Learning happens when the learner is engaged. When learning is challenging and exciting it becomes a pleasure. When the purpose of learning is clear it becomes meaningful. A combination of the two will promote a love of learning. Furthermore in the context of our place in the universe as Muslims the love of learning comes from our deen. The Messenger of Allah (saw) said “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.” [Tirmidhi] and this is the ethos of the ‘Shakhsiyah Model’. It begins with both staff recruitment and parent admission interviews. Prospective teachers and prospective parents are both asked what they do to fulfil the obligation of seeking knowledge. Thus the ethos of ISF as a community of learners becomes supported by all.
For teachers this expectation is ongoing and a section of their annual performance review asks them to identify what they do to develop their Islamic knowledge and to develop their shakhsiyah. Parents are expected to be involved in their children’s learning and encouraged to complement this by gaining knowledge themselves. Termly ‘Parents Discussion Forums’ are also used as an opportunity to disseminate knowledge and to develop understanding of the ethos of the school.
For the children their learning is celebrated throughout the year. As a small school every child’s work is on display. There is also a ‘Work of the Week’ board where the best work from each class is displayed each week. Each class takes one Assembly every half term and work is displayed to parents and the public through annual presentations and fairs. For example the ‘Islamic Inventions Fair’ where projects on inventions and discoveries by Muslims; are presented by children in an exhibition format to the local community including local schools. Children therefore develop independence in their learning.
These opportunities will insha’Allah establish a love of learning in their shakhsiyah which will last for life, i.e. until they are the inhabitants of the graves.
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