Lower School Arabic:
Arabic is taught to the students in preschool on a daily basis. Teachers at this level are native speakers of the Arabic Language, so students are exposed to authentic pronunciation of the language. In the Arabic period students are educated in the Arabic letters, sound recognition, blending sounds of two letters, reading words, writing ,and basic vocabulary, such as greetings, colors, shapes and animals. Students at preschool levels also sing Arabic Songs, and learn numbers from 1-10.
Kindergarten:
In the Arabic period, students are educated in the Arabic alphabet, basic sound recognition, blending sounds of letters, reading frequency words, names of different professions such as doctors , teachers, policeman, etc. Students at these levels also sing Arabic Songs, and learn numbers from 1-50.
Elementary School:
Arabic is allotted four sessions per week. A textbook series (Al Madina Arabic Reader) by Dr. Abdul Raheem is introduced in elementary school. This series consists of Book 1 to Book 8, and focuses on spoken language, grammar, and vocabulary. Books 1 to 3 are presently used in the Elementary school . Qira 'ah al Mushawwaqah Books 1 and 2, and Tamaaren al-mushawwaqah Books 1 and 2 are used in addition the text book Al Madina Arabic Reader. Teachers also use various multimedia resources to reinforce information taught.
Instructors attend regular workshops to enhance their skills, and are continuously exposed to innovative methods of teaching foreign language. They are also introduced to new technology and curriculum, which are used into the classroom.
Arabic CD's and songs are used to reach students who are auditory and visual learners. Computer programs allow student learning, using interaction and visual stimulation.
Conversational Arabic is taught in every grade level so as to ensure mastery in Arabic Conversation. All students have their own books in Arabic. In addition, we have increased the resources for these subjects in the school's library.
The Elementary students in Grade 1 have two levels, Grades 2 and 3 are joined and are divided into three levels based on their past exposure to the language. A similar division is made with Grades 4 and 5. In these levels students will be able to practice basic reading, writing, counting in Arabic, describe things around them, ask questions, learn the different grammatical constructions, and communicated in the language. Student will be using audio, video, art, craft, flashcards, and projects.
Middle/High School:
At the Middle and High School, there are four levels. Level one (Beginner), Level Two (Intermediate), Level Three (High Intermediate) and Level four (Advanced). Students are placed in one of four levels of instruction based on their past exposure to the language. In addition to four Arabic teachers who teach the four levels, the Academy has one additional teacher who specifically teaches conversational Arabic at all levels. This is the Academy's latest action plan to motivate students to communicate more in Arabic. The program therefore is reaching its goal in giving students the needed skills to read, write, and speak the Arabic language.
Teachers' high expectations of their students can be seen in after school programs, where there are either remedial lessons to elevate the 'slow learner' or extra lessons to assist exceptional students to reach their full potential.
In the High School students are prepared for the EDEXCEL GSCE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) Arabic Examination, which is administered from London. This Examination comprises of four parts. Unit 1: Listening and Understanding; Unit 2:Speaking.in Arabic; Unit 3 Reading and Understanding in Arabic; and Unit 4 Writing. It's the Academy's goal to create and develop an Arabic social and cultural Club.
Arabic Courses:
Students go through six courses from Arabic 1 to Arabic VI according to the level of proficiency demonstrated by the student.
Arabic I introduces the beginning student to basic written and oral knowledge of Arabic. The sound system of Arabic is taught with emphasis on vocabulary and structural patterns. An exploration of the Arabic cultural environment provides insight into the background of Arabs and Muslims. Students are to accomplish: following and giving simple instructions; understanding and interpreting spoken and written language on a variety of topics.
Arabic II introduces more vocabulary and structural patterns of the Arabic Language. Arabic culture continues to be investigated. Oral and written skills are reviewed, enhanced and refined. Students are to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of subjects; recognize the multiple ways an idea can be expressed in Arabic and use them appropriately.
Arabic III emphasizes the vocabulary and structural patterns of the Arabic Language in more depth. Arabic culture continues to be investigated. Oral and written skills are reviewed, enhanced and refined. Students are to present information, concepts, and ideas to an audience of listeners or readers on a variety of subjects; and understand the relationship between the perspectives and products of Arabic Culture and use this knowledge to recognize cultural practices.
Arabic IV allows the student to extend and perfect oral and written Arabic language skills. Vocabulary is increased, and more difficult structural patterns are
explored. Literary works are read and studied in the Arabic tongue. Students are to reinforce and further knowledge of other disciplines through Arabic and acquire information and perspectives that are available only through Arabic and within Arabic and Islamic cultures.
Arabic V refines composition ability and reviews grammar. Various types and forms of literature are explored. A novel is read and studied. Book reports, oratorical presentations, a research paper, and writing competition are required. Students are to use speaking strategies effectively and respond critically to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama.
Arabic VI includes the study of literature from the jahiliyya (pre-Islamic) period to the 20th Century with special emphasis on the Quran, hadith, and Islamic poetry. Practical use of the language is also enhanced by listening to sermons delivered in Arabic as well as oral and written presentations. Students are to use Arabic with and beyond the school setting and use the language to gain information and perspectives that is only available through Arabic.
