GCSE Honours Night at Al Islah Girls High School: Celebrating Academic Excellence and Islamic Values
The annual GCSE Honours Night at Al Islah Girls High School was held on Friday 13th December at The Ivy Venue in Blackburn. This was an evening dedicated to celebrating the remarkable academic achievements of students while also fostering a sense of community and faith. It was an evening when teachers, students, and their families came together to recognize the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that was put into achieving success in the rigorous GCSE exams.
Headteacher, Mrs Nikhat Pardesi stated: “GCSE Honours Night serves as a platform to honour students who have not only excelled in their exams but have also demonstrated the Islamic values of hard work, humility, and gratitude. The evening is a testament to how academic achievements can coexist with the nurturing of strong ethical character and spiritual growth. I am proud of all the girls!”
The event began with a formal welcome by the Chair of Governor, Mr Hasan Desai who highlighted the school’s vision of providing a well-rounded education that integrates both academic and spiritual development. The evening included speeches from both the Headteacher and Chair of Trustees, along with founding members of Al Islah Girls High School. The evening also included entertaining nasheed artists and a performance of poetry at the end which the audience thoroughly enjoyed!
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards. Students who achieved top grades or shown exceptional effort in various subjects were called up to receive their accolades. These students were recognized for their dedication, discipline, and contribution to the school community. Special awards, such as the Student of the Year 2024 was also presented for qualities such as leadership, community service, and the embodiment of Islamic values. This was presented to Aisha Torofdar, who not only gained exceptional grades for her GCSE subjects but also displayed outstanding dedication consistently throughout the year.
Community Engagement and Support
GCSE Honours Night is not just about the students; it was also a celebration of the school’s broader community. Parents, staff and the community play a pivotal role in the success of students. The event acknowledged the invaluable support provided by parents, who partner with the school to nurture their daughter’s academic and personal growth.
The presence of parents and members of the local community in the audience served as a reminder that education is a shared responsibility, and the success of each student was a collective achievement.
This term, the pupils and parents at Al Islah Girls High School raised a fantastic amount of £8805.00 for Blackburn UK Trust to help those in need. “Teaching our girls about charity helps them to understand the struggles of others. It encourages them to step outside their own world and see things from different perspectives. Each term the school pupils pick a different charity to support and the Charity Leaders in school raise funds in a variety of different ways. To raise such a huge amount in a matter of a few weeks is incredible and well done to all the pupils and parents who have contributed towards this project.”
Looking to the Future
GCSE Honours Night was not only a celebration of past achievements, but was also a time to inspire students to look toward the future. The pupils are encouraged to continue their academic journeys and to seek opportunities for higher education, while also being reminded of their responsibility to serve others and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
As all students have now transitioned into the next phase of their educational journey, the values instilled in them during their time at the school—knowledge, integrity, and faith—remain strong guiding forces. The event concluded with a prayer for the continued success and prosperity of all students, along with a sense of pride in how they have contributed to the legacy of the school.
The GCSE Honours Night was a momentous evening that went beyond the recognition of academic success. It was a celebration of the holistic development of students, honouring their efforts in the context of their faith and character. By merging academic excellence with the values of Islam, the school continues to shape individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate, ethical, and committed to making a positive impact in the world.
