Alana Richards
As a leading Islamic College in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, Al-Taqwa College is committed to empowering and nurturing independent young Muslims.
Principal Omar Hallak says each and every student has the opportunity to discover who they are meant to be at Al-Taqwa College.
“We provide students with the education they require to proceed to university and follow their dreams and aspirations,” Mr Hallak says. “We aim to instil our students with the mindset to become honourable young Muslims of tomorrow.”
The college’s mission aims to produce good reflective, self-directed learners who have problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. A balanced approach to learning with a rich variety of opportunities is offered to all students in an innovative and caring environment.
At the beginning of each year, all primary students are assessed in the areas of reading fluency and comprehension, spelling and numeracy skills. Assessment results are recorded and tracked over the years. Areas of strength and weakness are identified and learning programs are developed accordingly.
Other standardised and school-based assessments are carried out at varying times during the school year.
Primary school students are taught Islamic studies, Quran and Arabic from foundation years. The college is fortunate to have its own media department, teaching students how to produce and edit videos for their own online network.
In years 7-9 a traditional core curriculum is compulsory and includes English, mathematics, science, SOSE, LOTE (Arabic), IT, Islamic studies, Qur’an, physical education, personal development, art, food technology and horticulture.
Al-Taqwa College has increased the number of extra-curricular activities it offers the students over the years. The activities range from Islamic camps and lectures, annual Quran competitions, drama, public speaking, debating and inter-school competitions. Through these extended learning experiences, students foster and develop a sense of achievement and pride of their school and of themselves as young Australian Muslims.
Mr Hallak says the extensive range of VCE, VET and VCAL programs allow senior students to follow their chosen paths and selected VCE unit 1 and 2 subjects are offered in year 10.
“Our VCAL students have their own ATCino Café which they run and manage throughout the year,” he says.
“This enterprise is available to all our VCAL students to run as part of their studies and also teaches them how to run a small business.
“We have a multi-layered student and wellbeing department which is integral to our student’s classroom behaviour and performance. This department provides a mentoring program, learning enhancement, student services and counsellors.
“Over the past few months Al-Taqwa College came alive with its online learning program. Our students were able to continue their studies whilst staying safe at home. Our online program has been operational for the past year allowing students to access their work after hours to complete and submit their homework commitments.
“The transition from school-home-school was an easy process for the college. Our staff are to be commended for their exceptional dedication and hard work to ensure a smooth transition.”
Al-Taqwa College, 201 Sayers Road, Truganina. Inquiries: 9269 5000 or www.al-taqwa.vic.edu.au
