Islamic school sees pupils rise

The increase in pupils means extra classrooms need to be fitted

The first full-time Islamic School in the South West is celebrating its one year anniversary by more than doubling its pupil intake.

Andalusia Academy in St Pauls, Bristol, opened with 31 pupils last year, but this year sees an expansion to 70.

The school, which aims to grow year by year, currently teaches years seven to 10, as well as reception and year one.

Dr Ghassan Nounu, chairman of the trust board, said the main aim of the school was to teach excellence, not religion.

He said: "The main philosophy of our school is not to teach religion.

We are convinced it will help children to integrate into society, not segregate them Former deputy head teacher Mukhtar Ahmad Younis

"Our aim is to be a normal school, with an Islamic environment inside it."

The school is funded by fees from parents of £2,500 per year for secondary pupils and £1,500 for primary pupils, as well as fundraising events.

It teaches the national curriculum as well as Islamic studies and the Koran, and pupils learn Arabic as their second foreign language.

It is also open to non-Muslim children and the teaching staff are hired according to their skill, not their religious preference.

Subjects such as English and Maths sit alongside Islamic studies

There are 14 part-time and four full-time teachers at the academy, with English, geography, history, physical education, art and reception all being taught by non-Muslims.

Dr Nounu said there was demand for an Islamic school in the area instead of extra private classes at weekends.

"It's not just pumping images and information into their heads, the learning environment has to be right," he said.

He argues the children can concentrate more on their education as they no longer have to prove to fellow pupils they are not different.

"Children who are taught in non-Islamic schools have a record of poor achievement. They aren't stupid, it's just that their priority is different," said Dr Nounu.

Trustee and former deputy head teacher Mukhtar Ahmad Younis, added: "We are convinced it will help children to integrate into society, not segregate them."