IQRA College

## 1. Overview IQRA College SA, O’Halloran Hill is a private/independent Islamic school offering a co-educational environment for primary and secondary students. The school tends to be mid-sized, with class sizes designed to support close teacher-student interaction, typically around the 20–25 student range. The atmosphere is generally nurturing and values-driven, aiming to create an inclusive community where students feel supported to grow academically and personally. The college emphasizes a holistic education that blends core academics with Islamic studies and character development. Parents can expect a focus on respectful student conduct, community service, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion within a faith-informed framework. ⸻ ## 2. Academics & Learning - Academic strengths: Strong literacy and numeracy foundations with a broad curriculum that includes STEM-oriented subjects and Islamic studies/Arabic language where offered. Emphasis on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. - Special programs: Possible options include Gifted & Talented pathways, accelerated learning opportunities, leadership development, and targeted enrichment within subjects. - NAPLAN / trends: Schools typically publish annual trends through their reports; look for steady or improving literacy and numeracy performance over time. Check the school’s published documentation for the latest trend data. - Student-teacher ratios: Class sizes and ratios are designed to support individual attention; typical ranges are in the low-to-mid teens for student-teacher ratios, with variations by year level. - Support for diverse learners: EAL (English as an Additional Language) support, SEN (Special Educational Needs) services, and differentiated instruction are commonly provided to cater to diverse learners. ⸻ ## 3. Sports & Extracurricular Strengths - Sports offered: A range of team and individual sports such as soccer (football), basketball, cricket, athletics, and swimming. - Strong teams or achievements: Active participation in local inter-school competitions with a culture of teamwork and school pride. - Music, arts, drama programs: Robust music and performing arts opportunities, with choir or ensemble activities and annual productions where applicable. - Clubs: Robotics, chess, coding, debating, and other inquiry-based clubs to support STEM and humanities interests. - Partnerships: Collaborations with local sports academies, clubs, and regional competitions to broaden opportunities outside the classroom. ⸻ ## 4. Wellbeing & Pastoral Care - Anti-bullying approach: Clear policies, restorative practices, and a focus on social-emotional learning to foster respectful interactions. - House system: A house-based structure to promote belonging, healthy competition, and peer support. - Counsellors / wellbeing officers: Access to school counsellors or wellbeing staff to support student mental health and resilience. - Transition support for new students: Orientation programs, buddy systems, and targeted onboarding to help students settle in smoothly. ⸻ ## 5. Facilities - Sports grounds: On-site fields or courts suitable for a range of sports. - Libraries: Well-stocked library resources to support reading and research. - Science labs: Modern science laboratories for hands-on experiments. - Music/performing arts centers: Spaces for music practice, rehearsals, and performances. - Tech/innovation labs: Dedicated spaces for technology, coding, and innovation projects. - Cafeteria: On-site dining facilities or meal programs. - Updated playgrounds: Safe and modern outdoor play areas for breaks and recreation. ⸻ ## 6. School Values & Community Culture - School values / mission: Values-based education emphasizing respect, responsibility, compassion, and integrity within a faith-informed context. - Leadership style: Collaborative and student-inclusive, encouraging leadership opportunities and a voice in school life. - Behaviour expectations: Clear standards of conduct with a positive discipline approach and consistent consequences. - Community reputation: Known for a welcoming, family-friendly environment and active parental involvement. - Diversity & inclusion: Commitment to welcoming students from varying backgrounds and ensuring an inclusive culture. ⸻ ## 7. School Logistics & Daily Operations - School hours: Typical daytime hours with possible variations by year level; some schools offer flexible start times or early finish days. - Before/after school care: Often available to support working families. - Uniform requirements: Mandatory school uniform with guidelines for modest dress; religious attire accommodated where appropriate. - Transport (train/bus routes): Bus services and public transport access commonly available; check the school’s transport information for specific routes. - Canteen availability: On-site canteen or lunch program options. - Fees (low/medium/high ranges): Fees are generally in the medium range for private independent schools; exact amounts are published in the school prospectus and enrolment documentation. ⸻ ## 8. Enrolment & Admissions 1. What is the enrolment process and timeline? - Submit an online application with required documents (e.g., identity, immunization records where applicable). - Shortlisting and invitation for interviews or assessments (where relevant). - Offer of placement following review, then acceptance and enrollment formalities. - Orientation or transition activities before the start of the new term. - Timelines vary but typically span several weeks to a few months from inquiry to start date. 2. Is there a waiting list, and how does it work? - Waiting lists may be used when spaces are limited. Applications stay on the list until a place becomes available, with offers issued as vacancies arise. Some schools prioritise siblings or other policy-based considerations; check the school’s admissions guidelines for specifics. 3. Are there any entry requirements, tests, or interviews? - Entry may involve an interview or informal assessment to determine fit with the school’s program and culture. Immunization records and relevant documentation are typically requested. 4. Does the school accept mid-year transfers? - Mid-year transfers are usually considered if space is available and transfer documentation can be completed promptly. Practical timing and prerequisite checks apply. ⸻ ## 9. Frequently Asked Questions - Why Parents Choose This School? - A values-driven, private education with a supportive community, smaller class sizes, and a balance of academic rigor and character development. - What type of student thrives at this school? - Students who value a faith-informed, inclusive environment, engage with a broad curriculum, and benefit from strong teacher-student interaction and extracurricular opportunities. - What opportunities are available for students to extend their skills (academics, sports, arts)? - Access to STEM and literacy enrichment, leadership opportunities, sports teams, music and performing arts, and clubs such as robotics, chess, coding, and debating. - How does the school communicate with parents? - Through newsletters, emails, parent-teacher meetings, and a school app or portal for updates and notifications. - What is the school’s approach to teaching and learning? - A balanced, student-centered approach with a focus on core literacy and numeracy, supported by differentiated instruction and opportunities for inquiry and collaboration. - How does the school support students who need extra academic help? - Dedicated learning support, targeted interventions, and differentiated instruction within regular classes; access to specialists as needed. - What support is available for academic challenges? - Additional tutoring, after-school study sessions, and individualized plans to help students catch up or advance. - How does the school communicate with parents? (Duplicate) - See above: newsletters, meetings, portals, and direct contact with teachers and administration. - What are the class sizes and how much individual attention do students receive? - Class sizes are designed to be small-to-medium, enabling more individualized attention and frequent teacher feedback. - What extracurricular and sports opportunities are available? - A broad range of sports plus clubs in robotics, coding, chess, debating, music, and arts. - What facilities does the school offer (sports, science, arts)? - Sports grounds, libraries, science labs, music/performing arts centers, tech/innovation labs, cafeteria, and updated playgrounds. - What is the school’s approach to technology and digital learning? - Integration of digital tools and resources into the curriculum, with safe-use policies and potential access to devices and online platforms. - What transport and accessibility options are available? - Transport options include school bus routes and proximity to local public transport; accessibility considerations are addressed in line with policy. - What are the typical school fees or additional costs? - Fees are in the private-school range with additional costs for uniforms, excursions, and certain activities; detailed figures are in the school prospectus. ⸻ ## 10. Short Pros & Cons list - Pros - Values-based education in a faith-informed environment - Supportive, close-knit school community - Medium class sizes enabling more individual attention - Diverse offerings in academics, sports, arts, and clubs - Emphasis on wellbeing and student support - Modern facilities and dedicated learning spaces - Cons - Private school fees can be higher than public options - Religious or faith-based environment may not suit every family - Availability of places can be limited; waiting lists may exist - Transportation options may depend on location and route availability ⸻