Frequently asked questions


Where is the school?
Sidrah Gardens is a Muslim School located at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges in Narre Warren North. Over 5800 trees have been planted on the property over the past 35 years, developing a rich and lively ecosystem. The school is set on 22 acres of densely vegetated land. 434-442 Belgrave Rd. Halam-Narre-Warren North.

How big is the school? 
Sidrah Gardens School is a small 160 place Primary School that caters for students age 5-11 and is underpinned by a genuine, sincere concern for the social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of students.

What grades do you cover?
Sidrah Gardens enrols Preps (children who have turned five) to Year 6.

What is the philosophy of the school?
The Sidrah Gardens School philosophy enjoins learning and practice from the cradle to the grave. Our philosophy is underpinned by a genuine, sincere concern for the social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of students. Our commitment is to the development of long-term reciprocal relationships between teachers, students and families where teachers play a guiding role in the lives of students. Sidrah Gardens is a place where students develop a strong sense of companionship, where their intellectual and spiritual development is fostered.
 
In what ways is your school different to others?
Sidrah Gardens is unique in many aspects:
  • The environment is very attractive to invite children to belong to. 
  • It has over 5800 trees for contemplation.
  • Students will use outdoor learning as a classroom setting,
  • The number of students are small for teachers to focus,
  • Students are multi-aged to learn from each other.
  •  The pedagogy is transformational and contemporary with positive attitude to learning.
  • We have extensive experience in curriculum delivery, etc…….
  • School offers food for lunch and special cake day on Friday
  • There is no compulsory  uniform
 
Do you have composite classes?
Our classes are multi-age.
 
How will my child learn?
  • Your child will be in a school that has a strong believe in children’s ability and individual interest.
  • Your child will be given many opportunities to learn from his/her mistakes as they grow to become agentic learners.  Your child will be taught to control his or her own goals and actions.

How will you get to know my child as a learner?
  • Close observation will take place on daily basis whether learning is indoors or outdoors.
  • Your child will receive a lot of attention as the groups are small in number.

How will you make learning relevant for my child?
  • Your child will be given time to discover and investigate about what interests him/her.  
  • The teacher will facilitate and guide the learning process.

What does the learning environment look like?
  • The outdoor environment is highly vegetated area to support curiously, inquiry, authentic learning and connection to nature /contemplating etc.
  • The indoors environment is set on an open plan   where children sit in any setting they like

How will you measure success in learning?
  • We will closely monitor your child’s Attitude to learning and his/her habits that they develop as learners.
  • Their growth mindset will be monitored and guided to focus to the main learning goals set up.
  • Continuous formal and informal discussion will take place between the parents and the teachers.
  • Parents will receive regular feedback about their child.
  • Students will be questioned in a provocative manner and receive regular feedback.

How will you involve us as parents in our child’s learning and in the life of the school including communication?
  • The school will provide you with opportunities to attend professional development
  • You will be allowed to volunteer in the school
  • You will be asked to present /share with the children or provide information about your profession or tell your story etc
  • You will be able to attend excursions/incursions
  • You will be able to arrange events (School fundraising etc)

How do you use technology to enable learning?
  • Technology will be utilized in a way that is beneficial for and useful for the students and not to access youtubes and games. It will be used to research, typing stories, presenting their findings etc.
 
What are some of the other opportunities available to my son/daughter at the school?
The school will have multiple extracurricular activities.

What is your selection criteria?
  • Parents show high level of support to their child’s learning,
  • Practice of fundamentals of Islam.
  • Support the school vision, mission, values, philosophy, and learning expectations.

How does your school empower students to take ownership of their learning?
Sidrah Gardens School provides agency to students and autonomy to guide their own learning.

How does your school differentiate learning?
  • Students are provided opportunities to develop according to their ability. Learning Experiences are prepared according to student level of understanding and ability.
  •  Learning is individualized and interest based with an open ended focus.
 
How does your school give kids a global perspective?
  • The school is multicultural and so is Islam. Students will be given ample opportunities as they learn about the world in a conceptual way.
  • Interact with other neighbouring schools. 
  • Students are exposed to global issues as they learn to discover about the world around them.
 
How does your school maintain safety and security?
  • We have policies and risk assessments in place.
  • All the staff in Sidrah Gardens School are first aid trained.
  • We have installed Security Cameras around the key areas of the school site.