• Is there any homework?

Yes, there is always homework, usually of three kinds: written, oral and reading.

• How many hours of study and homework may be expected?

Generally, 1-2 hours a week per subject.

• I find it very difficult to memorise the Surah, Hadeeth etc, should I still try to sit the exam?

You need to seek your Tutor's advice. However, Hifdh (memorisation) forms only 25% in Tajweed and obviously less than this in other subjects.

• Who will help if I need help with homework?

You and your course mates will set a study group, on your Tutor's instructions and it may involve a Student Teacher. Also, your Tutor and ST are always there to assist In Sha Allah.

• How do I contact my Tutor / ST during non-class hours?

You can email your Class Co-ordinator; who will arrange your questions/enquires to be passed on to the Tutor or relevant person/dept.

• Will Sheikh help to answer questions not related to the course e.g. Fatwa or personal guidance?

Sheikh does not make himself available for such questions; unless there is a real need for them. If there is a personal issue, please make an appointment to speak with Sheikh via email.

Oral Homework

• How many hours might homework take, per subject?

Tajweed / Arabic should take approximately 1 hour per week. Other subjects may take approximately 30 minutes per week.

• Does the ST give homework?

No, you are only given homework in the taught lesson.

• Can ST’s help me with homework?

Yes, this is one of the main reasons to attend the ST sessions.

• I was really ill and I missed the lesson; should I make up for the homework?

Yes, of course.

• How can one receive the full mark?

It is possible to achieve full marks if homework is at a high standard, arrived to the Tutor within the specified time (usually 72 hours before the lesson) and is complete, and attendance is both complete and punctual.

• Who should I tell if my homework is not complete or is late?

We trust you will honestly inform your Class Co-ordinator about such things.

• Will I get feedback from my homework?

Yes, if we receive it on time. You will have individual feedback for Tajweed / Arabic; and collective class feedback for other subjects.

• Where do I send my oral homework?

This will be specified in the lesson. For example, it may be to your respective Tutors’ e-mail address (not to your Student Teacher or to the School).

• Is it okay to send my homework late because I was in need for more practice?

No. If it arrives late, it will be marked late. You should have enough time to practice as your taught lesson is every other week.

• What are the instructions for oral homework?

Please refer to the 10 points about oral homework – in particular, the speed should be normal and there should be no background noise. Please record for just a minute, play it back and listen to your recording. If you are happy with the quality, fine; otherwise fix the problem as your Tutors will ask you to re-do the homework in order to listen to it properly and give you the appropriate feedback.

• Is it disrespectful to recite Qur’aan over the phone, online or using other technologies among students, or each other?

No, it is one of The School’s suggested means of practice among classmates.

• I am finding something difficult to understand, whom should I ask and how?

You should do your best to complete the homework on time. Then, take some help from your classmates or Student Teacher (according to their suitable timing); otherwise collect all your questions and email them to the Class Co-ordinator who will collate them and present them to the Tutor 72 hours before the next lesson.

• In case of the monthly excuse for sisters, what will they have to do with Tajweed oral homework i.e. reciting Surats?

We trust that you will try to recite in any of the days. However, if your excuse will cover the maximum i.e. 10 days, you need to send the other part of the oral homework on time and your recitation of the Surat(s) on a second recording as soon as possible. It is essential to get feedback about students’ homework 48 hours before the next lesson (so Tutors need your homework at least 72 hours before the next lesson) in order to offer new instructions.

• In case of post-natal bleeding for sisters what will they have to do with Tajweed oral homework i.e. reciting Surats?

The student should practice by heart and continue listening to Sheikh. The student can do the Tahajji (two/three words together) if the Ayat is 4 words or more. Once she is able to recite, she should set a timetable to cover the Qur'aanic homework in portions (over 2 or 3 lessons).

Written Homework

• When should I email my written homework?

You should not email your written homework, but should bring it to every lesson so that you can present it to the Tutor when he/she asks for it. Students may be requested to email their written homework. Distance learning students will be requested to confirm completion of their homework and may be asked questions about it.

• How much time is required to complete the written homework?

Tajweed / Arabic may take approximately 30 minutes per week (10 minutes on a regular basis extra practice daily will help a lot). In other subjects, not every lesson will have written homework.

• Can we do written homework as a group?

Yes, if you are instructed to do group-homework, although every member must honestly and actively participate.

• Is it okay to sit in a group to do our individual homework?

Yes, every student is encouraged to set up group study sessions with classmates in their own time and arrangements.

• Can we check each other’s written homework to learn?

Yes, it is always encouraged to learn from each other so you will come to your Tutors with more questions; a desirable way to learn.