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There have always been faith schools in Old Trafford, but is the opening of a new Islamic School for girls good news for community cohesion in Old Trafford? Haleema Shabir investigates. |
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How do you feel about a Muslim girl's school in our community? |
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Does it bring people together or create more division? Is it good for the students or does it put them at a disadvantage?
I went down to Afifah High School For Girls to find out more about the school and how it works.
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Established in 2001, the school is based on an Islamic ethos, but also offers a balanced timetable that meets with the requirements of the national curriculum. It is a private, fee-paying school which is charging £2,000 each year including an admission fee of £150. |
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I was introduced to the Head Teacher Mr Abdul Hameed Chunara and the Deputy Head Mrs Rabia Mall. The league tables show that the school has among the lowest average GCSE grades in the whole of Greater Manchester, so my first question to the Head was, is the emphasis at Afifah High on religious or academic achievement? He replied: "Just because it is an Islamic school does not mean we don't consider education. We want bright girls with a secure future ahead of them. Ofsted have also highlighted that it is an improving school and there is a great relationship between staff and students." |
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Another important question is: whether it is good for Muslim girls to be educated separately? |
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"The facility is available, so why not? People want single- sex schools, some Muslims and non-Muslims prefer it. We are basically catering for the parents that want this type of school". |
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Last year Afifah High School moved from their original premises which could only accommodate 35 pupils. They are now on Clifton Street at their new building which can hold 125 pupils. |
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Mr Chunara explained how the new premises was a derelict pub [The Shrewsbury Hotel] before they moved in. It was empty for several years before, with the support of the public, they changed it into a school. |
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"I'm very grateful for the support from the local people, during the time we applied for approval of change from pub to school." |
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I discussed the stereotype of Muslim girls with Mrs Mall. She emphasized that just because this is a religious school does not mean that the girls are restricted. They have all the chances they would get at a comprehensive school. The stereotype of Muslim women with a headscarf is rather negative. People tend to judge them as powerless, and to some extent, as if they don't have any fun. |
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I was curious as to how the young girls themselves feel about their school. |
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As I have only ever been to a mixed comprehensive school myself, this world was totally new and rather strange to me. I had a chat with three girls to find out what they think. |
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Maddihy (Year 9) was previously studying at Whalley Range High School, before she moved to Afifah. I asked her why she moved schools "I wanted to come to an Islamic school, I like it a lot here, it's a good school and the education is just the same as at Whalley Range". |
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Aysha (Year 8) thinks "we get equal opportunities at a comprehensive school, and here". |
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And Shaheen (year 9) said "I don't think I've missed out by coming to an Islamic girl's school at all". |
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Afifah High School: 0161 872 1516 |
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Story |
Haleema Shabir |
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Photos |
Afifah High School |
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A school to have faith in?
