There has never been a more important time for young adolescence to learn a second language. Studying a language develops students’ awareness of communication skills, and gives them an appreciation of different cultures. These are highly sought-after skills in the modern word.
Stage 4
In Year 7, the Arabic language is taught via the four macro skills of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. There is a focus on themes such as About me & About You, Family, School Life and Celebrations. An understanding of culture is of paramount importance to the language learner and this is developed through special celebrations and activities. Each language has a variety of cultural events and language assessments. The texts and resources utilised in the Year 7 program are based on current language learning theories and are aimed at the students’ level of interest and experience. Language is a “living thing” and students are encouraged to use the language to communicate both inside and outside of the classroom.
In Year 8, the Arabic language is taught through topics such as, Season and Weather where students produced 3D models of the four seasons, Out and About, Shopping, Family, and Eating out at a Restaurant. Students went on an excursion to a Lebanese restaurant and sampled some Arabic foods. It was an enjoyable experience to see students using the Arabic language to order their meals.
Years 9 and 10 Elective Courses – Arabic
At Minarah College School we offer students Arabic as an elective in Years 9 and 10. In Year 9 there is a focus on themes such as Friends & Friendship, Life at Home, Education and the World of Shopping. In Year 10 the focus on themes such as Family Relationship, Belonging to the community, Education and the World of Work, Celebrations and Festivities, and the Importance of Education. An understanding of culture is of paramount importance to the language learner and this is developed through special celebrations and activities. Study of a language is regarded as beneficial for the following reasons:
- it contributes to the cultural, inter-cultural, personal, educational, intellectual and social development of the student;
- it is a discipline that develops skills which are transferable across the curriculum and beyond the school context;
- it improves the student’s understanding of English;
- it leads the student to recognise the value of all languages and cultures;
- it fosters greater intercultural and interfaith understanding and thus develops respect and tolerance for other people;
Islamic Studies
Islamic studies is taught one lesson per week for all classes in High school and it consists of Aqeedah, (Islamic Doctrine) daily duas and the holy Quran, the Sunnah (Biography of the prophet S.A.W) History and acts of worship and Morals and Manners. Students are encouraged to implement and practise lessons taught through their everyday life. This has been quite evident in the season of Ramadan.
Graduating students from Minarah College have the ability to demonstrate all the articles of Islam, Iman and Ihsan.
For example:
- Tahaarah (cleanliness) and rulings.
- All basic rulings of how to perform Salat.
- Basic daily duas.
- Basic rulings on SAWM (Fasting). (Who can be exempted from fasting?) Enforced throughout the season of Ramadan.
- Basic rulings on sadaqah and zakat.
- And additional activities.
- Quran competition in addition to the Isra wal Miraj is one of our significant events of the year.
Quran Studies
All praise belongs to Allah peace and salutation upon the Prophet Muhammed S.A.W. Our Quran learning students’ have two lessons per week. Students have shown a great deal of enthusiasm towards memorising surahs from the Holy Quran. Our aim and what we have been practicing for the past years is that Insha’Allah from kindy up to year 6 students at Minarah College will memorise the 30th chapter and half of the 29th chapter.
After going through Arabic grammar topics in year 7 and 8, Students then memorise other larger surah’s selected from the Holy Quran in year 9 and 10 mainly from the first half of the 29th chapter given the time allocated for this subject this amount of memorising is enough for a student to perform their daily prayers.