September 2023

Bekasi, September 2023 One of the learning models implemented at Al Siddiq International School is Project Based Learning (PBL). This model uses projects or activities as a medium for learning in order to achieve competencies in attitude, knowledge, and skills for pupils. Here, the teacher acts as a facilitator by providing case studies that are to be solved through projects. In this approach, PBL emphasises pupils’ active participation and collaboration, usually carried out in groups. During the first term, Al Siddiq International School scheduled two PBL programmes for both primary and secondary levels. As this was the pupils’ first PBL experience, it was naturally an engaging one, with pupils showing great enthusiasm. The projects assigned varied according to year groups: Primary Years 1, 3, and 4, as well as Secondary Year 7. For instance, the Year 1 pupils carried out a project themed “Part of My Body”. Each group was given a set of body part illustrations to cut out, paste, and colour on a large sheet of card. These were then labelled in both English and Arabic. Group task allocation was left to the pupils themselves, enabling them to practise group management. Every pupil was required to be actively involved in the process. The teacher then guided pupils in preparing to present their PBL outcomes. During these presentations, pupils were trained to explain their group’s work, using both foreign languages in their delivery. Through this model of learning, pupils gained a variety of skills and experiences, including teamwork, patience, neatness, presentation design, accuracy in writing in two languages, confidence in speaking before the class, unity during group presentations, as well as clarity of expression that could be understood by others. This very first PBL was undoubtedly a valuable lesson in the learning process. What pupils received from their teachers and from reading books could be transformed into a project, allowing them to absorb knowledge more effectively. [Red.]

Bekasi, September 2023, The prolonged dry season of 2023 has affected most regions in Indonesia. “As of early August 2023, 69% of Indonesia has entered the dry season,” quoted from the official Instagram account of BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) on Monday, August 14, 2023. Specifically in Bekasi, West Java, the Bekasi Regency Government declared an emergency drought status from August 31 to September 13, 2023. This situation has stirred our collective concern for those affected by the prolonged drought. The lack of rainfall over several months has caused widespread illness, crop failures, and the drying of groundwater, rivers, and reservoirs that serve as vital water sources for daily community life. As an expression of environmental concern, Al Siddiq International School practiced one of the teachings of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) during extended droughts, namely performing Shalat Istisqa (the prayer for rain). In the Prophet’s biography, it is recorded that this event occurred four years before his passing, when Madinah experienced nearly a year of drought. The people pleaded with Rasulullah to pray for rain, and he led them in performing Shalat Istisqa. At Al Siddiq International School, Shalat Istisqa was performed on Thursday, September 14, 2023, starting at 09:30 AM WIB. The prayer took place at the school field and was attended by teachers, all students, and school staff. The Imam and Khatib was Ustadz Abdullah Haris, Lc., M.Pd., serving as the Director of Education at Al Siddiq International School. In his sermon, Ustadz Haris called upon everyone to increase istighfar, seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT for all sins committed, while also reminding them to remain grateful for Allah’s blessings up to this day. He emphasized that compared to other Muslim communities in different countries who face trials such as flash floods and earthquakes, gratitude must remain at the core of our faith. Furthermore, Ustadz Haris reminded the congregation to protect the environment by using water wisely and only as needed. “Let us cultivate a sense of concern for our brothers and sisters who struggle to access clean water,” he urged. The Shalat Istisqa concluded with supplications for Allah SWT to bestow His mercy in the form of rain, echoed by the collective amin of the congregation. Alhamdulillah, the event was carried out solemnly and successfully.[Red.]