The Open School for Arabic & Islamic Studies

FAQs

New Students
Registered Students
Before the Lessons
Homework
Fees
Parking Facilities
Exams
Online Learning

Is there any pre-requisite to enrol in a new course?
The School requests all new students to commence with the Holy Qur'aan, in particular with 'Ilm Al-Tajweed due to its paramount importance for Salaat and Islamic 'Ilm.

I am studying a subject elsewhere and will continue to study / attend there; should I apply for the same with your School?
No, please continue your studies there.

How many courses can a student apply for?
Up to 3 courses / subjects per term; any more need approval from the Academic Services who will consider the student's circumstances and ability to be committed student who will take on the load of such long structured study.

How many terms in a year?
There are 2 terms.

How many levels are there for the course?
Levels may go from 3-6; depending on the subject. Some courses need a pre-practice as introduction.

What is expected from students who learn with you?
Students – may Allaah bless them – are expected to apply what they learn in their day to day's life. In other words, to bring Tarteeb of the Sahaabat i.e. the conduct of the companions (R) back to life, through their concern and mercy for all the creation of Allaah (T).

Will the students be allowed to teach what they learn?
The students are always to be made aware from the first lesson that they learn-to-teach. Nevertheless, they receive the required training and are under the professors' guidance with the other side of the School mission i.e. teach-to-learn.

Is there any light study for those who can not commit themselves to successive levels of a subject?
Yes, quite few in different topic and subject. More details can be found in the School Web Page.

How do I enrol with the school?
Please email (theopenschool@hotmail.com) to receive; or download from (www.theopenschool.org); the application form. The completed form and the first-time initial £7.00 registration fee should be sent to The Open School (OSAIS), P. O. Box 21, Manchester M16 9FL.

What are the attendance requirements?
You are expected to attend all the lessons of both your tutor and ST (as appropriate). However, in the unforeseen circumstances of absence, you must inform your class co-ordinator and, Students Services via the School email address. More than one absent per term will cause concern for your academic progress and eligibility to take the exam.

I haven’t heard yet from The School/ST?
Our sincere apologies, perhaps the email did not reach us. We will endeavour to answer your query as soon as possible.

Registered Student

I am already a student with The Open School (OSAIS) current courses; do I still have to complete an application form to enrol for the new course / subject?
No, unless you require updating your personal details and/or address. However, in order to ensure your place is booked, you are asked to contact The School as soon as possible, prior to the course start.

Before The Lessons

Do I need to study any material before the course?
It is recommended to read about the course subject from your own sources and references, and prepare any questions. It will make the study more beneficial and productive.

If I have previous studies in the subject, can I join the current class despite missing previous levels?
In such cases the students will join after completing a pre-admission exam. Please contact The School for further information.

Can I tape the lessons?
No, but the Class co-ordinator may tape them for the whole class.

Can I take notes of the lessons?
Yes… please! This will be an important assistance for you and your course-mates; when you sit to revise.

Will I obtain an electronic copy of the study material prior to the course?
Yes, you will be emailed the lessons – Learners' Guide; upon accepting your application.

Do you recommend any other books for my further study of the subjects?
Your tutor will advise you accordingly.

Can I pass on the study material to my friends or family?
The study materials are for personal use only, however, your immediate family may take benefit from them. If, on the other hand, under certain circumstances you wish for the study material and notes to be looked at by another, then ask for a permission from Your School.

Homework

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.

How important is homework for the final exam marks?
Homework counts 25% of the total marks.

Who will help if I need help with homework?
You and your course-mates will set a study group; with your tutor instructions. You may have a Student Teacher (ST). Your tutor will be always there to assist.

In case of the monthly excuse for sisters; what will they have to do with oral homework i.e. reciting Surats?
As they usually have thirteen days between lessons i.e. enough time to tape the Surats (approx 15 minutes); they should not let this excuse to stop them or delay their work. However, if the excuse continues all the days between the lessons; different arrangement will be made. It is essential to get feedback about students’ homework 72 hours before the next lesson in order to offer new instructions.

How do I contact my tutor / Ustaz during non-class hours?
You will email your class co-ordinator; who will arrange your questions/enquires and pass them on to the relevant person/dept.

Will Hazrat 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. Please ask him following the lesson.

Fees

How much are the fees for the course?
Fees may vary from one course to another and from one level to another. Please check the information in the 'About Your Course' sheet.

What do the fees cover?
Course administration, tuition, and course material.

How do I pay my fees?
Payment may be made by cash, cheque, standing order or instalment. Please make all cheques payable to OSAIS. You can either post payment using the OSAIS address or bring it with you to the class. Please state clearly (on the back) student name, OSAIS Student Identification (SID) number (if applicable), along with the course code being paid for (the course code can be found on the advertising poster or 'About Your Course' sheet).

Do I have to pay the fees before starting the course?
Yes, you will need to pay 50% of the fees is due at least 1 week before start of the course. The remained should be paid no later than the second lesson.

Can I pay the course fees on the first lesson; not before?
Yes, however you should contact financial dept to have their prior approval.

What discounts are available for students?
          Yes, according to the following schedule:
          • Household members:
                   - 15% for the second member,
                   - 25% for remaining household
          • Multiple Courses :
                   - 15% for the second course,
                   - 25% for remaining courses

What if I have financial difficulty?
Please contact the financial services in writing or by email; in no way will it hinder your studies. Each request will be individually considered in confidence and will be communicated in writing.

Can students pay in a group?
Yes, this is fine. Please contact your Student Teacher (ST) or Co-ordinator, who may collect fees and pay as a group. Please include names, SID and course code with the payment to be posted to the School, or handed in to your class co-ordinator after the lesson.

Can I post my payment to the School?
Yes, with the exception of cash payments. Please post to the School address along with the full details including names, SID and course code; allowing at least 3 working days for a reply and receipt.

How much refund can I ask for, in case I have some difficulty and have to withdraw from the course?
Refund will be allowed as follows:

4 weeks before the course starts; 100% full refund
2 weeks before the course starts; 90% full refund
Attended Lesson 1 ; 75% refund
Attended Lesson 2; 50% refund
Attended Lesson 3 or more; no refund

Parking Facilities

Are there car parking facilities?
Yes, but only limited. Please contact your ST/Co-ordinator for car parking arrangements and instructions. To reduce the impact of limited parking spaces, you may assist by car sharing. Please note students park their cars at their own risk, as the School cannot take any responsibility or liability for the safety of students' vehicles or property.

Exams

Is there any exam for the course?
All The Open School courses have exams.

What is the advantage of taking an exam?
By way of preparing and revising, the exams will help influence deep understanding of the course material. In addition, the exam will earn you eligibility for the next level of the subject.

When and where is the exam?
This is indicated on the 'About Your Course' information sheet. The exam location may be announced closer to the exam date.

When does the school make students aware of the date of exam?
At the beginning of each term, about 4 months in advance. This should allow sufficient time for you to plan.

Is every student expected to sit the exam?
Yes, every student who satisfies the exam requirements.

What are these exam requirements?
Attendance and Homework: a minimum attendance/homework level of 80%. Failure to fulfil these conditions could result in the Exam Board not issuing an Exam Seat Number. Students cannot sit exams without an Exam Seat Number.

How will I know that I am registered to sit the exam?
By or before the last lesson you will receive your exam seat number.

What to do if I don't receive exam seat number?
Please contact your tutor / ST to meet the requirements as soon as possible.

What about if I fulfil the requirements after the exam?
You will be scheduled for the re-sit.

Can I use my notes and/or Learners Guide in the exam?
No, as it is a ‘closed book’ exam

Will I be told what questions will be asked in the written and oral exams, and how they will be asked?
Your tutors gives hints during the lessons of the important points that will be focused on in the exams; as well as how to answer them. In addition, they will give some guidance concerning common mistakes and the best method to answer a question.

What support is available to prepare for the exam?
Continuous support is always available via the Student Teacher Scheme (STs); students study sessions; and the revision days.

When preparing for the exam, if needed can I contact the School to clarify any points from the Learners Guide?
Yes. Your class co-ordinator will collect your questions / points and email them to tutor and send a copy to the School.

I’m not quite sure what parts/paragraphs of the Learners Guide will be included in the exam or not?
Your tutor assures students of what is to be expected in the exam during the lesson before the last lesson. Please contact your class co-ordinator for confirmation.

Can I take the exam at a later date?
No, all students are expected to take the exam on the scheduled day.

What if I am not really ready to take the exam, out of being busy with my work?
In this case you should take the exam; you may do better than what you anticipated. If you fail the exam, you are still eligible to take the re-sit.

What if I have to travel or be away due to a commitment on the day of exam?
We trust that you take study with The School seriously. We understand you are to be made aware of the exam date few months in advance. However, if you really can not attend; you need to inform the School as soon as possible.

What are the valid reasons that will not cause me to lose my 3 chances?
• If you are ill on the day of the exam, and your illness prevents you to do fair to yourself.
• If one of your close family members is in a severe condition, i.e. close to death, illness that needs your direct attendance during the week of the exam or up to 2 weeks prior to the exam that dramatically affected your preparation for the exam.

Can I get feedback on my exam paper?
Tutors are to give general feedback on the previous exams by the second or third lesson of the new level.

If I fail an exam, what do I do?
Firstly, it is important to not assume exclusion from the course. You are automatically registered for the next level. You have two more chances to re-sit the level.

When. is the re-sit exam?
It is usually after the second lesson of the following term. Please contact the School for date and time.

If I fail the re-sit will I have a second re-sit?
Yes, it will be the last before you have to repeat the level; in case if you do not sit the exam or fail it.

If I am away from the study for some time and I completed some levels, can I re-join?
If you have been away for 6 months or less, you can attend the next level provided you passed the previous level exam. Otherwise, you will sit the exam during your present level.

In this case, can I take the two levels exams together?
No, you have to pass the previous level exam in order to be eligible to sit the higher level exam.

I am a sister; can I sit the exam somewhere else, not the place specified by The School?
Yes, if you live 50 or more miles away from the exam centre.

Can I sit in my own residence?
No, The School will assign an exam setting for you.

In case of the monthly excuse for sisters; what will they have to do with oral exam if it includes reciting Surats?
As they have 10 days to post their tapes i.e. enough time; they should not let this excuse to stop them or delay their exam. However, if the excuse continues all of these days; they need to contact the School attn: Exam Board. They will be allowed up to 5 days extra i.e. total of 15 days from the date of exam.

If, due to circumstances beyond my control I cannot leave the house to attend the exam, e.g. family member needs 24 hour care, etc., how can I take the exam?
In certain cases, upon prior written request to the School, individuals may be granted exception to sit the exam at home. You need to fill a contract of trust form and post it a week before the exam date. Please contact the School to request the form.

What is this form about?
It is a statement of trust; that you have not been made aware by any means and will not accept any attempt to make you aware of something related to the exam contents. Two witnesses have to sign this form as it is a Sharee’at agreement, i.e. a contract of trust.

Online Learning

Can I attend a class online?
Not all classes are offered through the on-line medium. Certainly all new students who enrol with the School would invariably be studying Foundation Level ‘Ilm Al-Tajweed, which is not taught on-line. Students wishing to study over the internet those additional on-line mediated courses need specific approval by the School. To be granted permission and necessary log-in details for the Schools Paltalk® room, the student would have to satisfy certain conditions. For example, the student would have to be living more than 45 miles away from where the course was being taught (Manchester), or in the case of a female student, an inability to be accompanied to the class by a Mahram.

Are all courses taught online?
No. All courses are taught via class-base. However, an alternative online session may be available under certain circumstances:

Who can apply?
Adult seekers of knowledge, brothers and sisters (rules of Hijaab strictly applied) who meet the following criteria:

Brothers who live at least 70 miles, or 1 hour’s journey away from the main teaching centre in Manchester.
Any sister who cannot be accompanied by a Mahram, and there is a sisters-only class in her area (see below).

Can I go on-line for OL courses on my own?
No, as it is strictly for distant classroom based learning where not only minimum student numbers apply, but also the Open Schools code of conduct. Successful registration for OL courses will be subject to these terms. Full rules and regulations are available on request.

How does it work?

Your area will have a senior student who will be your local contact.
On his recommendation to the Open School, you will be invited to submit an application; fees will be applicable. The schools policy on admissions can be made available on request.
The necessary course material will be emailed to your specified address along with a final timetable, including exam dates.

What will the classroom be like?

In discussion with your Local Senior Student (LSS), a mutually convenient location, with facilities for the necessary audio-visual link with the main teaching centre, should be agreed.
The class will resemble that in the main teaching centre.

What will the lesson be like?

On the specified date and at the distant classroom, you will meet no earlier than 10 minutes before the lesson is due to start.
You will need your Student Number ready as it will be required by your LSS to help with logging-on.
The lesson will commence using the live audio link using ‘Paltalk’ to the main teaching centre.
As there will be other distant classrooms from around the UK also logged-on, dedicated times will be given for each centre to ask and be asked questions.