IIUI SCHOOLS

INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS

IIUI Schools Key Practices / Traditions

Implications for Heads of School

At IIUI Schools the staff uses all-school key practices and traditions to teach
children how to be part of a School as an institution and to see themselves as
valued members of that community. The traditions also reflect guidelines for
teachers and how as a group they are required to present themselves and act as
role models for students. Some of our traditions are once a year events; some
happen every week or even every day.

New Students:

Each new student should be given:

 A round of the School to show them all the classrooms, offices and other
areas like washrooms and other facilities
 Introduction of all staff
 ‘Welcome to the School Card’ by the teachers

Greetings

The importance of all school members, from oldest to youngest and from persons
of authority to those with less authority should be ingrained in IIUI Schools
students’. Every individual should be greeted at least once by all as and when
they meet (students, teachers, domestic staff, Administrative and Management
Staff)
Students: Students should greet their teachers by rising for them with ‘Assalam
o Alikum’ Teacher but in a normal note of voice and not in a ‘sing song’ way. Any
visitor coming inside school premises may be greeted by students wishing them
in an orderly manner as ‘Assalam o Alikum.’

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Staff: Staff requires to extend the same courtesy to all and if they meet any
visitor who seem to need directions, the staff member may enquire if they need
help and provide them assistance and directions. Admin. Staff members should
welcome the visitor by rising from their seats and welcoming the visitor to a seat
rather than he/she stands and talks and the staff member remains seated.

The Security personnel at the School Gate should be highly courteous and
remain professional and firm at all times. The Security personnel at the School
Gate signify the kind of management that is within the school premises and due
care must be take for their manners, grooming, uniform and background of
vigilance and knowledge of security implications. Security staff must never
remain seated at the arrival of any visitor, no matter what the social background.

Morning Assembly

 School bell should ring at 8:10 am as notice for students to begin

assembling( preferably Grade 1 onwards) in the ground
 Students should arrive in an organized manner ushered by their teachers
with girls in front followed by boys in the lines. The order in which they
stand may be changed as per decision of Class teacher as boys may also
be in front and girls at back
 Small flags or lines where Grades should assemble should be earmarked
 Students should automatically convene in an organized manner and
teachers should accompany the students
 Morning Assembly should begin with a degree of formality as it is a
ceremonious occasion. Sports teacher may ascertain the need to make
proper lines.
 An Assembly should begin with the recitation of Holy Quran in Arabic and
English. A selected Sura ( or part, depending on length)should be recited
each day until all students have remembered it. A student who has correct
pronunciation should be selected and others should be groomed to take
part in morning recitation. The same Sura should continue until a majority
of students have learnt it by reciting it to their Nazra Teacher who would
determine the date the new Sura has to be changed.
 Recitation Practice should be followed the announcement that students
should be ready for the National Anthem
 National Anthem should be played and students made to recite with it as
the Flag of Pakistan is raised first and then the school flag.
 It is imperative that students practice the correct posture for the National
Anthem
 The IIUI School Anthem should be played after the National Anthem with
students voicing the anthem in its true pronunciation and spirit.
 All School Assemblies will be conducted/ hosted as a broadcast by
students according to the following:

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 1. Mondays- Students previous weeks academic or other co
curricular performance, Address by Head/Principal
2. Tuesdays-Current Events (local /international)
3. Wednesdays – Curriculum Subjects ( Environmental Science/
Language/ Number work/ Geography/History)
4. Thursdays – Quranic Curriculum (Arabic / Nazra)
5. Fridays- No Assembly
 The Assembly should conclude with students walking to their classes in
line. Uniforms will be checked in classrooms by teachers and not in public
in the Assembly

Language of Communication Defined

The official language of communication in IIUI Schools remains English ( in

classrooms, playground, entering school, morning, closure time, school office
and other areas etc.) as it is also the medium of instruction. This should be
communicated to staff and students at the onset. At the early stages of
admission, if students are unable to converse in English, then the teacher is
required to come very close to them and listen to their query or requirement.
These instructions should be taken seriously by the Head of School who should
continue to create, implement and follow-up this model and practices.
Communication with Parents should be of their choice and comfort.

Weekly ‘Keep your School Clean’ Grade duties:

The Head of School should prepare a list of weekly duties where each class will
be given responsibility to ensure that their school is neat and clean .Students of
that grade must ensure and supervise that full school is clean and spotless and
report any untidiness, torn or misplaced soft board displays, rubbish out of bins
etc. to the class teacher so action may be taken. During this week if the Head or
any teacher observes untidiness or lack of cleanliness, the Grade students and
class teacher may be questioned if the point had been reported. Class teacher
would be advised to maintain an informal record of all areas reported so that
speedy action may be taken.

Birthdays

Each child’s birthday date will be posted in class display boards and celebrated
with wishing the students in class and the Assembly

School Events

No function should be scheduled and held without a complete work plan,

meaning/ objective.Each student of the School should be made to participate in
whole school events. In Grade activities maximum participation should be
ensured.

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A sports event should be held once a year and students prepared for fitness
and physical activity throughout the year. Students should be encouraged to play
team sports so that in adult life they learn how to work in collaboration and
superb team work.

A Grandparents Day should also be planned each year to make students

aware of their heritage and recognize principles of respect and value for their
elders. Students should begin preparing for this day months in advance by
conducting interviews of Grandparents, discussing their achievements, writing
poems and stories about them and preparing recognitions and gifts for them in
Art Class.

All National and Religious events/days should be celebrated with enthusiasm

with meticulous prior planning to make them highly meaningful for students.

Warm up before Class

Teachers may think of simple 1 minute warm up exercises when students enter
class. They should also think of interesting energizers after an intense study
period is over.

Honour System

Daily reinforcement of core values will educate students what it means to be

honest; not lie, cheat or take anything that does not belong to them. Students
should know that any item found in playground or class must be submitted to the
‘lost and found’ counter in school admin office. Students should be reminded on
daily basis what values are success means that a person has to be honourable
and truthful. IIUI Schools should be exemplary in this area and a model for others
to follow. The success of the honour system will be evident when there is a
culture of total trust and no theft, misplaced item or grievance is reported in the
school by any individual in a set period of time.

Community Development Plans

Each student Grade 1 onwards should participate in the following:

ONE CHANGE PLAN

Good Citizenship and Good Education go Hand in Hand!

Introduction/ Rationale:

This project is designed to supplement the Citizenship Curriculum at IIUI Schools

aimed to develop love for the country, sense of ownership, the will to assist
others and recognize importance of volunteer work within the students. One main

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objective of this plan is to improve the conditions of our community and make IIUI
Schools students a tool through which this change can be brought about. All
other related goals and objectives have been incorporated to enable this project
to be in harmony with the curriculum goals for the students.

In Pakistan, many problems are present in the rural as well as urban areas, for
environment and individuals. IIUI Schools students with their ‘One Change
Plan’ can help raise awareness of a variety of safety, security, health risks and
basic solutions; provide the motivation and skills needed to reduce these risks;
help community support other members of their families and be the source to
create a change in peoples practice and attitudes.

For example, written information about health and nutrition may be a useful part
of education for underprivileged schools , but there would be no evidence if this
knowledge has been transferred and students have been able to practically apply
this knowledge. If one of our students takes on this area, then the project will
increase health and nutrition awareness in the community at different strata’s of
society .The result would be that a large segment of the population that is denied
health information would be able to benefit from this plan.

Title : One – Change Plan

Aim:

To enable IIUI School students to gain awareness of the problems being faced
by community and make an effort to improve conditions.

Objectives:

By the end of this project (at least 80 % of IIUI School Students who created their
‘One - Change Plan’ will :

1. show evidence of improved awareness regarding selected conditions

2. apply knowledge gained in their homes with parents and siblings
3. receive awards through participating successfully in ‘One - Change Plan.’
4. engender change strategies in their homes and community as a result of
their increased awareness
5. develop sense of responsibility, confidence and honesty by participating in
the ‘One – Change Plan.’

Implementation Strategies for One Change Plan

The teacher should conduct a brainstorming session with students discussing the
problems faced in society nowadays. The students will identify a list of problems
in environment and people such as

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  people throwing litter on floors and in streets or out of car windows
 lack of clean water in areas
 people eating unhealthy food and following unhealthy habits
 lack of hygiene awareness in poor homes
 children not putting things back after using them at home
 waste of energy and electricity
 pollution
 wastage of resources like paper and materials
 breaking traffic rules

Students will select one theme and the teacher will give him ideas and input
about all that he may do at home and try to work on removing it by taking an
active part. For example if a student takes up the issue of people throwing litter
on floors and in streets, the child will try as much as possible to work on this
area; guide the person doing that littering ruins our environment. The student will
begin from home and then go on towards the community and seek help of his
parents to talk to adults on his behalf if in a park or public place. Teachers may
give the child a letter from school and signed by her saying that he has been
entrusted with a responsibility; a responsibility that makes him an important
member of his family and community. He will be told that he is improving his
country by making sure people follow rules and give awareness to the public by
implementing the ‘One Change Plan.’

‘One Change Plan’ log will be maintained by the child in his school diary.
Students will make entries in their log as soon as he does an action to improve
conditions and execute his plans. The student will get the log signed by his
teacher once a week to reaffirm that he is practicing this change. If all students
practice this change for complete one month, they will be eligible for award from
the School. These changes may be as simple as asking family members to:
Wash hands before meals, Stop eating unhealthy food etc.

Students may continue to take different topics each month so that there is
constant involvement in development work.

Teachers need to take deep interest and active role in supervising these plans so
students also recognize their importance.

Before the end of the year, each Class teacher to submit their students best 3-4
logs to be judged in wide competition and prizes to be awarded.

Conferences/ Seminars

Bi - Monthly Seminars/Conferences for Grade 1 onwards after completion of

main themes and a topic of students’ selection are required to be held

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Students should be advised and given input on presentation skills and how they
will through research work on a topic in groups. They must be explained
principles of effective presentations and students should present with confidence,
knowing well their topic of presentations. Head of School must be present on
these occasions to add importance to the event and selected parents may be
invited to attend. The teacher must guide, provide information and make
available research content for students.

This activity may be held at a location other than the classroom so that students
understand the importance of these presentations. Topics such as ‘One Change
Plans ‘ implementation may also be presented.

Technology

Technology should remain the basis of all teaching and the Computer lab should
remain open for students 1 hour after school is over.

Self Evaluation, Assessment and Reporting

Self Evaluation should remain a regular part of school practices where staff and
students at all levels should indulge in reflection and self evaluation.Heads
should make their own plans on how staff and students will be facilitated to
evaluate their performance and it is an integral part of student daily routine

Reporting and feedback system should be in the form of Teacher, Head and
Student Feedback Conference to make students aware of their strengths and
areas requiring improvement.This may take place for as early as Grade 1
students. Parent reporting should follow student reporting for improved
communication.

Motivation

Motivational/Inspirational sessions should be conducted by Heads for Staff and

students for making students high achievers who desire to learn

Instituitional Pride

Set systems and traditions to be followed to develop love and pride for Institution
and country. A culture of respect should be created where all individuals value
and honour each other. Staff and Management should make students develop
this pride by upholding all traditions and being role models for students.They will
also ensure that IIUI Schools have a superior name in the community by its
unique qualities and successes of students in competitions with other schools to
make their school a real source of pride.

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National Pride

At IIUI Schools we focus on citizenship and developing National Pride due to the
following stark realities:

Many nations, amidst their ruins remain Proud of their country and show great
evidence of national pride.

In Pakistan there is a culture of highlighting weaknesses of their country,

specially in the presence of foreigners.

There is a serious lack of patriotism and national pride, despite obvious

developments in Pakistan.

We need to tell the world what a proud nation we are; how talented, skilled,
courageous, generous we are as a nation.

Songs and flags cannot develop this pride. Educators and Schools have to play a
role in a way that awakens the youth to the realization of the multitude of
sources of pride in our country Pakistan. Teachers and Head of School need to
develop positive images and communicate the source s of Pride. In consultation
with Head and Teachers, Broadcasting Unit may think of how they may make
special presentations on Pakistan’s source of Pride under the following:

Programme No 1
Theme – Community Support
Main Content: How Pakistani’s help/ assist their people.

Programme No 2
Theme – Culture
Main Content: Illustration of Pakistan’s unique and diverse culture.

Programme No 3
Theme – Natural Marvels
Main Content: Variety of landscape, Flora, Fauna,Abundance of Crops

Programme No 4
Theme –Sports
Main Content: Illustration

Programme No 5
Theme – Industries
Main Content: Illustration

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Programme No 6
Theme – Pakistani’s-Inner and Outer Beauty
Main Content: Physical Attributes,Variety ,
Inner- Generosity, Compassion,Intellect, Bravery, honesty, honour, Talent,
Hospitality

Programme No 7
Theme –Oldest Civilizations

Programme No 8
Theme –World Renowned Personalities, Sports icons and Important Pride of
Performance Holders
Main Content:

Programme No 9
Theme – Skilled Persons
Main Content: Illustration

Programme No 10
Theme –Pakistani Women

Programme No 11
Theme – Inventions, Advances in Technology

Programme No 12
Theme –Rivers, Water, Irrigation systems, Dams

Programme No 13
Theme – Educational Institutions; Universities

Meetings
Whole School meetings will be held on occasion where some important
information needs to be communicated and discussed. Students ( Grade 3
onwards) will also act as hosts and be responsible for creating complete
equilibrium within the meetings.

Parental Involvement and Interaction

Parental involvement and interaction remains an important componenet of IIUI

Schools philosophy. Parents are encouraged to communicate on regular basis
with Head of School and if required take an appointment for a conference with
teachers.

Parents should be encouraged to visit their childs classroom and witness

activities in small groups.

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Parent Teacher Meetings will be held twice a year to discuss the performance of
students. For this purpose appointments will be given to parents and individual
meetings will be held.

Culture of reading, research and investigation using technology

IIUI Schools are termed as ‘A School of The Future’ that looks towards
interactive classrooms where all individuals learn- the students, staff and
management. For this the culture of reading , research by use of technology
remains the key. Heads of Schools should ensure their teachers read and
conduct research before implementing lessons.

At the end of the year, all teachers (in groups of 3-4) would be recommended
to submit a paper(3000 words) where they show evidence of research on a
particular classroom area, highlighting:

Topic of the enquiry;

The rationale for the enquiry;

Actions taken and literature reviewed

Recommendations for classroom application.

Teachers must be rewarded on these activities and Institute of Professional

Development will issue them a certificate on these initiatives towards self
motivated learning and continuing professional development.

Printed Materials

Once a year a small publication of students’ achievements, literary and

developmental must be made so they have a sense of achievement and all can
appreciate their successes.

The Management of IIUI Schools aspires to ensure that the traditions formed in
this document will be followed in true spirit and executed meticulously by IIUI
Schools Campuses. The Management also hopes that for following each and
every action not only in this document, but in all policies, aspects and execution,
the principles of Quran and Hadith are followed. It is imperative that all actions,
whether in community work, character building, schools norms etc are linked to
Islam as our complete religion and that all students learn to love and follow its
practices.

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