Singapore: Philosophy of Madrasah Education System in the City-State

The Majlis Ugama Islam singapura (MUIS), a quasi-government institution task for the Muslim community has six (6) accredited madaris. The philosophy of their Madrasah education system is as follows:

1. An integrated effort to impart and acquire knowledge, skills and an internalisation of Islam based on the Qur’an and Sunnah in order to create a spiritually, intellectually and physically vibrant Muslim with a clear understanding of Islamic worldview.

2. An integrated effort to impart an understanding of the modern world, and life skills needed to be ahead in this new competitive environment.

3. An integrated curriculum designed to impart awareness of the student’s responsibility as future religious leaders striving for excellence for one’s own self and society for the attainment of the best of this world and the life Hereafter.

4. It is an education based on the following principles and beliefs:

• That al-Qur’an and al-Sunnah (al-Wahy) and human reason (al-‘Aql) are strong foundation for knowledge and learning.
• The development of the wholesome man (al-Insan al-Kulli), spiritually, morally, intellectually and physically.
• That Islam is a mercy to mankind and strives for the attainment of success and happiness in this world and the hereafter.
• On the integration of knowledge.
• That each child is unique and endowed with potentials, having different inclinations and abilities.
  ___________________________

List of Madaris in Singapore:

1) Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah
1 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh Singapore 319376
Tel : 6744 4749 ; Fax : 6744 5057
Website : www.mai-edu.net

2) Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah
Address : 277 Braddell Road, Singapore 579711
Office Tel. No. : 6478 7133
Fax No. : 6352 0393
Email : admin@irsyad.sg
Website : www.irsyad.sg

3) Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah
30, Victoria Lane, Singapore 198424
Tel : 6391 5970 / 71 ; Fax : 6295 6221
Email : aljunied@aljunied.edu.sg
Website : www.aljunied.edu.sg

4) Madrasah Al-Maarif Al-Islamiah
No.3, Lorong 39, Geylang, Singapore 387865
Tel : 6747 9835 ; Fax : 6741 6640
Website : under construction

5) Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah
111 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199006
Tel : 6294 5909 ; Fax : 6294 5976
Website : under construction

6) Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah
589, Sims Avenue, Singapore 387600
Tel : 6741 0131 ; Fax : 6741 0006
Website : www.mwtai.edu.sg

Source:

• http://www.muis.gov.sg/cms/services/Madrasahs.aspx?id=2742
• http://www.muis.gov.sg/cms/services/Madrasahs.aspx?id=1904

Singapore: Quran Teachers Recognition Scheme (QTRS)

What is QTRS?
Quran Teachers Recognition Scheme (QTRS) is an effort initiated by the Asatizah Recognition Board (ARB) to recognise those who are qualified to teach Quranic lessons in Singapore. Recognition of Quran teachers will ensure that the community receives quality and correct Quranic knowledge. This recognition also hopes to encourage those who teach the Quran to continue upgrading the quality of their teaching based on their qualifications and experiences.

Quran Teachers Selection Committee
A committee called the Quran Teachers Selection Committee (QTSC) will provide overall directions, approve all nominations or applications, and oversee the professional conduct of all approved Quran teachers in the performance of their teachings to the community. The QTSC will be supported by Darul Quran Singapore (DQS), who will act as secretariat to the committee.

The QTSC is currently chaired by Ustaz Mohamed Qusairy Bin Thaha, Team Leader for Quran Education of Darul Quran Singapore, Masjid Kampung Siglap.

The QTSC will be guided by the ARB.

Why the need to categorise Quran Teachers?

• To provide the community with a listing of Quran teachers with the necessary qualifications
• To ensure the continual upgrade of the teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the Quran
• To structure the teaching of Quran to meet the needs of the community

What are the criteria for selection?

• Candidates who are interested to apply for the QTRS must meet the following primary criteria;
• Undergone training in integrated Quran teaching pedagogies.
• Possess basic understanding and application of Tajwid
• Other qualifications/ skills that are considered by the QTRS Selection Committee includes: Quran Teaching Methodologies/ Skills, Memorized the Quran

How is the Process Implemented?

• The Selection committee will look through the application forms and conduct interviews and examinations wherever necessary, and categorise them accordingly.
• The committee may recommend courses to successful and unsuccessful applicants to undergo courses offered in the Quran Teachers’ Training to upgrade their quality of Quran Teaching or to qualify for the scheme.
• Cases of appeal will finally be referred to the ARB.

What will candidates be tested on?

• All candidates shall be tested on the rules of Tajwid and the sciences of Ulum Al-Quran (basic). They will also be evaluated based on their recitation of the Quran.
• Candidates shall undergo oral, written and listening examinations.

Quran Teacher’s Training offered by Darul Quran Singapore
The Quran Teachers’ Training (QTT) is a platform for Quran teachers to upgrade their knowledge of the Quran through various courses offered by Darul Quran Singapore. This is to ensure that the Quran teachers are equipped with the various sciences of the Quran and thus value-adding their teaching.

What are the subjects covered in Quran Teachers’ Training?
The Quran Teachers Training (QTT) Subjects are divided into 2 categories: compulsory and electives.

Compulsory Subjects
1. Tajwid Al Quran
2. Talaqqi Mushafahah/ Sanad
3. Basic Ulum Al-Quran
4. Quran Transliteration
5. Pedagogy, Andragogy and Teaching Methodology
6. Islamic Teaching Psychology
7. Islamic Education Philosophy
8. Al-Quran and Contemporary Issues
9. Basic Fardu Ain

Electives
10. Tahfiz Al Quran
11. Basic Arab Language
12. Advanced Arab Language
13. Advanced Ulum Al-Quran
14. Al-Fawasil
15. Dhabtul Quran
16. Rasm Al-Quran
17. Qiraat Theory
18. Qiraat Practical
19. Tafsir
20. Tarikh Al-Qurra’
21. Tarikh Al- Mushaf
22. Basic Tarannum
23. Advance Tarannum
24. Arabic calligraphy

Upon completion of the courses, the Quran teacher with a QTRS grading is eligible to reapply for promotion to higher stage of recognition from QTSC.

Source: http://www.muis.gov.sg/cms/services/Islamic.aspx?id=12688

Singapore: Madrasah vs American School

 

Singapore's 6

Singapore's 6 accredited madaris

1) Madrasah Al-Arabiah Al-Islamiah
1 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh Singapore 319376
Tel : 6744 4749 ; Fax : 6744 5057
Website : www.mai-edu.net

2) Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah
Address : 277 Braddell Road, Singapore 579711
Office Tel. No. : 6478 7133
Fax No. : 6352 0393
Email : admin@irsyad.sg
Website : www.irsyad.sg

3) Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah
30, Victoria Lane, Singapore 198424
Tel : 6391 5970 / 71 ; Fax : 6295 6221
Email : aljunied@aljunied.edu.sg
Website : www.aljunied.edu.sg

4) Madrasah Al-Maarif Al-Islamiah
No.3, Lorong 39, Geylang, Singapore 387865
Tel : 6747 9835 ; Fax : 6741 6640
Website : under construction

5) Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah
111 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199006
Tel : 6294 5909 ; Fax : 6294 5976
Website : under construction

6) Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah
589, Sims Avenue, Singapore 387600
Tel : 6741 0131 ; Fax : 6741 0006
Website : www.mwtai.edu.sg

Singapore: 4 of 6 madrasahs meet PSLE benchmark

Of the six full-time madrasahs, four have met the PSLE benchmark this year set by the Ministry of Education. Since 2008, the madrasahs have been required to meet a minimum PSLE benchmark at least twice in three years to continue admitting new primary one pupils. This year is the start of a new three-year cycle, 2011 to 2013.

The four that made the grade this year are Madrasah Al-Ma'arif, Madrasah Alsagoff Al-Arabiah, Madrasah Wak Tanjong and Madrasah Al-Irsyad.

The two that did not meet the benchmark this year are Madrasah Al-Arabiah and Madrasah Aljunied.

But the Ministry of Education said there will be no impact since both madrasahs have stopped taking in new primary one students. 

330 students enrolled in madrasahs sat for the PSLE this year.

The top madrasah PSLE students are: Labiba Nur Hasna Idham from Madrasah Al-Irsyad Al-Islamiah, Nur Masyitah Borhan from Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah, Helwah Athiyah Abdul Ghani from Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah and Murshidah Albakri from Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah. 

The San Yu Adventists School, which was also issued a minimum benchmark it had to meet every two out of three years since 2008, has made the cut. 

Two of its students took the PSLE this year.

Of the 31 homeschooled students who took their PSLE this year, nine did not meet the minimum PSLE benchmark.

The benchmarks are different for the madrasahs and the San Yu Adventists School and homeschoolers. 

For the madrasahs, the benchmark is pegged at the average PSLE aggregate score of Malay pupils who take four standard-level subjects in the six lowest performing national schools.

For San Yu Adventists School and homeschoolers, the benchmark is pegged at the 33rd percentile PSLE aggregate score of all pupils who take four standard-level subjects in the PSLE in that same year.

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1167373/1/.html

Singapore: MUIS to increase funding to madrasahs, financial assistance for needy

SINGAPORE: The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) will increase funding to full-time madrasahs and financial assistance to needy students.

Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said that Singapore has to be prepared to invest more in building up its madrasahs.

In his Budget debate in Parliament, he added that MUIS has made significant strides in the madrasah education system.

This includes the new International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), teacher development and student enrichment programmes in the works.

Dr Yaacob said that the IBDP in particular will be a breakthrough in integrating academic and religious learning.

He added that the new multi-disciplinary and integrated Joint Madrasah System (JMS) curriculum reflects a major paradigm shift in madrasah education.

Dr Yaacob said: "Our madrasahs are not an alternative to mainstream national schools. Their key priority is to produce qualified religious teachers who are able to meet the changing expectations and needs of our community. They will produce religious leadership that will help our community develop together as good Singapore Muslims by ensuring our socio-religious compass is in the right direction. I am proud that our madrasah students have done well."

Source: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1260160/1/.html