trustworthy. Think things through for yourself. 2. Respect for others Move quietly and sensibly about the building. Be a good listener. Always speak politely. Be helpful and welcoming to visitors and people who are new in the school. Never bully or act in a way that is unpleasant to others. Make it easy for everyone to learn and for teachers to teach. Arrive on time for school and for all school lessons. Begin and end lessons in an orderly way. Ask teachers for help when you need it and always try to help each other when appropriate. 4. Respect for the School Environment Take care of the school. Look after rooms and furniture and leave them tidy for others to use. Take care of displays of work around the school. Keep the school a litter- free zone. Think about the health and safety of others both on your way to school and in your movements around the school. The Prophet of Allah, (Peace be Upon Him) said: The most beloved of Allah s servants to Allah are those with the best manners. (At-Tabarani) Abu Bakr Primary School Page 9
Behaviour and Rewards It is a primary aim of our school that every member of the school community feels valued and respected, and that each person is treated fairly and well. As Muslims, it is our natural disposition to be a caring, considerate and progressive community where values are built on mutual trust, respect for all and fulfilling the rights of others. The school's behaviour policy, therefore, seeks to embed an ethical framework for behaviour management, sanctions and rewards that apply to all aspects of school life, thereby ensuring insha Allah that all members of the school live, study and work together in a safe and supportive manner. Health, Welfare, and Security of pupils Abu Bakr Primary School is a small and friendly place. If pupils have problems they are free to inform their class teachers or any other member of staff. If pupils become unwell or have an accident at school and are unable to continue lesson, parents/carers will be contacted as soon as possible. Parents will be asked to sign children out before leaving the school premises. Taking medication If pupils need to take medication, Parents should inform the class teacher. Parents/ carers must send a letter stating the dates and times the medication will need to be taken. Only prescribed medication is given. Istinja (Toilet Training) Some of our children struggle to wash themselves when using the toilet and children can wet clothes and create water mess which results in health and safety issues. Regulations do not permit staff to wash children, so we request parents to teach children the method to adopt when visiting the toilet. Concerns We believe that you will find it easy to contact us if there are any concerns about your child s welfare, needs or progress. A given issue can be solved either by contacting your child s class teacher or if you prefer with the headteacher. Please phone for an appointment so that a mutually convenient time can be arranged. We work in a close partnership with the Local Authority support services. Whenever necessary, those involved in working with your child will liaise closely between home and school in interest of our pupils. Any parents wishing to visit the school should first notify the school office in advance to arrange an appointment for this purpose. The following school polices are available on request: Safeguarding Policy Anti- Bullying Policy. Complaints Procedure and First Aid policy the number of complaints for the previous academic year. Abu Bakr Primary School Page 11
The Curriculum Our children follow the National Curriculum, as our aim is to provide the best possible education within the boundaries of Islam. Our purpose is to lay down the foundations for academic year and spiritual success. At the heart of our curriculum is our programme of Arabic and Islamic Studies. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) The EYFS (Reception) curriculum provides a secure base for future learning in all seven areas of development. These are: Prime Areas: Personal, social and emotional development. communication and language; physical development; Specific Areas: literacy; mathematics; understanding the world; and expressive arts and design The curriculum at this stage is mainly organised into carefully planned and structured play activities which is developed and supported by providing a basic understanding of Islam and raising the awareness of Allah (SWT) as the creator of all things. Key stage 1 and 2 Throughout Key stage 1 and 2, children are taught the following subjects: Literacy Geography Numeracy Art Science Physical Education History Information Communication Technology PHSEE Lessons are taught from an Islamic perspective to reinforce the links between faith and learning. Islamic Education As part of Islamic Education, we teach Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Hifz throughout our school. The main areas of Islamic Studies are: Aqaaid Aqlaaq and Adaab Seerah Fiqh Duas & Surahs We expect all pupils to complete most of the 30th juz (section) of the Qur an by the time they leave school. Page 12 Abu Bakr Primary School
Beyond the classroom School Trips and Outings School trips are organised for all classes throughout the school year to extend children s learning, understanding and creativity. These off-site educational visits make learning interesting and help to reinforce the topics taught in school. Much learning also happens outside the classroom as whole school programmes are organised to celebrate special days such as World Book day, World Maths Day etc. Assemblies Assemblies take place each Friday and pupils are encouraged to take part in class assemblies which take place on a regular basis. Assemblies are also occasions where pupil s achievements, both academic and behavioural, are acknowledged and rewarded. Awards and Presentations The school holds special awards assemblies every term, where pupils progress and good attendance is recognised. Our annual awards event celebrates achievement of pupils in individual subjects over the year. Parents are invite to attend all celebration events. A school calendar is provided to all parents which provides details of all events and activities throughout the year. opportunity is a reality for all our children. We work to foster the social and emotional growth of each child throughout their school life and foster positive attitudes towards our multi-cultural society. Children feel secure and know that they are valued. They are taught to appreciate the differences in others and encouraged to participate in all aspects of school life. Pupils with Additional Needs Respecting each child s unique personality, experiences, interests, strengths and weaknesses, we aim to maximise the development of our children and work towards realising their individual potential. Teachers monitor pupils progress and provide appropriate tasks to stimulate, challenge and reinforce learning. Our assessments procedures allow us to identify children of exceptional ability as well as pupils who display greater difficulties in learning. The individual needs of all children will normally be catered for within the classroom by the class teacher. A support teacher in each of our classrooms provides additional support for such pupils. On some occasions, additional support from parents will be required at home and in these cases the headteacher will arrange a meeting with parents and advise on the best possible course of action. Equal opportunities The school aims to be an inclusive school, where equality of Abu Bakr Primary School Page 13
School Fees 2015-16 1095 100 Admission fee upon initial application. (Please note all school fees & admission fees are non refundable) Fees are payable by standing order. Notice One term s notice must be given in writing if parents wish to withdraw a pupil. A terms notice means notice given before the first day of a term and expiring at the end of that term. In such a case, if that notice is not given, the full terms fees are payable. It is expected that in every case, parents or the authorised guardian will consult personally with the head teacher before notice of withdrawal is given. Page 14 Abu Bakr Primary School
How to find us. By Car Abu Bakr Primary School is located very close to M6 junction 9. Leave the M6 head north on Bescot Rd/ A4148 signposted Walsall Hospital. Turn right at Wednesbury Road, continue forward over the railway bridge. We are located on the left. By Train & Bus From Walsall train station (served regularly by trains from Birmingham, New Street and Stafford) walk towards the bus stop located in front of Bradford Mall (the shopping centre which is adjacent to the train station). Take any of the buses, 311, 313, 333, 334 etc. These buses stop exactly outside the school, across the road. Walking Abu Bakr Primary School is a short 10 minute walk from the town centre. Walk southwest on Bradford street, at the roundabout continue forward onto Wednesbury Road. We are located on the right Abu Bakr Primary School Page 15
Abu Bakr Primary School 156-160 Wednesbury Road Walsall West Midlands WS1 4JJ United Kingdom Tel: 01922 626829 info@abubakrprimaryschool.org www.abubakrprimaryschool.org