Denmark: Muslims schools best at breaking with 'social inheritance'

Al-Irchad, Al Hikma and Hay are the names of three Muslim schools, who are among Denmark's best in dealing with children's social inheritance, according to a new study prepared by the think-tank Cepos. Additionally, the Arab private school Al-Irchad had the municipality's best scoring average.

The schools were placed according to how the students carry themselves in regard to their background - that is, how good they are in breaking the social inheritance. The three Muslim schools are in places 1, 3 and 4 on the list.

Al-Irchad school from Helsingør also holds municipality's highest scoring average for the second year running. the private school's average score in the entrance exams in 2007 was 8.58. The national average is 7.97.

The atmosphere in Al-Irchad is accommodating at the elite school, which has 200 bilingual kids. Principal Khalil Mohamad doesn't rest on his laurels, but has a clear message about the schools' success. he says they test new students so they know precisely what they can be better at. He can also notice that the students are secure here and such students get more out of learning.

Arab Moustafa Alkaabi (11) says he's good in school. He says he comes to school to learn, and that in any case it's been quite a while since he's been sent to the office.

The pupils regulate themselves, to stop fights. Pakistani Waslah Mansha (15) is part of the moderator force, who take down names of kids who misbehave and stop fights during recess.

The students are well informed about what happens in society. Hiba Barchalli (15) is in the workshop, preparing a wooden TV. She's preparing a project about the Muhammed crisis. She says she will explain about the crisis from an Arab and Danish viewpoint. Personally she's against the cartoons, but in any case now she knows what she's talking about, says the Palestinian girl.

Al Irchad school leads in sciences, and that's due especially to the fact that the school employs engineers to teach the subjects.

Nizar Ali is an engineer and works as a math, physics and chemistry teacher. He believes in differential education. He says he knows most of the parents and knows who's educated and who isn't. Therefore he knows which students need more help.

He himself has two children in the school and he thinks that the parent's engagement is on-going. He says the parents often come for unannounced visits. It gives the children a push since they want to show how clever they are.

Danish teacher Kim Pedersen can also notice the difference between the way Muslim and Danish parents treat the school.

He says the parents have a lot of respect for the teacher. They know that the teachers want the best for the children and even if there's criticism, they don't kill them.

The school has students from 8 different countries, including Iran, Turkey and Pakistan.

Source: Nyhedsavisen (Danish)

See also: Study page (Danish)

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