“Through Islamic knowledge, we don’t just learn – we live with purpose”

FULL NAME AND POSITION:
Muhammed Saleh Hansa - HOD Islamiyaat

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:
• Completed Haafiz
• Aalim Course, B.Ed

EXPERIENCE AND BACKGROUND:
• I have been teaching in an Islamic school context for the past 20 years and began my tenure at Orient Islamic School in 2009.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Academic Leadership
• Curriculum Planning & Development: Ensure the Islamiyaat curriculum is up-to-date, aligned with national guidelines (e.g. CAPS in South Africa if applicable), Islamic values, and caters to different year groups.
• Resource Development: Create, source, and manage teaching materials, textbooks, digital content, and supplementary Islamic resources.
• Assessment Planning: Oversee the design and moderation of tests, exams, and projects. Ensure assessments are balanced (knowledge, understanding, application).
• Instructional Oversight: Guide teachers in lesson planning, Islamic pedagogy, and effective classroom strategies.

2. Staff Management
• Support & Mentorship: Mentor Islamiyaat teachers, especially new or struggling staff, and provide spiritual and academic guidance.
• Appraisals & Development: Conduct teacher evaluations, provide feedback, and suggest professional development opportunities.
• Team Meetings: Lead regular department meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and ideas.

3. Student Support & Engagement
• Spiritual Development: Promote Islamic values, character building (akhlaq), and adab in teaching and school culture.
• Enrichment: Organize Islamic events (e.g. Seerah Week, Qur’an competitions, Jumu’ah programs, etc.).
• Academic Support: Monitor student performance and support learners with difficulties through remedial programs or individual interventions.

4. Administration & Quality Assurance
• Departmental Planning: Draft annual plans, set goals, and review departmental performance.
• Reporting: Prepare reports on departmental progress, learner achievement, and challenges for school leadership.
• Policy Compliance: Ensure the department adheres to school policies, education standards, and Islamic guidelines.

5. Liaison & Representation
• School Management: Act as the voice of the Islamiyaat department in senior management meetings.
• Parents & Community: Communicate with parents about student progress, participate in community Islamic events, and foster school-community partnerships.
• External Bodies: Engage with madrassah boards, Islamic education bodies, or exam authorities where applicable.

6. Innovation & Improvement
• Islamic Integration: Encourage integration of Islamic perspectives across subjects.
• Technology Use: Promote the use of educational technology in Islamic Studies (e.g. Islamic learning apps, online platforms).
• Feedback Mechanisms: Use student and teacher feedback to improve the department.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:
I believe that Islamic education should cultivate not only knowledge but also character, critical thinking, and a deep spiritual consciousness. My vision is to nurture students who embody Islamic values with integrity, engage with the Qur’an and Sunnah meaningfully, and apply their faith positively in a complex, modern world.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
mshansa@orientschool.co.za

FUN FACTS:
I am a self-thought carpenter and farmer.