The Junior School curriculum
At the Primary Level (Grade 1 to Grade 5) — or Junior Level Education — at Ilham Dhaka International School, the curriculum blends academic excellence with Islamic values, guided by the Integrated Islamic Knowledge Model (IIKM). At this stage, students develop foundational knowledge, character, and skills that will shape their lifelong learning journey.
CORE ACADEMIC AREAS
1. English Language & Literacy
- Reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
- Creative and expository writing
- Grammar and punctuation
- Spelling and handwriting
- Public speaking and listening skills
2. Mathematics
- Number sense and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
- Place value, fractions, decimals (upper primary)
- Geometry and measurement
- Word problems and logic-based thinking
- Mental math and applied problem-solving
3. Science & Scientific Inquiry
- Life Science: animals, plants, human body
- Earth Science: weather, environment, natural resources
- Physical Science: matter, energy, forces
- Introduction to the scientific method
- Hands-on experiments and observations
- Taught with Islamic perspective (e.g., signs of Allah in creation)
4. Social Studies / Global Studies
- Geography: continents, oceans, countries
- History: early civilizations, Islamic Golden Age, Bangladesh history
- Civics: rights, responsibilities, community helpers
- Islamic worldview on justice, leadership, cooperation
- Global citizenship through the lens of Ummah consciousness
5. Bangla Language
- Reading, writing, and grammar
- National poems, stories, and culture
- Islamic stories translated/adapted into Bangla
- Oral expression and comprehension
Islamic Education
6. Qur’an:
- Recitation with tajwīd
- Memorization of selected surahs
- Understanding themes and messages
- Tadabbur (reflective discussion)
7. Hadith & Akhlaq:
- Memorization of short hadiths with meaning
- Discussion on how to apply prophetic character traits
- Developing honesty, trust, patience, modesty, and respect
8. Fiqh & Ibadah:
- Understanding the basic pillars of Islam
- Wudu, prayer steps, and daily duas
- Practical training in Salah
- Fiqh of cleanliness, eating, dressing
9. Seerah & Islamic History
- Life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in simple stages
- Stories of the Prophets
- Lives of the Sahabah and Sahabiyyat
- Lessons from Islamic civilization and scholars
10. Arabic Language
- Vocabulary and sentence formation
- Speaking and listening practice
- Reading short Islamic texts
- Integration with Qur’anic Arabic basics
VALUES, SKILLS, AND ENRICHMENT AREAS
11. Character Education (Tarbiyah)
- Responsibility, empathy, teamwork
- Gratitude, honesty, humility
- Manners with parents, teachers, elders
12. Digital & IT Literacy
- Basic computer use
- Typing and educational software
- Internet safety with Islamic guidance
13. Art, Design & Creativity
- Drawing, painting, Islamic geometric art
- Craft projects linked to themes (e.g., Masjid design, Eid cards)
14. Physical Education
- Sports, fitness, teamwork
- Health and hygiene education
- Competitions and games to promote discipline and fair play
15. Life Skills & Leadership
- Time management and study habits
- Public speaking and confidence-building
- Leadership through class responsibilities
- Training in ummatic identity and global awareness
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
- Integrated Islamic Knowledge Model (IIKM) applied across all subjects
- Interactive, student-centered learning
- Project-based learning, Islamic-themed research, and group activities
- Use of visual aids, digital tools, and real-world applications
- Encouraging both ʿIlm (knowledge) and ʿAmal (practice)