Taught by: Mrs Uzma Malak LLB (Hons), London.

‘O mankind! We created you from a single (pair of a) male and a female,and made you into nations and tribes,that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other).Surely, the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous.And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)’. (Qur’an 49:13)

Citizenship at Islamia is about encouraging a sense of social responsibility, community involvement and political understanding. It provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. The department hopes to promote community cohesion by helping our girls to respect people’s differences, whilst also promoting shared values. Citizenship allows our girls to become better informed young citizens; as they get an opportunity to explore aspects of Rights, Responsibilities, Justice & Democracy, as well as contemporary global issues such as fair trade and sustainable development.
The department aims to ensure that through Citizenship studies our students are provided with the skills to become:

• Responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society 
• Confident individuals who are effective advocates and representatives for themselves and others.
• Well informed young people, who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve their full potential in later life.

The curriculum is taught through a variety of traditional lessons, presentations, debates and active citizenship projects. In order to help provide a stimulating atmosphere and develop skills of critical thinking and enquiry pupils are given opportunities to consider controversial issues by analysing information and its sources.

They are encouraged to articulate their views sensitively, listening to and thinking carefully about the views of others.

Key Stage 3:

 We hope to introduce the Islam and Citizenship Education (ICE) programme in order to teach Citizenship through an Islamic perspective. The aim is to develop akhlaq, adhab and tahdhib among students.

Key Stage 4:

Assessment:

• Edexcel GCSE short course exam - constitutes 40% of the final grade and is externally assessed
• Participation in a community activity for coursework – this controlled assessment constitutes 60% of the final grade and is internally assessed, externally moderated 

Outside the Classroom:

Active participation is the key to citizenship; this includes activities in the wider community. Last year some of our Year 11 students participated in a competition organised by London Councils in collaboration with Muslim Aid, as part of their Pathways to Citizenship Project, which aims to recognise young volunteers and their contributions to the community. One of our students won an award for ‘Exceptional Citizenship & Outstanding Contribution to the Community’. She was also awarded the Special Bonus Prize for submitting the Best Report on the activities undertaken.

As part of our aim to promote community cohesion, the Citizenship department has initiated our school’s participation in the national school linking programme this year. Through this we hope to give our students an opportunity to have meaningful interactions with people from different backgrounds and build positive relations. As part of the school linking project a trip was arranged for Year 8 pupils to visit the Candid Art Gallery where they had a chance to meet with Year 8 students from La Sainte Union Catholic Girls’ School. During the visit students participated in various workshops based on the theme of Tolerance & the Achievements of Women from different faiths.

IGS and LSU students participating in a drama workshop conducted by Tolerance International

Participating in the Anne Frank workshop

Enjoying the Women ARTogether Day