‘...For an educational service established in 2002 and inspected by Ofsted in February 2005 the Darul Uloom Da’watul Imaan has made rapid progress by getting final registration approved by the DfES in July 2005.
This new residential independent secondary boys school is the brainchild of Shaykh Sa‘eed ibn Hafiz Patel who has been involved with other educational projects for a number of years, including the Darul Uloom in Dewsbury. His prior experience is evident in much of the more progressive strategies being adopted by DUDI. It is well organised, effectively managed and is realistic in its target setting. The Islamic principles are very much at the heart of the provision in every aspect of the school life...
The Islamic ethos and the refurbished accommodation are inspiring the staff and pupils to develop its Islamic sciences with a special emphasis on life skills. Unlike some of our other Darul Ulooms members of the Shura Council have not made the mistake of following the National Curriculum blindly... The relatively new programmes of study and the schemes of work being developed are thought provoking, innovative and are steering the pupils towards being purposeful members of an active religious community and a multi-cultural society.
The school is not immune from the usual financial constraints but the level of teaching and learning resources are adequate and improving. The Head teacher is not getting carried away with introducing the latest technological innovations (‘gizmos’) without serious thought. I am glad to see that he is locating the use of “technology” where learning can be made more interesting and stimulating for pupils.
It is refreshing to note the Shura Council’s strategic school improvement plans. This includes a long term, clearly thought out policy of regular in-service training programmes for staff and curriculum development...
The pupils at DUDI are generally very well behaved but I have noticed a very pleasant rise in their self esteem and self confidence which manifests itself in their humility and impressive interpersonal skills. They are able to develop good relationships with each other and with adults. They make visitors feel very welcome and I am sure if these young men are offered the opportunity to make a contribution in defining what the best way to truly and genuinely ‘educate’ themselves is, they will rise to the challenge.
I am particularly proud to be associated with the DUDI because I believe it will be a beacon for other Darul Ulooms to emulate.’
Mohammed Akram Khan-Cheema,
OBE Education Management Consultant,
Independent Ofsted Inspector, Chairman of UKIEW, Chairman of the Steering Committee of IBERR |
