of the Punjabi language, preferable taught at weekends. Interest was also expressed in the teaching of the Sikh Religion.
The Punjabi School opened May 1997, under the banner Sikh Youth 2000, with classes in:
- Punjabi language (pre-basic, basic, intermediate, GCSE and A Level)
- Music (Harmonium & Tabla)
Qualified
teachers were specifically employed by the School to teach each of
these subjects. Since then, a sewing class has been added in
collaboration with the Huddersfield Technical College.
Aims & Objectives of Sikh Youth 2000
The aims and objectives of Sikh Youth 2000 via the Punjabi School are to:
- Educate all Sikh children to 'A'- level standard in their mother tongue, the Punjabi language
- Enhance the Sikh culture and traditions
- Provide a 'grass-roots' base of talented musicians and singers to perform Kirtan during religious functions at the Gurdwara
- Enhance the general learning skills of Sikh Children
Purpose
The Purpose of the school is to:
- Provide a facility to further the aims and objectives of Sikh Youth 200
- Provide students with a free facility for learning to enable them to achieve success in their studies
- Provide a learning environment to students that is consistent with their needs
- Provide extra-curricular activities for Sikh children consistent with their culture and traditions
Achievements
The
achievements of the School can be best illustrated by the popularity of
the subjects on offer and the success in examinations undertaken by the
students. These are discussed in detail below. These achievements have
come about despite limited resources, due to the effective and
efficient teaching by the teachers, and also due to the commitment
shown by the parents in bringing their children to the school.
The School also pries itself in welcoming dialogue with parents who are
encouraged to discuss issues relating to their child's progress or
difficulties they may be experiencing.
Punjabi Classes
Over the past years a great deal of interest has been shown on the
learning of the Punjabi language. Both parents and children appreciate
the importance of learning the language in furthering their knowledge
Sikh religion, History, Culture and Traditions.
This interest translates into the following numbers of students in five Punjabi Classes:
- Pre-Basic 30
- Basic 90
- Intermediate (2 Classes) 30
- GCSE 22
- 'A'- Level 5
Punjabi
has been taught at 5 levels, Pre-Basic, Basic, Intermediate, GCSE and
A-Level and the following results were attained by the pupils.
Music Classes (Tabla & Harmonium)
Two
excellent teachers from Leeds provide weekly tuition to students every
Wednesday evening. Classes run from 6.30pm to 9.00pm with students of
all age groups being represented.
Summary
Since its conception in May 1997, the Punjabi School has:
- Provieded an excellent opportunity for the Sikh children of Kirklees to learn their mother language
- Provides students with a vehicle for enhancing their knowledge of their religion and culture
- The opportunity of learning in a friendly and welcoming enviroment which is conductive to their needs
