The Norwich Academy School was officially started by the Blackstone Foundation (charity no.1027789) as a Home Education Network providing services for home educated children. The Norwich Academy has adopted the project in accordance with the Academy’s aim:

“To establish a school or children’s education initiative that will bring together the highest academic standards, the acquisition of vocational skills and and the pursuit of excellence with a clear emphasis on good character development”

At the heart of the school ethos is the belief in Allah as the Creator of the universe and a desire to facilitate the bringing up of children in such a way that they become adults who are generous, courageous, articulate, numerate, perceptive, discerning and decisive with the necessary skills to be of obvious advantage to themselves, their families and the wider community.

Efforts are very much focused on behaviour, self-motivation, and acquiring the skills that will allow students to succeed academically or professionally wherever and whenever they may decide to focus their attention.

Educational Philosophy

The school has not been shy in examining educational philosophies past and present and where appropriate has clearly adopted specific methods in conjunction with specific subject areas.

The British public school system, ancient Greece, the Sokoto Khalifate in West Africa, the Ottoman Empire and Islamic Andalusia amongst others have also proved to be valuable sources to draw from. While in recent times Rudolph Steiner, John Holt, Shaykh Abdalqadir as-Sufi and D.H. Lawrence amongst others have written books that contain gems of insight and information that continue to shape the educational philosophy of the Norwich Academy.

School Structure

The school is divided into three main departments, namely;

• Islamic Studies Department

• Academic Studies Department

• Physical Education & Vocational Training Department

Within these departments are key subject areas which include

• English Grammar
• Music
• Physical Education & Sport
• Mathematics & Geometry
• Arabic
• Qur’an Studies
• Media Studies & Information Technology
• Health Studies & Biology
• Outdoor Activities

There are also key periods and events in the school year which have a definitive effect on the character of the school and are pivotal in shaping the overall experience of the students. They also represent key methods of assessment of each students progress. These are:

• Exeats
• Examination Week
• Tournament Week
• Projects & Presentations
• School Play

Exeats

Exeats are outings organised by the staff of the Academy in conjunction with other educational or training organisations which are intended to enhance our teaching and benefit the pupils by broadening their experience of the world. Depending upon the circumstances these may last from one day to two or more weeks. Some of the exeats to date have included visits to North Norfolk, Spain (Granada Cordba, Seville), Cambridge (Trinity College), Stratford upon Avon & Warwick Castle and Eton College.

Project Work

The taking on and completion of projects has been of immense significance with students having to bring together tenets from different subjects, learn to research, solicit assistance and show both patience and perseverance. Projects that have been undertaken have covered, music, embroidery, mathematics and media studies.

Written Examinations

The middle or Hajj term is characterised by the sitting of internal examinations and the advent of the Hajj season. Toward the end of the term the upper school sit written examinations in Arabic, Sirah, Grammar, Literature, Mathematics & Geometry, Nature Studies and Music Theory. The purposes behind these examinations are many fold and include:

• To accustom our pupils gradually to the atmosphere and discipline of formal written examinations;

• As a method of academic assessment;

• As a positive form of incentive for pupils;

• As a focal point for the clarification of teaching methodology and ethos;

• As a measure of the Academy’s effectiveness as an organised teaching institution.

Tournament Week

The Tournament Week represents the culmination of the school year. It consists of a variety of individual and team events intended to test character, scholastic achievement, physical prowess, practical know-how and the ability to put theoretical knowledge into practical application.

School Play
Vox literata et articulata (A learned and articulate voice)

This phrase has been adopted as the motto of the English department and reflects our recognition that our tone of voice and manner of speech rank alongside physiognomy and general demeanour as the primary indicators of individual character and cultural background.

With this in mind during the final term, in conjunction with the Academy Drama Club we stage the school play using as many of the studennts as possible, staged at a suitable local venue, inviting friends, family, local residents and dignitaries to attend.