We are developing resources that can be used in the classroom to help teachers better engage better with Muslim pupils and also to help breakdown the negative stereotypes of Islam that are presented in the media.
The Pupil Level Annual Schools’ Census 2003 showed that while the academic achievement of the British Muslim population is improving, there remains sustained underachievement especially when compared to the national average. Our discussions with teachers and other educators indicate that Muslim pupils better engage with the curriculum and ultimately perform better if they feel that they can identify with the subject matter and that it relates to their cultural heritage.
We are working closely with teachers and subject specialists to develop a series of teaching resources which highlight the important contribution Islam and Muslim scholars have made to various disciplines (including mathematics, sciences, literature and art). These resources will have the added benefit of raising the self esteem of Muslim pupils. This work will not only help engage Muslim pupils but will also show Islam’s often overlooked contribution to modern society through innovation and scholarship, helping to challenge negative images of Islam and increasing non-Muslim students’ knowledge of Islam.
This project is funded by Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.
