Introduction

The Madrasa was started in 1991 after the need for a Qur’an reading programme for High School learners was identified. Later the programme was extended to include Arabic and Islamic Studies. Initially the Madrasa was located at the Claremont Main Road Mosque, but because the numbers of learners grew rapidly, the senior section was located at the Stegmann Road Mosque.

Location
Since August 1999 the Madrasa has been located at the Muhammadiyyah Primary School at 103 Batts Road, Wynberg.

Curriculum
The Madrasa has started a process of developing a more comprehensive and better integrated curriculum, modelled on Outcomes Based Education (OBE). This is so that the Madrasa curriculum does not lag too far behind the secular curriculum in its achievement of the holistic development of learners. The Madrasa should be viewed as an extension of the learner’s weekly educational activities. We are aware of the criticisms and diffi culty in implementing OBE. We are of the opinion however that Madrasa education is and should be compatible with OBE. This process will see the Madrasa curriculum move away from rote and content-based learning to achieving some of the critical outcomes of OBE, such as, teaching learners:

1. problem solving, critical and creative thinking,
2. team work,
3. organisation skills,
4. critical analyses,
5. communication skills,
6. responsibility, and
7. relevance of their learning to the world.

The Madrasa learning programme will comprise of Qur’an Reading, Arabic and Life Orientation (Islamic Studies).

Qur’an Reading
One of the aims of the Madrasa is to promote proficiency and fl uency in Qur’an reading. Therefore at all levels of the Madrasa emphasis is placed on correct pronunciation, recognition and tajwid. Learners will be encouraged to understand, know and apply the rules in their reading. Memorisation, hifz and recall skills are also developed.

Arabic
The Arabic language is taught at the various phases of the Madrasa. Learners will be expected to negotiate meaning and understanding of the language, to use it critically, to converse in the language, to tafsir and use its sources as well as to use it in further learning. Emphasis is also placed on writing and communication skills. We are currently following the same 7 syllabus as the High Schools. Learners applying themselves diligently in the studying of the language will be able to write the Arabic external matric examination as a seventh subject when they are in Grade 12. This will help boost their aggregate.

Life Orientation
The new modifi ed “Islamic Studies” programme will include life orientation and inter-cultural studies. Broad themes include personal development (ibadat, moral choices and relationships, sexuality and gender roles), health and safety (personal hygiene), society and culture and environment studies. Note that teachers will inform learners of all textbook and stationery requirements for each subject.

Assessment

Assessment of learners will be made on a continuous basis. It will be based on one or a combination of the following activities: interviews, excursions, demonstrations (practical), report writing, oral report back and presentations, songs, reading, posters and creative activities, quizzes, puzzles, worksheets, group work, memorisation and recall.

Parental Involvement
A tremendous responsibility rests with parents to ensure that learners do the necessary assigned work during the week, especially since the Madrasa is held only once a week. Learners who do not work consistently during the week progress very slowly. Learners must spend at least 15–20 minutes everyday with their Qur’an Reading. We appeal to parents to become more actively involved in the education of their children and to supervise homework on a daily basis. Communication between parents, Administrators and teachers is very important. The Administrators are available every Saturday for consultations with parents. Feel free to discuss any of your concerns with them. Parents can consult with teachers after the last class of the day. No consultations with teachers will be allowed while they are teaching. Parents need to keep the Administrators informed of children who are going to be absent or withdrawn.